Does the Mercedes-Benz V-Class fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class records 6.80 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 4.79 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+2.01, 95% interval +1.79 to +2.23). It ranks 188 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 V-Class by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 1,100 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 1,100 | 2.09 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 996 | 1.89 |
| 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 | 526 | 1.00 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 237 | 0.45 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 229 | 0.43 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 52,659 (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 V-Class gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
14.1% of Mercedes-Benz V-Class MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 6,948 miles later (1,801 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,801 (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 V-Class 2015 · Mercedes-Benz V-Class 2016 · Mercedes-Benz V-Class 2017 · Mercedes-Benz V-Class 2018 · Mercedes-Benz V-Class 2019 · Mercedes-Benz V-Class 2020 · Mercedes-Benz V-Class in Norway · Mercedes-Benz V-Class in the Netherlands · Mercedes-Benz V-Class by postcode area · Mercedes-Benz V-Class body, chassis and structure failures · Mercedes-Benz V-Class brakes failures · Mercedes-Benz V-Class vehicle identification failures · Mercedes-Benz V-Class lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mercedes-Benz V-Class noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mercedes-Benz V-Class road wheels failures · Mercedes-Benz V-Class seat belts and airbags failures · Mercedes-Benz V-Class steering failures · Mercedes-Benz V-Class tyres failures · Mercedes-Benz V-Class visibility failures