Does the Ford Sierra fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Ford Sierra records 10.16 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 19.28 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−9.12, 95% interval −9.77 to −8.47). It ranks 581 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Ford Sierra by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Ford Sierra is “The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired”, recorded 829 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 829 | 4.69 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 327 | 1.85 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 151 | 0.85 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 143 | 0.81 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 74 | 0.42 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 17,679 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Ford Sierra gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
12.2% of Ford Sierra MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 848 miles later (1,354 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,354 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Ford Sierra by postcode area · Ford Sierra body, chassis and structure failures · Ford Sierra brakes failures · Ford Sierra vehicle identification failures · Ford Sierra lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Ford Sierra noise, emissions and leaks failures · Ford Sierra road wheels failures · Ford Sierra seat belts and airbags failures · Ford Sierra steering failures · Ford Sierra tyres failures · Ford Sierra visibility failures