2020 Skoda Kodiaq 1.5L Petrol · WJ20 FSV

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 June 2026 resulted in a Pass, but this outcome must be viewed in proper context because it was achieved only one day after a prior test on 19 June 2026 that failed on a Major defect. That Major failure concerned an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint, a component that, when left unaddressed, would have produced a clearly discernible knocking or clonking noise from the front suspension over bumps, vague or wandering steering response, and uneven inner-edge tyre wear due to altered camber geometry. Because the vehicle passed the following day, it is reasonable to presume the ball joint was replaced, and this should be verified with a corresponding invoice and that the new component is of OEM or equivalent quality. The overall maintenance trend is therefore one of recurrence rather than stability; the offside front tyre edge wear advisory has appeared at three consecutive MOTs across 2025 and 2026, and steering rack inner joint play was newly flagged in 2026, suggesting that suspension and steering consumables on this corner of the vehicle are approaching the end of their effective service life together. With 40,056 miles recorded over six years, the Kodiaq has covered approximately 6,676 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a family SUV of this age and prevents any particular concern regarding extended periods of standing or conversely high motorway accumulation. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage between the documented tests, and the progression from the 2024 to 2026 examinations is broadly linear. Mechanically, this average annual mileage tends to produce a balanced wear pattern across braking, suspension, and drivetrain components, although the rising number of front suspension advisories indicates that even moderate usage is taking its toll on the rubber bushes, ball joints, and steering components of this vehicle, particularly given the Kodiaq's kerb weight which places steady loading on front-end geometry. A prospective buyer should conduct a careful test drive paying specific attention to the offside front corner, listening for any clonking or knocking from the suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres where steering load is highest. Steering should feel precise and self-centring without excess play at the straight-ahead position, and the steering rack inner joint flagged in 2026 should be physically inspected on a ramp for any rotational free play in the inner tie rod or rack boot damage that might allow future contamination. A close examination of the offside front tyre is essential; the advisory indicating wear close to the legal limit and worn on the edge suggests either a geometry issue following the recent ball joint replacement or a camber or tracking fault that must be corrected, otherwise the new tyre will prematurely wear in the same manner and the replacement ball joint will be subjected to uneven loading. Beyond the front suspension concerns, the 2026 advisory noting that the brake hydraulic reservoir was close to the minimum mark warrants verification that there is no underlying hydraulic leak from calliper seals, rear wheel cylinders, or the master cylinder, and that the fluid itself has been renewed in line with the manufacturer's recommended interval, typically every two to three years irrespective of mileage, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades with calendar age. A 2020 vehicle with average mileage will benefit from a thorough inspection of the timing chain, turbocharger, and DSG or manual gearbox service history if applicable, alongside checks for perishing of age-related rubber components such as coolant hoses, suspension bushes, and anti-roll bar drop links. The 12V battery should be load-tested, given that low-mileage urban use combined with the vehicle's age can shorten battery life considerably, and the underbody, exhaust system, and brake discs should be examined for corrosion or binding calipers from periods of light use, ensuring that this Kodiaq is structurally and mechanically sound before purchase.