1989 Mercedes 814 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 814 models manufactured in 1989, based on 72 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1989 Mercedes 814 MOT Analysis
The 1989 Mercedes 814 has an MOT pass rate of 81.9% based on 72 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 430,495 miles on the odometer. With a 18.1% failure rate, the 1989 814 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Mercedes 814 is Steering, responsible for 8.3% of failures. 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 range from £150–600. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 5.6%. Brakes follows at 4.2%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall 814 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 | Steering | 8.3% | 6 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 5.6% | 4 |
| 3 | Brakes | 4.2% | 3 |
| 4 | Suspension | 4.2% | 3 |
| 5 | Identification Of The Vehicle | 1.4% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 430,495 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 0.19 | 8.3% | 6 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.13 | 5.6% | 4 |
| Brakes | 0.10 | 4.2% | 3 |
| Suspension | 0.10 | 4.2% | 3 |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.03 | 1.4% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Mercedes 814 has an MOT pass rate of 81.9% based on 72 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 430,495 miles on the odometer. With a 18.1% failure rate, the 1989 814 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Mercedes 814, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to steering: 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. With an average mileage of 430,495 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Steering — 8.3% of failures
Steering issues account for 8.3% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes 814 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.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 5.6% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 5.6% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes 814 models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Brakes — 4.2% of failures
Brakes issues account for 4.2% of MOT failures on 1989 Mercedes 814 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).
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.