Does the Mercedes-Benz CL fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Mercedes-Benz CL records 14.42 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 27.91 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−13.49, 95% interval −14.32 to −12.65). It ranks 645 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 CL by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mercedes-Benz CL is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 788 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 788 | 5.12 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 372 | 2.42 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 250 | 1.62 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 232 | 1.51 |
| 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 | 146 | 0.95 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 15,400 (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 CL gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
15.3% of Mercedes-Benz CL MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 2,782 miles later (2,056 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,056 (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 CL 2001 · Mercedes-Benz CL 2002 · Mercedes-Benz CL 2003 · Mercedes-Benz CL 2004 · Mercedes-Benz CL 2005 · Mercedes-Benz CL 2006 · Mercedes-Benz CL 2007 · Mercedes-Benz CL 2008 · Mercedes-Benz CL 2009 · Mercedes-Benz CL by postcode area · Mercedes-Benz CL body, chassis and structure failures · Mercedes-Benz CL brakes failures · Mercedes-Benz CL vehicle identification failures · Mercedes-Benz CL lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mercedes-Benz CL noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mercedes-Benz CL road wheels failures · Mercedes-Benz CL seat belts and airbags failures · Mercedes-Benz CL steering failures · Mercedes-Benz CL tyres failures · Mercedes-Benz CL visibility failures