MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 230s year 1987

Review the list of common MERCEDES BENZ 230 failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your MERCEDES BENZ then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:67.25%

(The average a petrol MERCEDES BENZ 230 year 1987 passes without issue)

Based on:4,214 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Brake pipe excessively corroded	290
Headlamp aim out of alignment	253
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	164
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	139
Registration plate lamp issues	129
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	116
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	112
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	85
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	82
Registration plate issues	71
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	63
Rear brake binding	48
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	44
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	44
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	39
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	38
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	34
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	34
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	33
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	33
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	32
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	30
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	29
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	29
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	28
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	26
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	26
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	25
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	24
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	24
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	21
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	20
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	20
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	20
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	20
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	19
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	18
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	16
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	16
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	16
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	15
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	15
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	15
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	14
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	14
Offside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	13
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	13
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	13
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	13
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	12
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	12
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	12
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	12
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	11
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	11
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	11
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	11
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	11
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	11
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	11
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	10
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	10
Windscreen has damage	10
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	10
Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	10
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	10
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	10
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	10
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	10
Offside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	9
Nearside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	9
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	9
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	9
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	9
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	9
Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	9
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	9
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	8
Rear brake application uneven	8
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	8
Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	8
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	8
Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	8
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	8
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	8
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	8
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	7
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	7
Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	7
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	7
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	7
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	7
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	7
Nearside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	7
Centre Rear Statutory seat belt missing \|5.1.1\|	7
Brake hose damaged	7
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	7
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	7
Nearside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Front brake application uneven	6
Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm \|2.2.B.1b\|	6
Nearside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	6
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	6
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	6
Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	6
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	6
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	6
Offside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	6
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	6
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	6
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Windscreen washer not working	6
Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	6
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	6
Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view \|8.1.2a\|	5
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	5
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	5
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	5
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	5
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	5
Offside Rear fog lamp emits a light other than red \|1.3.2e\|	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	5
Nearside Rear Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	5

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

Most common failures	No# failures
Brake pipe excessively corroded	290
Headlamp aim out of alignment	253
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	164
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	139
Registration plate lamp issues	129
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	116
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	112
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	85
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	82
Registration plate issues	71
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	63
Rear brake binding	48
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	44
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	44
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	39
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	38
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	34
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	34
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	33
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	33
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	32
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	30
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	29
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	29
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	28
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	26
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	26
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	25
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	24
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	24
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	21
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	20
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	20
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	20
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	20
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	19
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	18
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	16
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	16
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	16
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	15
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	15
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	15
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	14
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	14
Offside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	13
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	13
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	13
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	13
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	12
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	12
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	12
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	12
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	11
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	11
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	11
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	11
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	11
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	11
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	11
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	10
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	10
Windscreen has damage	10
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	10
Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	10
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	10
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	10
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	10
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	10
Offside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	9
Nearside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	9
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	9
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	9
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	9
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	9
Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	9
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	9
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	8
Rear brake application uneven	8
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	8
Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	8
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	8
Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	8
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	8
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	8
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	8
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	7
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	7
Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	7
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	7
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	7
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	7
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	7
Nearside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	7
Centre Rear Statutory seat belt missing \|5.1.1\|	7
Brake hose damaged	7
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	7
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	7
Nearside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Front brake application uneven	6
Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm \|2.2.B.1b\|	6
Nearside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	6
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	6
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	6
Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	6
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	6
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	6
Offside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	6
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	6
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	6
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Windscreen washer not working	6
Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	6
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	6
Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view \|8.1.2a\|	5
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	5
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	5
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	5
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	5
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	5
Offside Rear fog lamp emits a light other than red \|1.3.2e\|	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	5
Nearside Rear Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	5

MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 230s year 1987

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