1990 Mercedes 210 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 210 models manufactured in 1990, based on 39 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1990 Mercedes 210 MOT Analysis
The 1990 Mercedes 210 has an MOT pass rate of 33.3% based on 39 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 90,987 miles on the odometer. With a 66.7% failure rate, the 1990 210 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1990 Mercedes 210 is Brakes, responsible for 7.7% 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. Identification of the vehicle is the second most common issue at 2.6%. Steering follows at 2.6%.
Top failures specific to 1990 models only. The overall 210 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 90,987 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 | 0.85 | 7.7% | 3 |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.28 | 2.6% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.28 | 2.6% | 1 |
| Tyres | 0.28 | 2.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1990 Mercedes 210 has an MOT pass rate of 33.3% based on 39 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 90,987 miles on the odometer. With a 66.7% failure rate, the 1990 210 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1990 Mercedes 210, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. 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 an average mileage of 90,987 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Brakes — 7.7% of failures
Brakes issues account for 7.7% of MOT failures on 1990 Mercedes 210 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).
Identification of the vehicle — 2.6% of failures
Identification of the vehicle issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 1990 Mercedes 210 models. Identification failures relate to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration plate. The VIN must be permanently displayed and legible, and the registration plate must meet British Standard formatting. Typical repair costs: £10–50. Pre-MOT check: Ensure the VIN plate is visible and legible (usually in the windscreen or under the bonnet). Check that number plates are clean, undamaged, and use the correct font and spacing.
Steering — 2.6% of failures
Steering issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 1990 Mercedes 210 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.