MOT performance
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: suspension MOT failures
4.7% of 55,571 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 2023–2024 failed on suspension, against 8.9% for all cars. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, Mercedes-Benz S-Classs failed on suspension 50% less often than comparable cars, from 2,625 tests with a suspension failure.
55,571 MOT tests on 28,180 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto
Check a specific car's MOT history and running costsAt a glance
| Figure | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Tests failed on suspension | 4.7% | 2,625 of 55,571 tests |
| All cars | 8.9% | n = 65,477,892 |
| vs similar cars | -50% | same age, mileage and fuel |
Suspension items that fail most
| Item | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.66% |
| Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 0.77% |
By registration year
| Registered | Tests | Failed on it | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 743 | 0.1% | -85% |
| 2020 | 1,379 | 0.4% | -65% |
| 2019 | 5,086 | 0.8% | -64% |
| 2018 | 4,876 | 1.5% | -52% |
| 2017 | 4,928 | 3.1% | -27% |
| 2016 | 5,510 | 3.5% | -32% |
| 2015 | 4,430 | 3.3% | -53% |
| 2014 | 3,331 | 2.6% | -70% |
| 2013 | 2,020 | 5.6% | -51% |
| 2012 | 2,510 | 6.8% | -48% |
| 2011 | 1,907 | 6.2% | -58% |
| 2010 | 1,801 | 7.0% | -57% |
| 2009 | 1,788 | 8.4% | -49% |
| 2008 | 2,050 | 7.7% | -56% |
| 2007 | 2,718 | 7.4% | -58% |
| 2006 | 2,205 | 6.8% | -61% |
| 2005 | 1,140 | 9.4% | -49% |
| 2004 | 1,369 | 8.3% | -54% |
| 2003 | 1,408 | 8.6% | -51% |
| 2002 | 856 | 10.2% | -38% |
| 2001 | 728 | 12.4% | -18% |
| 2000 | 629 | 12.4% | -13% |
| 1999 | 390 | 8.2% | -35% |
| 1998 | 344 | 6.7% | -38% |
What this does and doesn't tell you
A higher failure rate on suspension can reflect the design, typical use or how often owners replace parts before the MOT. It doesn't tell you about any one car: a specific Mercedes-Benz S-Class's MOT history does. See MOT check.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Enter a UK registration to see that car's own MOT history and what it is likely to cost to own. Your first check is free and shows the vehicle summary and its headline ownership cost. The category-by-category breakdown is part of a paid check.
UK number plate or 17-character VIN
About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.
Related
- All Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT results
- Suspension failures across all cars
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class: brakes
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class: road wheels
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class: lights, reflectors and electrical
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class: body, chassis and structure
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class: driver's view of the road
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class: noise, emissions and leaks
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class: seat belts and airbags
- How repair costs are estimated