2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 1.6L Petrol · WF68 FLL

A history of dangerous failures concerning critical safety components defines the mechanical record of this vehicle, despite its most recent pass on 2026-05-22. The data reveals a pattern of critical defects occurring shortly before successful tests, most notably the dangerous failure in September 2025 for seriously weakened front brake discs and excessively worn front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints. A similar trend occurred in September 2023, when the vehicle failed on a dangerous nearside front tyre tread depth. While the latest test only noted a minor advisory for windscreen damage, the record indicates a recurring need for significant corrective work to address safety-critical wear. With 80,163 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 10,020 miles per year. This usage pattern is typical for its age and indicates consistent road use. Mechanically, this level of accumulation means that primary consumables and chassis components are entering a phase of increased wear. This is evidenced by the recorded failures of the braking system and suspension linkages, which are common wear points for vehicles reaching this mileage threshold. Prospective buyers should focus specifically on the front braking system and suspension geometry given the dangerous failure for weakened discs and worn anti-roll bar linkages in 2025. During a test drive, feel for any pedal judder or pulsation during deceleration, which can indicate issues with disc surface integrity. Listen for knocking or clunking sounds when driving over speed bumps or during low-speed steering manoeuvres, as these are characteristic symptoms of worn suspension linkages or ball joints. The recurring nature of tyre-related issues, including a dangerous tread depth failure in 2023 and a nail advisory in 2022, requires a thorough inspection of all four tyres for uneven wear patterns or sidewall damage. Additionally, the windscreen has been flagged as damaged in both 2021 and 2026; this should be physically inspected to ensure that any chips or cracks are not positioned in the driver's primary line of sight and are not prone to further spreading.