Does the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter records 12.71 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 26.51 expected for a lcv of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−13.80, 95% interval −14.10 to −13.51). It ranks 651 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 Sprinter by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 6,627 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 6,627 | 5.67 |
| 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 | 4,085 | 3.50 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 999 | 0.86 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 559 | 0.48 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 302 | 0.26 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 116,788 (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 Sprinter gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
14.2% of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 4,060 miles later (16,123 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 16,123 (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 Sprinter 1998 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1999 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2000 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2001 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2002 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2003 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2004 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2005 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2006 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2007 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2008 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2009 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2010 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2011 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2012 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2013 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2014 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2015 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2016 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2017 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2018 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2019 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2020 · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in Norway · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in Finland · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the Netherlands · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter by postcode area · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter body, chassis and structure failures · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter brakes failures · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicle identification failures · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter road wheels failures · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter seat belts and airbags failures · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter steering failures · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter tyres failures · Mercedes-Benz Sprinter visibility failures