2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · WL66 AAF

The most recent MOT test on the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, conducted on 2026-07-09, resulted in a passing grade with a single advisory regarding slight play in the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, which is a recurring issue noted in both the latest and previous failing tests. This trend indicates a persistent mechanical concern that has not yet reached a critical failure level but warrants attention. The vehicle’s MOT history shows a pattern of minor, often recurring advisories rather than severe failures, suggesting that while maintenance may be slightly behind schedule, the overall roadworthiness is not critically compromised. The presence of consistent but non-failing defects—such as headlamp aim issues and tyre wear—points to either a lack of recent adjustments or a gradual degradation that requires periodic attention. The recorded mileage of 67,488 miles for a vehicle aged approximately ten years represents a reasonable annual usage rate of around 6,749 miles per year, which is typical for a car of this age and class. This level of mileage does not suggest excessive wear beyond what is expected from normal use, though it does imply that the vehicle has been driven regularly rather than left in long periods of disuse. However, the absence of significant mileage gaps does not necessarily indicate poor maintenance—it could reflect consistent ownership or operational demands. From a mechanical perspective, higher mileage tends to accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, suspension components, and tyres, but the current advisories do not suggest catastrophic failure, merely signs of gradual deterioration that require monitoring. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing concerns stem from the recurring advisories on the rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and the corroded coil springs, both of which are critical suspension components. The ball joint with slight play may indicate early signs of wear that, if left unaddressed, could lead to misalignment, uneven tyre wear, or even steering instability. During a test drive, listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the rear suspension, particularly when cornering or over bumps, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that could suggest suspension misalignment. The corroded coil springs, especially on the offside rear, are a significant risk as they can fail suddenly, leading to a loss of ride height and potential structural integrity issues. Inspect the springs visually for any signs of bulging, cracking, or excessive rust, and ensure they are securely mounted to the chassis. Beyond these mechanical concerns, the vehicle’s tyre condition is a notable area of wear that should be thoroughly inspected. The front tyres show signs of wear close to the legal limit and are worn on the edges, which could indicate improper alignment or underinflation over time. The rear tyres exhibit slight damage or cracking, particularly on the offside, which may suggest exposure to road debris or poor storage conditions. Check tyre tread depth with a tread depth gauge and look for any signs of sidewall damage or perishing, which can compromise tyre safety. Additionally, the brake discs on the offside front show signs of wear and corrosion, which may contribute to reduced braking performance. Inspect the discs for uneven wear, scoring, or binding, and listen for grinding noises when applying the brakes, as these could signal the need for disc resurfacing or replacement. Lastly, given the vehicle’s age and the advisories on seat belt webbing, verify that the belts are securely fastened and not frayed, as this can compromise passenger safety in an event. For fluid servicing, consider checking the brake fluid level and condition, as well as the engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant, ensuring they are within manufacturer-recommended specifications and not showing signs of degradation from age.