MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 500s year 1988

Review the list of common MERCEDES BENZ 500 failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your MERCEDES BENZ then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:75.76%

(The average a petrol MERCEDES BENZ 500 year 1988 passes without issue)

Based on:4,699 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	287
Brake pipe excessively corroded	150
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	138
Registration plate lamp issues	114
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	89
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	82
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	77
Rear brake binding	59
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	51
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	49
Registration plate issues	49
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	44
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	36
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	33
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	29
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	26
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	24
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	22
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	21
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	21
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	20
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	19
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	18
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	18
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	17
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	17
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	16
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	16
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	16
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	16
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	16
Front brake application uneven	14
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	14
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	14
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	13
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	13
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	13
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	13
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	13
Nearside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	13
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	13
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	12
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	12
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	12
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	12
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	12
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	11
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	11
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	11
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	11
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	11
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	10
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	10
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	10
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	10
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	9
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	9
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	9
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	8
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	8
Offside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	8
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	8
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	8
Windscreen has damage	8
Offside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	8
Nearside Front Passenger`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	8
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	8
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	8
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Offside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	7
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	7
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	7
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	7
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	7
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	6
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	6
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	6
Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated \|3.1.3c\|	6
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	6
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	6
Nearside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	6
Offside Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	5
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	5
Rear brake application uneven	5
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	5
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	5
Windscreen washer not working	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	5
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	5
Offside Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	5
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	5
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	5
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	5
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	5
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	5
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Offside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	5
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	5
Offside Front Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	5
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	5
Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	5
Nearside Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	4
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	4
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	4
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	4
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	4
Nearside Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	4
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	4
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position \|8.4.1\|	4
Nearside Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	4
Nearside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	4
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	4
Rear fog lamp switch insecure \|1.3.1a\|	4
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	4
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	4
Offside Outer Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking from a joint \|2.3.3b\|	4
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	4
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	4
Centre Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	4
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	4
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle \|7.3.A.2b\|	4
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	4
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	4

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
Headlamp aim out of alignment	287
Brake pipe excessively corroded	150
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	138
Registration plate lamp issues	114
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	89
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	82
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	77
Rear brake binding	59
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	51
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	49
Registration plate issues	49
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	44
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	36
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	33
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	29
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	26
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	24
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	22
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	21
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	21
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	20
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	19
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	18
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	18
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	17
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	17
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	16
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	16
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	16
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	16
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	16
Front brake application uneven	14
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	14
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	14
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	13
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	13
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	13
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	13
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	13
Nearside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	13
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	13
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	12
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	12
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	12
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	12
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	12
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	11
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	11
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	11
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	11
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	11
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	10
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	10
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	10
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	10
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	9
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	9
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	9
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	8
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	8
Offside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	8
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	8
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	8
Windscreen has damage	8
Offside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	8
Nearside Front Passenger`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	8
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	8
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	8
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Offside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	7
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration \|7.3.A.2c\|	7
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	7
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	7
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	7
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	6
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	6
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	6
Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated \|3.1.3c\|	6
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	6
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	6
Nearside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	6
Offside Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	5
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	5
Rear brake application uneven	5
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	5
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	5
Windscreen washer not working	5
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	5
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	5
Offside Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	5
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	5
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	5
Rear Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	5
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	5
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	5
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Offside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	5
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	5
Offside Front Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	5
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	5
Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	5
Nearside Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	4
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	4
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	4
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	4
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	4
Nearside Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	4
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	4
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position \|8.4.1\|	4
Nearside Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	4
Nearside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	4
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	4
Rear fog lamp switch insecure \|1.3.1a\|	4
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	4
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	4
Offside Outer Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	4
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking from a joint \|2.3.3b\|	4
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	4
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	4
Centre Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	4
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	4
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle \|7.3.A.2b\|	4
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	4
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	4

MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 500s year 1988

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