2015 Vauxhall Mokka 1.6L Petrol · SN15 WBK

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 March 2026 resulted in a PASS, although it was achieved only after the vehicle initially failed the preceding day on a fractured offside front coil spring, a Major category defect that would have presented obvious symptoms such as a noticeable drop in ride height on the right-hand side, a clonking noise over bumps, and uneven front tyre wear due to altered geometry. With the spring replaced and the remaining issues downgraded to advisories and minors, the immediate safety-critical defects have been resolved. However, looking across the four-year DVSA history, the maintenance trend is clearly worsening rather than stable, with an increasing frequency of suspension and braking advisories, repeated steering component dust cover deterioration, and the recent dangerous brake pad and excessively binding rear brake caliper issues. The 2026 advisories, particularly the offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge and the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint with slight play, indicate that further suspension and steering intervention is likely to be required in the near term. With 107,129 miles recorded on an eleven-year-old vehicle, this Mokka has covered approximately 9,739 miles annually, a fairly typical usage rate for its age. The mileage accumulation appears broadly consistent year on year without extended periods of standing, which is generally favourable as it reduces the risk of severe brake disc corrosion, seized caliper pistons, and deteriorated fluid condition associated with low-use vehicles. Nevertheless, at this mileage on a turbocharged 1.4 or 1.6 petrol or 1.7 CDti derivative commonly fitted to the Mokka, attention should be directed to the timing chain or belt service interval, clutch wear, dual-mass flywheel condition if manual, and turbocharger actuator function, all of which are mechanical concerns that fall outside the MOT remit but become increasingly relevant as the odometer advances. For a prospective buyer, a thorough physical inspection and test drive should focus on the recurring defects recorded in the MOT history. The fractured coil spring, binding rear brake caliper, and tracking rod end dust cover deterioration all warrant a careful road test. Listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, lower arm bushes, or the early stages of another coil spring failure. On the braking side, test for any pulling to one side under firm braking, a spongy pedal, or a binding sensation that causes the vehicle to favour one rear wheel, as this may point to a sticking caliper slider or piston, which historically has been an issue on this model. Inspect the offside front tyre shoulder carefully for uneven wear patterns consistent with worn suspension bushes or geometry misalignment, and verify that the tracking rod end gaiters are intact and free of grease contamination. Beyond the recorded defects, age and mileage appropriate checks remain essential. Examine the sidewalls of all tyres for cracking and ozone degradation typical of rubber older than six years regardless of tread depth, confirm the production DOT date code, and ensure replacements are fitted in matched pairs on the same axle. Lift the bonnet and inspect the coolant and brake fluid for colour and clarity, bearing in mind that both should be renewed on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, with brake fluid ideally changed every two years due to its hygroscopic nature. Check the twelve-volt battery for signs of slow cranking, corrosion around the terminals, and confirm its age, as batteries beyond five years old are prone to winter failure. Finally, examine the underside for any fluid weeping from the power steering rack, engine oil pan, or rear differential if four-wheel drive, and verify that the service book contains regular stamps at appropriate intervals, particularly for the cambelt or timing chain service, which is critical on this engine family.