2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L Diesel · WM65 BVG

The most recent MOT, dated 6 February 2026, recorded a failure for the vehicle due to the absence of the nearside and off‑side rear wheel fixing nuts, a serious safety defect that must be rectified before the car can be driven on the road. Apart from this failure, the test also carried a series of advisories concerning front‑shock absorber oil mist, front lower suspension arm bush wear and, in the previous year, thin rear inner and front brake pads. Over the seven‑year MOT record the vehicle has shown a generally clean trend with only occasional advisories, but the emergence of a safety‑critical defect in the latest test indicates a deterioration that should be addressed promptly. At 105,018 miles the Tiguan averages roughly 9,500 miles per annum, a usage pattern that is typical for a vehicle of its age. The mileage does not suggest any period of extreme high‑speed or high‑load operation, but the relatively modest annual distance also implies that the car may have spent considerable time stationary. Prolonged standing can accelerate ageing of rubber components, corrosion of brake discs and calipers, and degradation of battery capacity, all of which merit close inspection despite the moderate mileage. When you examine the vehicle, give particular attention to the front shock absorbers and the lower suspension arm bushes. Light oil mist on the shocks points to seal wear; listen for a soft “whoosh” or excessive bounce on a bumpy road and feel for any loss of firmness in the ride, which would indicate that the dampers are nearing the end of their service life and should be replaced soon. The worn front lower arm pins or bushes may manifest as clunking noises when turning or going over uneven surfaces and could lead to premature tyre wear or mis‑alignment if not corrected, so a visual check for play and a test‑drive that includes tight cornering are advisable. The brake pad advisories from 2023 show that the off‑side rear inner pad and the off‑side front pads were already thin; verify the current pad thickness and inspect the discs for scoring or rust. Any pulsation in the pedal, squealing or reduced braking efficiency would signal that the pads or discs need replacement without delay. Beyond the specific defects, the age of the Tiguan warrants a thorough audit of time‑related items. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, especially if the car has been stored for long periods. Check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and confirm that it holds a healthy charge, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust, particularly around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and ensure that all fluid reservoirs—engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid—have been topped up and, where appropriate, replaced according to the service schedule, as fluids deteriorate with time even when mileage is low. A complete service history with stamps for oil changes, filter replacements and timing‑belt or chain inspections will further reassure you of the vehicle’s overall mechanical integrity.