2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · TH09 LOZ

The defining mechanical narrative for this Volkswagen Tiguan centres on a recent and serious rear brake system failure, which punctuates an otherwise largely uneventful MOT history. Across six recorded tests from 2020 through 2025, the vehicle passed on five occasions with only minor advisories, but the 2024-11-11 test resulted in a Dangerous failure due to rear brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm thick, accompanied by an advisory noting pitted and scored rear discs that was carried over from the advisory recorded at the same date's test entry. The most recent assessment on 2025-11-07 returned a Pass, but both rear tyres were flagged for slight damage, cracking or perishing, and a child seat was fitted at the nearside rear preventing full inspection of the adult belt. The rear brake wear pattern, combined with the simultaneous tyre deterioration on the same axle, suggests the rear end of this vehicle warrants close physical scrutiny before purchase. Recorded mileage of 79,101 miles across nine years equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 8,789 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no unusual gaps in the testing history and no evidence of extended lay-up periods that might give rise to concerns regarding seized brakes, perished rubber components, or 12V battery degradation from prolonged standing. The mileage progression reflects regular road use, meaning consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components have been worked in a manner consistent with their design expectations, without the abnormal wear patterns often associated with either very low or excessively high annual mileages. For a prospective buyer, the rear braking system must be the primary focus of any physical inspection. Given that the pads were found to be below the 1.5 mm dangerous threshold in late 2024, and the discs were already noted as pitted and scored, a thorough check of the current pad thickness, disc condition, and rear caliper operation is essential. On a test drive, listen for any binding or dragging from the rear calipers, feel for any pulling to one side under braking, and check for judder through the pedal which would indicate disc runout or uneven wear. Inspect the rear flexible brake hoses for any cracking or swelling, as these are a known service item on Tiguans of this generation, and verify the handbrake holds firmly on an incline. The rear tyres should also be examined closely, given the perishing and cracking advisories from the latest test. Look for sidewall cracking, tread depth across the full width, and any uneven wear patterns that could point to suspension geometry issues, particularly worn rear trailing arms, anti-roll bar links, or coil springs which are known wear items on this platform. On the road, listen for clonking noises from the suspension over speed bumps, particularly from the rear, and check for any vagueness or knocking through the steering. Given that both rear tyres were flagged simultaneously, confirm they have been replaced with matching brands and sizes, and ensure the nearside rear adult belt can be fully withdrawn and retracted with a child seat removed, as this inspection limitation should not be allowed to mask any belt or anchorage defects.