2010 Honda CR-V 2.2L Diesel · W600 ACW

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 October 2025 resulted in a PASS with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that the suspension arm ball joint issue which caused the failure just four days earlier on 16 October 2025 was rectified to a satisfactory standard. Reviewing the broader trajectory, this vehicle presents a mixed but ultimately stable maintenance picture. The 2023 test passed with advisories relating to inner tyre wear on the offside rear and slight play in the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, followed by a 2024 failure for headlamp aim being too high alongside an advisory for a discoloured rear direction indicator. These recurring advisory items, particularly the suspension component play noted in 2023 and the lower arm ball joint failure in 2025, suggest the front suspension should be regarded as an area of developing wear rather than a one-off concern. The fact that the vehicle has consistently presented for test each year and addressed failures promptly is, however, a positive indicator of attentive ownership. With 94,178 miles recorded over approximately sixteen years, this Honda CR-V has covered a notably low annual average of around 5,886 miles. While light usage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch and transmission, it simultaneously increases the risk of age-related deterioration that is not strictly mileage-dependent. Rubber components, seals, brake system hydraulics, and underbody protection all degrade with calendar age irrespective of how few miles are covered, and a vehicle of this vintage that has spent significant periods standing is particularly susceptible to moisture ingress, corrosion, and dried-out lubricant films on infrequently stressed moving parts. Given the recurring front suspension advisories and the ball joint failure, a prospective buyer should pay close attention to the condition of the front suspension and steering assemblies during any inspection. Symptoms to listen for on a test drive include clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, vague or wandering steering response, uneven or feathered tyre wear particularly on the front pair, and any pulling to one side under braking. The nearside front lower arm and its associated ball joints should be physically checked for play by hand with the wheel elevated, and the anti-roll bar linkages should be inspected for perished bushes and excess movement. The headlamp aim issue from 2024 should also be verified, as improperly adjusted headlamps not only fail test but can also indicate accident repair or simple neglect of routine checks. Tyre condition warrants particular scrutiny given both the inner edge wear advisory in 2023 and the vehicle's low annual mileage, which can lead to sidewall perishing and cracking from age rather than use, making even well-treaded tyres potentially unsuitable regardless of remaining tread depth. Beyond the recorded defects, several age and usage related inspections are strongly advised. Brake discs and calipers are prone to corrosion and seizing when a vehicle is used sparingly, so the caliper slide pins should be checked for free movement and the discs examined for lip corrosion or uneven surface deterioration. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as a chronically undercharged unit from short infrequent journeys is common in low mileage vehicles and may not have been flagged at MOT. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid should all be considered for replacement on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage intervals, with brake fluid being particularly hygroscopic and typically due every two years regardless of use. The exhaust should be examined for internal corrosion and the underbody checked for any structural rust, paying particular attention to rear arches, sills, and suspension mounting points. Finally, verifying a full service history with corresponding stamps will help confirm that time-based servicing has been carried out despite the modest annual mileage.