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MOT History from tests of petrol MERCEDES BENZ SLs year 1986

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

mot history
Pass percent:78.03%
(The average a petrol MERCEDES BENZ SL year 1986 passes without issue)
Based on:3,013 MOT Tests
Most common failuresNo# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment246
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively71
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault43
Registration plate lamp issues40
Brake pipe excessively corroded38
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)35
Brake hose excessively deteriorated27
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))23
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))20
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)20
Registration plate issues19
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))18
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)17
Brakes imbalanced across an axle16
Windscreen washer not working 14
Horn not working (1.6.2a)13
Offside front brake binding (3.7.B.1)13
Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)11
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)11
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)11
Hazard warning switch faulty (1.4.B.1d)10
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)10
Nearside front brake binding (3.7.B.1)9
Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)8
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)8
Rear brake binding8
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)8
Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)8
Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)7
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off (1.4.B.1f)7
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)7
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)6
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)6
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate (3.4.1b)6
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)6
Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))6
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on (1.4.B.1f)6
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)6
Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)6
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)6
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))6
Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))6
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))6
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))6
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))6
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))5
Offside Front Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)5
Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)5
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)5
Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)5
Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))5
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))5
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)5
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort5
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)5
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)5
Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))5
Hazard warning lamps inoperative (1.4.B.1b)4
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))4
Power steering component(s) leaking (2.3.3b)4
Steering damper leaking oil (2.2.C.1f)4
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure (3.6.B.3)4
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)4
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)4
Front brake application uneven4
Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)4
Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))4
Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))4
Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))4
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement4
Offside Front Brake hose leaking (3.6.A.1)4
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate (1.6 (a))4
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)4
Exhaust engine idle speed too high (7.3.A.2a)4
Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)4
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive |7.3.B.1a|4
Hazard warning switch inoperative (4.4.2 (a) (ii))4
Centre Exhaust mounting missing (7.1.1b)4
Offside Front front brake binding (3.7.B.1)4
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))4
Horn not working (7.7 (a))4
Brake hose damaged3
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))3
Nearside Side repeater insecure (1.4.A.2b)3
Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))3
Nearside Front Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)3
Offside Front Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)3
Steering box has a significant oil leak (2.2.D.2e)3
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)3
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))3
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)3
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)3
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)3
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)3
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering (6.1.A.1)3
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturers specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))3
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)3
Offside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))3
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)3
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))3
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a))3
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)3
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside (1.8)3
Nearside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.2.C.1h)3
Offside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)3
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)3
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))3
Windscreen wiper blade insecure3
Offside Side repeater insecure (1.4.A.2b)3
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))3
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.2.A.1a)3
Offside Front Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)3
Rear fog lamp tell-tale not working (4.9.1 (a) (ii))3
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))3
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (7.3.B.1b)3
Front Steering damper leaking oil (2.2.C.1f)2
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))2
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)2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))2
Offside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)2
Nearside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)2
Offside Inner Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)2
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)2
Nearside Front Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)2
Offside Front Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)2
Offside Front Drivers seat insecure (6.2.A.1)2
Drivers seat insecure (6.2.A.1)2
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault |5.4.2|2
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|2
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|2
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp sequence is incorrect (3.4.1d)2
Offside Front Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced (2.4.G.1)2
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone A (8.3.1e)2
Power steering component(s) leaking from a failed seal (2.3.3b)2
Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))2
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)2
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated (7.1.1a)2
Brake pedal spongy (3.3.B.1b)2
Brake hose has insufficient room to move2
Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))2
Drivers seat insecure (6.2.5 (a) (ii))2
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|2
Offside Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)2
Nearside Front Outer Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))2
Offside Front Outer Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))2
Offside Front Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)2
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))2
Rear Exhaust mounting missing (7.1.1b)2
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)2
Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))2
Offside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))2
Offside Service brake excessively binding and nearside front (1.2.1 (f))2
Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)2
Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))2
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))2
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))2
Nearside Rear Brake hose excessively twisted (1.1.12 (b) (ii))2
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))2
Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))2
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength floor (5.3.6 (a) (i))2
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)2
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly (1.4.B.1e)2
front brakes release unevenly (3.7.B.4)2
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement2
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)2
Rear brake application uneven2
Steering box leaking to the extent that oil is dripping (2.1.1 (e) (ii))2
Offside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)2
Nearside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)2
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle (8.2.1.2 (f))2
Rear Prop shaft flexible coupling excessively deteriorated (6.1.7 (d) (i))2
Battery insecure (1.9.1)2
Nearside Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off (1.4.B.1f)2
rear parking (secondary) brakes imbalanced (3.7.B.6b)2
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))2
Emissions not tested (7.0)2
Hazard warning lamps inoperative (4.4.1 (e))2
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)2
Nearside Front Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)2
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))2
Nearside Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)2
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)2
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)2
Offside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))2
Offside Side repeater not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)2
Exhaust mounting missing (7.1.1b)2
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)2
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|2
Steering box has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.3 (a) (i))2
Nearside Front Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)2
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)2
Nearside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)2
Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))2
Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))2
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))2
Centre Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)2
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)2
Nearside Front front brake binding (3.7.B.1)2
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))2
Offside Rear Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))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.

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