2012 Chevrolet Orlando 1.8L Petrol · TA59 NDS

Persistent recurring advisories regarding oil leaks, exhaust integrity, and lighting components define the mechanical profile of this Chevrolet Orlando, which secured a pass on 8 June 2026 despite several noted defects. While the vehicle maintained a clean record during the 2023 and 2024 test cycles, the re-emergence of an engine oil leak and the appearance of a poor exhaust repair in the most recent inspection suggest a trend of deteriorating condition in key auxiliary systems. The consistency of these advisories over multiple years indicates that underlying issues have not been rectified, but rather monitored through successive annual tests. Accumulating 144,439 miles over its 14-year lifespan results in an average of approximately 10,317 miles per annum, a figure that aligns with standard usage patterns for a vehicle of this age. This consistent mileage accumulation suggests the car has remained in regular operation rather than experiencing prolonged periods of inactivity, which typically helps prevent issues associated with long-term storage such as seized calipers or fuel system degradation. However, the high total mileage means that major drivetrain and chassis components have reached a stage where significant wear is expected, necessitating a thorough investigation into the current state of the engine and suspension. Prospective buyers should prioritise a detailed inspection of the engine bay to identify the source of the persistent oil leak noted in the 2022, 2025, and 2026 tests. During a test drive, listen closely for blowing noises from the exhaust system, specifically near the front section, as the recent report of a poor repair suggests a potential failure point that could lead to increased noise or emissions issues. Furthermore, the recurring mention of front suspension arm bush wear and shock absorber misting warrants a careful check for any knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces, as well as a lack of damping control that might manifest as excessive body roll or instability during cornering. The condition of the tyres and lighting systems should also be scrutinised, given the repeated advisories for discoloured indicator lenses and the recent note regarding the nearside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit. Inspect the tyre tread depth across the entire width to check for uneven wear patterns, which can often be a secondary symptom of the suspension bush wear previously flagged by inspectors. Finally, ensure that all indicators and repeaters function correctly and maintain the required colour intensity, as the history of failures and advisories in this area suggests that the plastic lenses may be prone to degradation that could lead to future test failures.