1989 Mercedes-Benz G-class MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for G-class models manufactured in 1989, based on 32 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1989 Mercedes-Benz G-class MOT Analysis
The 1989 Mercedes-Benz G-class has an MOT pass rate of 56.3% based on 32 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 46,710 miles on the odometer. With a 43.7% failure rate, the 1989 G-class is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Mercedes-Benz G-class is Brakes, responsible for 62.5% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Steering is the second most common issue at 31.3%. Suspension follows at 31.3%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall G-class page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 62.5% | 20 |
| 2 | Steering | 31.3% | 10 |
| 3 | Suspension | 31.3% | 10 |
| 4 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 25.0% | 8 |
| 5 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 12.5% | 4 |
| 6 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 6.3% | 2 |
| 7 | Visibility | 6.3% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 46,710 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 13.38 | 62.5% | 20 |
| Steering | 6.69 | 31.3% | 10 |
| Suspension | 6.69 | 31.3% | 10 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.35 | 25.0% | 8 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 2.68 | 12.5% | 4 |
| Seat Belts | 1.34 | 6.3% | 2 |
| Visibility | 1.34 | 6.3% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Mercedes-Benz G-class has an MOT pass rate of 56.3% based on 32 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 46,710 miles on the odometer. With a 43.7% failure rate, the 1989 G-class is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Mercedes-Benz G-class, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). With relatively low average mileage of 46,710 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Brakes — 62.5% of failures
Brakes issues account for 62.5% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes-Benz G-class models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Steering — 31.3% of failures
Steering issues account for 31.3% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes-Benz G-class models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Suspension — 31.3% of failures
Suspension issues account for 31.3% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes-Benz G-class models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.