2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0L Diesel · X5 MST

Recurring suspension and safety system warnings dominate the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's MOT history, presenting a picture of a vehicle that has struggled to clear the roadworthiness standard twice within a twelve-month period. The most recent test on 2026-01-09 resulted in a failed verdict, carrying both a minor finding of severely deteriorated offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers and a major supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicator. This failure follows closely on the heels of another 2026-01-09 test that had passed, suggesting that while the initial issue was not immediately resolved, the underlying problem persisted sufficiently to trigger the safety system alert. Earlier in the year, the 2025-01-17 test had also flagged the same suspension arm dust cover deterioration alongside thinning rear brake pads and near-limit rear tyres, indicating that these components have been accumulating wear across successive inspections rather than being isolated incidents. The vehicle's mileage of 79,703 miles across its ten-year lifespan translates to approximately 7,970 miles per year, a rate that aligns with expected consumption for a vehicle of this age when used regularly. However, the absence of a MOT between January 2023 and January 2024 represents a six-month gap in documented roadworthiness verification, and the subsequent return to annual testing suggests irregular use patterns or extended storage periods interspersed with periods of actual driving. While the average annual accumulation appears reasonable, the pattern of failing tests followed by passes indicates that critical subsystems such as the suspension and braking have not achieved sustained reliability. The lack of intermediate MOT results raises questions about whether the earlier passing results remained valid given the repeated failures, and the gap in testing between late 2023 and early 2024 provides no opportunity to assess whether any corrective actions taken subsequently actually restored compliance. Focused examination should prioritise the front lower suspension arm assembly, particularly the ball joint dust covers and associated outer track arm seals, as the primary source of both the minor and major warnings. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or chattering over bumps and feel for excessive play or vibration in the front suspension when navigating uneven surfaces; the severity of the 2026 failure suggests that the original bushings and mounts may have reached end of life. The rear brake system requires particular attention given the persistent thinning of rear brake pads to just 3mm and the presence of a supplementary restraint system warning lamp, which often correlates with airbag module faults or electrical gremlins that can interfere with driver confidence even when the vehicle itself is mechanically functional. Additionally, the rear tyres showing edge wear in 2025 and the previously noted windshield damage from 2022 warrant visual inspection for cracking or delamination, especially considering the older glass composition common to this model year. The under-tray access issue identified in the 2022-01-18 test, which prevented full inspection of certain components, remains relevant if the vehicle has spent extended periods parked outdoors or in damp conditions, as rust can compromise structural integrity over time. Given the pattern of recurring failures concentrated in the suspension and braking systems, a prospective buyer should plan for immediate professional inspection of these areas before committing to the purchase, particularly focusing on the condition of the suspension bushings, brake line integrity, and the status of the SRS warning lamp circuit. If the vehicle has been subject to prolonged immobility, additional checks for subframe corrosion and water intrusion into the cabin should be performed, as these factors compound the mechanical issues already flagged in the MOT history. Addressing these known weak points will likely be necessary to restore safe roadworthiness, making the purchase decision contingent upon resolving the documented deficiencies rather than relying solely on past passing certificates.