Does the Mercedes-Benz 220 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Mercedes-Benz 220 records 20.10 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 17.59 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+2.51, 95% interval +1.22 to +3.81). It ranks 178 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 Mercedes-Benz 220 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mercedes-Benz 220 is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 329 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 329 | 7.18 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 168 | 3.67 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 136 | 2.97 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 117 | 2.55 |
| 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 | 62 | 1.35 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 4,581 (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 Mercedes-Benz 220 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
21.4% of Mercedes-Benz 220 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 4,902 miles later (523 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 523 (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
Mercedes-Benz 220 by postcode area · Mercedes-Benz 220 body, chassis and structure failures · Mercedes-Benz 220 brakes failures · Mercedes-Benz 220 vehicle identification failures · Mercedes-Benz 220 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mercedes-Benz 220 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mercedes-Benz 220 road wheels failures · Mercedes-Benz 220 seat belts and airbags failures · Mercedes-Benz 220 steering failures · Mercedes-Benz 220 tyres failures · Mercedes-Benz 220 visibility failures