MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 500s year 1991

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:79.17%

(The average a petrol MERCEDES BENZ 500 year 1991 passes without issue)

Based on:7,927 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	294
Brake pipe excessively corroded	246
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	159
Registration plate lamp issues	98
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	95
Registration plate issues	88
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	87
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	72
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	37
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	37
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	36
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	36
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	35
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	34
Rear brake binding	34
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	27
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	27
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	26
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	25
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	23
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	23
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	22
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	22
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	22
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	21
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	20
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	19
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	19
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	19
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	19
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	18
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	17
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	17
Windscreen has damage	16
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	16
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	15
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	15
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	15
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	15
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	14
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	14
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	14
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	14
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	14
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	13
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	13
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	13
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	13
Front brake application uneven	13
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	13
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	12
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	12
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	12
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	11
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	11
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	11
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	11
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	10
Offside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	10
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	10
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	10
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Offside Inner Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	9
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	9
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	9
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Rear brake application uneven	9
Offside Inner Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	9
Nearside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	9
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	9
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	9
Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	8
Nearside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	8
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	8
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	8
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer deteriorated \|7.2.4c\|	8
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Nearside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	8
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Offside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	7
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	7
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	7
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	7
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Steering box has a significant oil leak \|2.2.D.2e\|	7
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	7
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	7
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	7
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking from a joint \|2.3.3b\|	6
Offside Front Position lamp not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	6
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Rear Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	6
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	6
Windscreen washer not working	6
Nearside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	6
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released	6
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	6
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	6
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Nearside Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	6
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	6
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	6
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. \|6.2.A.3\|	6
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	6
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	5
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	5
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	5
Nearside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	5
Power steering pump leaking from a failed component \|2.3.3b\|	5
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\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Offside Inner Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	5
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	5
Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	5
Rear fog lamp switch insecure \|1.3.1a\|	5
Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	5
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position \|8.4.1\|	5
Nearside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	5
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	5
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	5
Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	5
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	5
Offside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	5
Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated \|3.1.3c\|	5
Offside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Nearside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	5
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	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
Headlamp aim out of alignment	294
Brake pipe excessively corroded	246
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	159
Registration plate lamp issues	98
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	95
Registration plate issues	88
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	87
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	72
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	37
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	37
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	36
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	36
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	35
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	34
Rear brake binding	34
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	27
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	27
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	26
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	25
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	23
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	23
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	22
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	22
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	22
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	21
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	20
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	19
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	19
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	19
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	19
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	18
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	17
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	17
Windscreen has damage	16
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	16
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	15
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	15
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	15
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	15
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	14
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	14
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	14
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	14
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	14
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	13
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	13
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	13
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	13
Front brake application uneven	13
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	13
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	12
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	12
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	12
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	11
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	11
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	11
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	11
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	10
Offside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	10
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	10
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	10
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Offside Inner Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	9
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	9
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	9
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Rear brake application uneven	9
Offside Inner Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	9
Nearside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	9
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.A.2\|	9
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	9
Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	8
Nearside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	8
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	8
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	8
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer deteriorated \|7.2.4c\|	8
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Nearside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	8
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Offside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	7
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	7
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	7
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	7
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Steering box has a significant oil leak \|2.2.D.2e\|	7
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	7
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	7
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	7
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking from a joint \|2.3.3b\|	6
Offside Front Position lamp not working \|4.2.1 \|a\|\|	6
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Rear Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	6
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	6
Windscreen washer not working	6
Nearside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	6
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released	6
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	6
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	6
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Nearside Front passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.4\|	6
Front Steering damper leaking oil \|2.2.C.1f\|	6
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	6
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. \|6.2.A.3\|	6
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release \|5.2.5a\|	6
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	5
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	5
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	5
Nearside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	5
Power steering pump leaking from a failed component \|2.3.3b\|	5
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\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Offside Inner Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	5
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	5
Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	5
Rear fog lamp switch insecure \|1.3.1a\|	5
Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	5
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position \|8.4.1\|	5
Nearside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	5
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	5
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	5
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	5
Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	5
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	5
Offside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	5
Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated \|3.1.3c\|	5
Offside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Nearside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	5
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5

MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ 500s year 1991

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