🔧 Suspension MOT Failures
Suspension failures include worn bushes, damaged springs, leaking shock absorbers, corroded components, and excessive play in ball joints or track rod ends.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
✅ Best 20 — Lowest Suspension Failure Rate
These models have the lowest suspension failure rate in MOT testing. Great choices if you want to avoid suspension problems.
| # | Make | Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audi | Q5 S Line 40 Tdi Mhev Quat S-a | 0% | 5,967 |
| 2 | Mini | Cooper S Electric Level 2 | 0% | 7,011 |
| 3 | BMW | X3 Xdrive20d M Sport Mhev Auto | 0% | 14,016 |
| 4 | Honda | F6c | 0% | 7,539 |
| 5 | Kia | Niro | 0% | 119,849 |
| 6 | Jaguar | F-Pace | 0% | 222,738 |
| 7 | Ford | Transit Custom 300limitd Eblue | 0% | 42,620 |
| 8 | Lexus | Ux | 0% | 26,867 |
| 9 | Aston Martin | Db11 | 0% | 12,751 |
| 10 | Volkswagen | Touareg V6 Black Edition Tdi A | 0% | 6,092 |
| 11 | Ford | Puma St-line X First Ed Mhev | 0% | 11,883 |
| 12 | Mercedes-Benz | Gla 200 Amg Line Edition A | 0% | 11,943 |
| 13 | Kia | Niro 4 Ev | 0% | 24,541 |
| 14 | Hyundai | Ioniq | 0% | 135,061 |
| 15 | Honda | Jazz Sr I-mmd Cvt | 0% | 6,826 |
| 16 | BMW | 420i M Sport Auto | 0% | 5,866 |
| 17 | Toyota | Corolla Gr Sport Hev Cvt | 0% | 8,695 |
| 18 | Audi | S3 Tfsi Quattro S-a | 0% | 5,339 |
| 19 | Ford | Transit Custom 280limitd Eblue | 0% | 35,617 |
| 20 | Kia | Niro 3 Ev | 0% | 11,371 |
❌ Worst 20 — Highest Suspension Failure Rate
These models have the highest suspension failure rate. Consider extra inspection before buying.
| # | Make | Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ldv | Cub | 88.8% | 20,873 |
| 2 | Nissan | Vanette | 81% | 73,633 |
| 3 | Ford | Escort Lx | 76.4% | 7,253 |
| 4 | Ford | Transit 190 Lwb | 70.2% | 11,469 |
| 5 | Ford | Fiesta Courier | 63.5% | 36,129 |
| 6 | Nissan | Cabstar E | 57.4% | 18,497 |
| 7 | Nissan | Sunny 100 | 56.1% | 8,834 |
| 8 | Kia | Pride | 55.7% | 16,102 |
| 9 | Mazda | 121 | 54.8% | 17,034 |
| 10 | Ford | Courier | 53.9% | 8,927 |
| 11 | Ford | Escort | 51.2% | 1,244,834 |
| 12 | Ldv | 200 | 51% | 10,393 |
| 13 | Nissan | Serena | 50.9% | 48,555 |
| 14 | Rover | 418 | 48.9% | 8,039 |
| 15 | Nissan | Sunny | 48% | 70,765 |
| 16 | Audi | A4 1.9 | 47.8% | 11,370 |
| 17 | Ldv | Pilot | 47.2% | 37,027 |
| 18 | Ldv | 400 | 46.5% | 22,326 |
| 19 | Rover | 420 | 45.1% | 81,151 |
| 20 | Audi | A4 1.8 | 45% | 11,368 |
💡 How to Avoid Suspension Failures
- ✓ Listen for knocking or clunking noises over bumps — this often indicates worn bushes or drop links.
- ✓ Check for uneven tyre wear which can signal misaligned or worn suspension components.
- ✓ Have suspension components inspected annually, especially on cars over 5 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common suspension MOT failures?
The most common suspension failures are worn anti-roll bar bushes and drop links, corroded springs (especially rear coil springs), and worn ball joints. Spring breakage is particularly common on cars driven in areas with poor road surfaces.
How much does suspension repair cost?
Drop link replacement costs £60-£120 per side. Coil spring replacement is £100-£200 per corner. Ball joint replacement typically costs £80-£150 per side including alignment.
Which cars have the worst suspension failure rates?
Failure rates vary significantly by model. Check the rankings on this page to see which specific models have the highest and lowest suspension failure rates in MOT testing.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.