2014 Renault Kangoo 1.5L Diesel · ST63 NOF

The 2014 Renault Kangoo presents a mixed mechanical picture marked by a series of recurring failures that span nearly its entire operational life, culminating in a pass in November 2025 despite multiple prior serious defects. The vehicle accumulated three failed MOTs between late 2021 and early 2023—two in 2022 involving critical steering system weaknesses and front brake disc deterioration, and one in 2023 where the steering rack exhibited excessive free play alongside compromised track rod end bearings and severely worn front suspension arms. The most recent test in November 2025 achieved a passing result, yet the underlying pattern suggests unresolved structural and component fatigue rather than progressive improvement. The presence of persistent steering rack deficiencies and continued brake disc wear indicates that earlier failures have not been fully resolved, and the vehicle's current roadworthiness status depends heavily on whether the identified faults have been properly addressed by the previous owner. Regarding mileage, the recorded figure of 125,480 miles across approximately twelve years averages roughly 10,500 miles annually—a rate consistent with moderate daily use rather than extreme high-mileage driving. However, the timing of the failures clusters closely around this mid-late model period, suggesting that the peak degradation occurred during active service rather than being uniformly distributed throughout the vehicle's life. Notably, there is a gap between the 2022-11-11 failure and the 2023-11-20 failure before another passing result in 2024-11-18, indicating intermittent intervals between breakdown episodes. The 2024-11-18 test showed light oil misting on the rear shock absorbers and thin rear brake pads, while the 2025-11-18 pass did not rectify the steering rack free play or the track rod end ball joint issues identified previously. The relatively steady mileage accumulation does not appear to mask accelerating component aging; instead, the pattern reflects a vehicle that experienced concentrated mechanical stress events followed by partial recovery between tests. Buyers should approach the front suspension system with particular caution given the documented excess wear on the nearside front suspension arm ball joint and the subsequent failure of the steering rack to maintain proper alignment, which can manifest as pulling to one side during cornering or difficulty changing direction at speed. The steering rack itself shows a clear progression from mild free play in 2024 to severe excessive free play in 2023, and this condition remains a safety concern until professionally inspected and serviced. Brake-related concerns persist across multiple records: front brake discs have shown signs of wear, scoring, or pitting since at least January 2021, and the rear brake pads have thinned to dangerous levels by November 2024. A test drive should be conducted with attention to any spongy or delayed pedal response when approaching corners, audible knocking over bumps, and visible vibration through the steering wheel that could indicate bearing failure. Additionally, the history of corroded front and rear brake pipes—documented repeatedly from 2021 through 2023—warrants checking for ongoing leakage or contamination of the braking system fluids, particularly if the vehicle has sat idle for extended periods. The chassis integrity is compromised by recurring subframe corrosion noted in every year from 2021 through 2023, including the front subframe and the nearside front and rear inner drive shaft constant velocity boots. While the 2025-11-18 MOT did not list new corrosion findings, the persistence of these issues across multiple years suggests a systemic rust problem that may have progressed beneath the surface. A thorough visual inspection under warm conditions (when condensation might reveal hidden moisture) is essential to assess whether the corrosion has reached critical structural thresholds affecting frame rigidity. Given that the steering rack, suspension arms, brake systems, and chassis all show documented failure modes, the safest path forward is to treat this vehicle as requiring comprehensive professional inspection before any investment commitment. Any purchase decision should account for the likelihood that corrective work will be needed to address the steering, suspension, brakes, and subframe issues identified in the MOT history, potentially involving significant labour costs depending on the extent of repair required.