MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 420s year 1990

Review the list of common MERCEDES BENZ 420 failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your MERCEDES BENZ then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:74.01%

(The average a petrol MERCEDES BENZ 420 year 1990 passes without issue)

Based on:1,851 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	68
Brake pipe excessively corroded	67
Headlamp aim out of alignment	48
Registration plate lamp issues	46
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	40
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	36
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	28
Registration plate issues	22
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	20
Rear brake binding	20
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	18
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	14
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	13
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	9
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	9
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	8
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	8
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	8
Windscreen has damage	8
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	7
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Front brake application uneven	7
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	7
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	7
Nearside Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	6
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	6
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	6
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	6
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	6
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	6
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	5
Nearside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	5
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	5
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	5
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	5
Brake hose damaged	4
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	4
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	4
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	4
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	4
Offside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Nearside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	4
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	4
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	4
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	4
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	4
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))	4
Nearside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Power steering pump leaking from a failed component \|2.3.3b\|	3
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle \|7.3.A.2b\|	3
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	3
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	3
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	3
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	3
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	3
Offside Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	3
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	3
Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	3
Offside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	3
Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	3
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Offside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	3
Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	3
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Drivers seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.5 (b) (ii))	3
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position (3.1 (b) (i))	3
Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))	3
Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	3
Nearside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Exhaust system insecure \|6.1.2 \|a\|\|	2
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	2
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside rear brake excessively fluctuating \|3.7.B.3\|	2
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	2
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	2
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	2
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	2
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	2
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	2
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	2
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	2
Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	2
Centre Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	2
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	2
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	2
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	2
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position \|8.4.1\|	2
Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	2
Offside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Nearside Inner Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	2
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only \|3.1.2\|	2
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view \|8.1.2a\|	2
Offside Outer Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	2
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	2
Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	2
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	2
Offside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	2
Offside Front Direction indicator incomplete \|1.5.A1b\|	2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Passengers seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.6 (a) (i))	2
Windscreen washer not working	2
Headlamp levelling device inoperative (4.1.5 (a))	2
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	2
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	2
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	2
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))	2
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))	2
Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	2
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	2

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
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	68
Brake pipe excessively corroded	67
Headlamp aim out of alignment	48
Registration plate lamp issues	46
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	40
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	36
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	28
Registration plate issues	22
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	20
Rear brake binding	20
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	18
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	14
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	13
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	9
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	9
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	8
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	8
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	8
Windscreen has damage	8
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	7
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Front brake application uneven	7
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	7
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	7
Nearside Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	6
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	6
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	6
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	6
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	6
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	6
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	5
Nearside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	5
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	5
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	5
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	5
Brake hose damaged	4
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	4
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	4
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	4
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	4
Offside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Nearside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	4
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	4
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	4
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	4
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	4
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))	4
Nearside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Power steering pump leaking from a failed component \|2.3.3b\|	3
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle \|7.3.A.2b\|	3
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	3
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	3
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	3
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	3
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	3
Offside Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	3
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	3
Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	3
Offside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	3
Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	3
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Offside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	3
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	3
Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	3
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Drivers seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.5 (b) (ii))	3
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position (3.1 (b) (i))	3
Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))	3
Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	3
Nearside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Exhaust system insecure \|6.1.2 \|a\|\|	2
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	2
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside rear brake excessively fluctuating \|3.7.B.3\|	2
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	2
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	2
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	2
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	2
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	2
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	2
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	2
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	2
Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	2
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	2
Centre Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	2
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	2
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	2
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	2
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position \|8.4.1\|	2
Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	2
Offside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Nearside Inner Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	2
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only \|3.1.2\|	2
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view \|8.1.2a\|	2
Offside Outer Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	2
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	2
Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	2
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	2
Offside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	2
Offside Front Direction indicator incomplete \|1.5.A1b\|	2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Passengers seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.6 (a) (i))	2
Windscreen washer not working	2
Headlamp levelling device inoperative (4.1.5 (a))	2
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	2
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	2
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	2
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))	2
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))	2
Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	2
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	2

MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 420s year 1990

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