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Mercedes-benz SL - 1989

157.2 faults per 100 tests
Year average for all cars of 1989 is 252.8 faults per 100 tests
Dataset: MOT tests in Great Britain (period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-09-10) for Mercedes-benz SL, model year 1989. Sample size: 176 cars, 348 tests and 547 recorded faults.
0%
Less faults compared to the average car of same model year

Quick summary

Total: 176 cars

The 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has an overall defect rate of 157 defects per 100 vehicles, which is significantly lower than the yearly average of 249 defects per 100 cars, representing a 36.9% improvement. Notably, the model shows a concerning trend with higher defect rates in the lower mileage segments, particularly at 0–31,000 miles and 62,000–93,000 miles, where it exceeds the average. The SL performs particularly well in categories like Brakes and Visibility, with defect rates much lower than average, while it also notably struggles with Equipment issues, which are rare in other models. Overall, while it has some strong points, the high defect rates in specific mileage ranges may indicate potential issues for prospective owners.

Cars by mileage segment

Total: 176 cars

More model years for Mercedes-benz SL

1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Other models from Mercedes-benz

Mercedes-benz 190 E Mercedes-benz 300 Mercedes-benz A Mercedes-benz A 180 AMG LINE Mercedes-benz A 180 SPORT Mercedes-benz A 200 Mercedes-benz A 250 AMG LINE Mercedes-benz A-CLASS Mercedes-benz B Mercedes-benz B-CLASS Mercedes-benz C Mercedes-benz CITAN Mercedes-benz CL Mercedes-benz CL 500 Mercedes-benz CLA Mercedes-benz CLC Mercedes-benz CLK Mercedes-benz CLS Mercedes-benz E Mercedes-benz E 220 AMG Mercedes-benz EQA 250 AMG LINE Mercedes-benz EQC 400 AMG LINE Mercedes-benz ESPRINTER Mercedes-benz EVITO Mercedes-benz G Mercedes-benz G-CLASS Mercedes-benz GL Mercedes-benz GLA Mercedes-benz GLA 180 AMG LINE Mercedes-benz GLA 200 AMG LINE Mercedes-benz GLA 250 AMG LINE Mercedes-benz GLA 250 EXCLUSIVE Mercedes-benz GLB 200 AMG LINE Mercedes-benz GLB 220 AMG LINE Mercedes-benz GLC Mercedes-benz GLC 300 AMG Mercedes-benz GLC 300 AMG LINE Mercedes-benz GLE Mercedes-benz GLS Mercedes-benz GT Mercedes-benz ML Mercedes-benz R-Class Mercedes-benz S-Class Mercedes-benz SL Mercedes-benz SLC Mercedes-benz SLK Mercedes-benz SPRINTER Mercedes-benz V Mercedes-benz VIANO Mercedes-benz VITO Mercedes-benz X

Categories

Brakes
▲ 38.4% better
59.8 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 97.1 / 100 tests
  • Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
  • Brake hose ferrules: excessively corroded
Steering
▲ 20.7% better
20.7 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 26.1 / 100 tests
Visibility
▲ 29.5% better
15.5 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 22.0 / 100 tests
Lights & Electrics
▲ 58.8% better
25.3 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 61.4 / 100 tests
Wheels & Suspension
▲ 24.7% better
124.7 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 165.6 / 100 tests
  • A suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing: excessively worn
  • A tyre: with a lump, bulge or tear … or with cords exposed or damaged
  • A wheel bearing: with excessive play
  • A suspension joint dust cover: severely deteriorated
  • A spring: or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
Body/Structure
▲ 45.1% better
33.9 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 61.7 / 100 tests
  • Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that: the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
  • Exhaust system has a major leak or is insecure
Equipment
▲ 96.8% better
0.6 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 18.5 / 100 tests
Other
▲ 36.2% better
33.9 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 53.1 / 100 tests
  • Fluid: leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users

Fault rate by mileage segment

Model    Year average
0 474 0–31,000 mi 31,000–62,000 62,000–93,000 93,000–124,000 124,000+
* Metric: faults per 100 tests.

Most common faults (Top 10)

A suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing: excessively worn
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 53
Fluid: leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 52
A tyre: with a lump, bulge or tear … or with cords exposed or damaged
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 40
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 29
A wheel bearing: with excessive play
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 28
A suspension joint dust cover: severely deteriorated
MINOR
Occurrences: 21
A spring: or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 20
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that: the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 20
Brake hose ferrules: excessively corroded
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 19
Exhaust system has a major leak or is insecure
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 16

Serious faults (Top 10)

The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
FAIL
Occurrences: 13
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
FAIL
Occurrences: 8
Wiper blade: missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
FAIL
Occurrences: 7
A suspension joint dust cover: missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc.
FAIL
Occurrences: 7
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm … is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
FAIL
Occurrences: 7
Emissions levels exceed default limits
FAIL
Occurrences: 6
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that: the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
FAIL
Occurrences: 5
A tyre: with a lump, bulge or tear … or with cords exposed or damaged
FAIL
Occurrences: 4
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
FAIL
Occurrences: 4
Body, cab or chassis: excessively corroded at mounting points
FAIL
Occurrences: 4