2016 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · WN16 MVA

The Renault Trafic’s most recent MOT, conducted on 8 January 2026 at 65,363 miles, passed with no defects—a clean result that suggests the vehicle met all DVSA roadworthiness standards at that point. However, the immediate prior history reveals a concerning pattern of suspension issues that were not fully resolved. The January 2024 failure highlighted a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber alongside excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, both of which would have required professional attention. While the vehicle passed in November 2022 with only a minor oil misting from the same shock absorber, the progression from light misting to a full leak in under two years indicates either deferred repairs or persistent neglect. The fact that these faults were not repeated in the 2025 or 2026 tests implies they were addressed, but the original severity suggests the suspension components may have been at an advanced stage of wear. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,500 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a van of this age, though the gap between the November 2022 and January 2024 tests—covering 8,119 miles in just over 13 months—points to either heavier use during that period or a delay in testing. The rapid mileage increase during 2023-24 coincides with the suspension failures, which may not be coincidental. The absence of any other recurring defects in the MOT history suggests that, aside from the suspension, the vehicle has been maintained adequately in terms of brakes, emissions, and structural integrity. The only other notable entry is the minor nearside front bumper damage in January 2024, which was not repeated, indicating it was likely cosmetic and not a safety concern. For a prospective buyer, the suspension system demands the closest scrutiny. The track rod end ball joint and shock absorber history—particularly the serious fluid leak—warrants an inspection for any remaining play, uneven tyre wear, or oil residue on the struts. Binding or uneven braking should also be checked, as the 2024 failure included a headlamp aim issue, which could imply alignment problems potentially linked to suspension wear. Structural integrity appears sound, given no corrosion or frame defects were ever recorded, but the front bumper damage in 2024 might mask underlying rust if not properly repaired. Tyre condition and brake pad thickness should be verified, as these are high-wear consumables not covered by MOT advisories but critical for long-term reliability.