Does the Mercedes-Benz 320 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Mercedes-Benz 320 records 17.57 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 26.55 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−8.98, 95% interval −10.89 to −7.06). It ranks 577 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 320 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mercedes-Benz 320 is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 191 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 191 | 6.89 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 89 | 3.21 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 69 | 2.49 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 37 | 1.34 |
| 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 | 36 | 1.30 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,771 (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
Other pages for this model
Mercedes-Benz 320 body, chassis and structure failures · Mercedes-Benz 320 brakes failures · Mercedes-Benz 320 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mercedes-Benz 320 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mercedes-Benz 320 seat belts and airbags failures · Mercedes-Benz 320 steering failures · Mercedes-Benz 320 tyres failures · Mercedes-Benz 320 visibility failures