Does the Mercedes-Benz 300 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Mercedes-Benz 300 records 18.01 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 19.31 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−1.30, 95% interval −1.94 to −0.66). It ranks 350 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 300 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mercedes-Benz 300 is “A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated”, recorded 1,007 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 1,007 | 5.54 |
| 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 | 673 | 3.70 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 463 | 2.55 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 297 | 1.63 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 242 | 1.33 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 18,189 (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 300 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
16.5% of Mercedes-Benz 300 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.2 months and 839 miles later (2,348 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,348 (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 300 in Norway · Mercedes-Benz 300 in the Netherlands · Mercedes-Benz 300 by postcode area · Mercedes-Benz 300 body, chassis and structure failures · Mercedes-Benz 300 brakes failures · Mercedes-Benz 300 vehicle identification failures · Mercedes-Benz 300 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mercedes-Benz 300 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mercedes-Benz 300 road wheels failures · Mercedes-Benz 300 seat belts and airbags failures · Mercedes-Benz 300 steering failures · Mercedes-Benz 300 tyres failures · Mercedes-Benz 300 visibility failures