Recorded in
0.3% 2% fail
of every MOT test in our data — 394,271 records across 942 models.
Suspension → Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function
The Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function MOT failure is recorded in 0.3% of all MOT tests in the DVSA data — 394,271 records across 942 models. A typical repair costs £30–£75. This page explains what the item means, how testers write it down, what a repair usually involves and Renault Scenic records it most often for its size.
Advisory only
98%
were noted without failing the car.
Typical cost
£30–£75
Usually a DIY or independent-garage job. Estimate, fitted where needed.
What Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function means on an MOT
Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function is an MOT inspection item in the suspension section of the manual. The tester records it when they see the condition the description names — here, when shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function. Each shock absorber must control the wheel's movement and show no serious leak or damage — a seriously leaking damper fails the car. The failure is reported against that rule, so the page uses the tester's own wording.
How common is Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function on an MOT?
Recorded in 0.3% of every MOT test in our data — 394,271 records across 942 models. That is 0% in every hundred tests, which puts Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function in the middle of the items testers record.
Of the 394,271 records for this item, 2.4% of the records are a fail (Major or Dangerous) and 97.5% are advisories that did not fail the car.
Other things testers write about this item
Testers do not all write the same thing. These are the exact DVSA strings from the records for this item, each with how many tests it was written on — the page's keyword vocabulary comes straight from them.
- Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak — 4,306,407 records
- Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush — 517,118 records
- Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect — 401,696 records
- Shock absorbers insecurely attached — 13,448 records
- Shock absorbers likely to become detached — 6,684 records
- Other components damaged to the extent that the braking system is adversely affected — 4,261 records
- Bellows damaged or deteriorated and function affected — 3,283 records
- Servos damaged and function impaired — 2,667 records
- Pipes damaged or deteriorated and function affected — 2,240 records
- Suspension unit damaged or deteriorated and function affected — 1,705 records
What does it cost to fix Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function?
A typical repair on this item costs £30–£75 at UK prices, and it is usually a DIY or independent-garage job. The bracket is our estimate from reported prices and parts, rather than a DVSA figure — see how it is built on the method page.
How the price brackets are built · full repair cost list · add it to your fail-sheet total.
Models that record Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function most often
As a rate of each model's own tests, Renault Scenic and Mitsubishi L200 lead the list: Renault Scenic records it on 2.8% of its tests. The rate, not the volume, is what matters here — a model with 20,000 tests can outrank one with a million.
| # | Model | Rate | Tests | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renault Scenic | 2.8% | 145,797 | 7.0× · year by year → |
| 2 | Mitsubishi L200 | 2.7% | 299,746 | 6.8× · year by year → |
| 3 | Renault Megane | 2.7% | 411,704 | 6.8× · year by year → |
| 4 | Audi A2 | 2.0% | 25,108 | — |
| 5 | Volkswagen Amarok | 1.9% | 69,902 | — |
| 6 | Saab 9-3 | 1.8% | 137,430 | 4.5× · year by year → |
| 7 | Nissan Pixo | 1.8% | 42,149 | — |
| 8 | Volkswagen Caddy | 1.8% | 535,307 | 4.3× · year by year → |
| 9 | Fiat Grande Punto | 1.7% | 25,466 | — |
| 10 | Renault Grand Scenic | 1.7% | 83,873 | — |
| 11 | Suzuki Alto | 1.5% | 174,258 | 3.8× · year by year → |
| 12 | Vauxhall Tigra | 1.5% | 26,978 | — |
| 13 | Vauxhall Astravan | 1.4% | 30,363 | — |
| 14 | Daihatsu Sirion | 1.4% | 22,729 | — |
| 15 | Suzuki Wagon-R+ | 1.4% | 29,904 | — |
| 16 | Suzuki Grand Vitara | 1.4% | 77,753 | — |
| 17 | Renault Modus | 1.4% | 49,465 | — |
| 18 | Volkswagen Crafter | 1.3% | 25,501 | — |
| 19 | Fiat Punto | 1.3% | 226,310 | 3.3× · year by year → |
| 20 | Volkswagen Fox | 1.3% | 104,121 | — |
Which years of car record Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function
| Year | Recorded in |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 0.7% |
| 2011 | 0.6% |
| 2012 | 0.5% |
| 2013 | 0.4% |
| 2014 | 0.3% |
| 2015 | 0.2% |
| 2016 | 0.1% |
| 2017 | 0.1% |
| 2018 | 0.0% |
| 2019 | 0.0% |
| 2020 | 0.0% |
| 2021 | 0.0% |
| 2022 | 0.0% |
| 2023 | 0.0% |
These are rates by year of registration from 2010 to 2023, not year of test, so the curve mostly reflects age — a recent car has barely been to a test station. Compare models at the same age instead.
Frequently asked questions about Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function
How common is Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function on an MOT?
It is recorded in 0.3% of all MOT tests — 394,271 records across 942 models.
Does Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function fail the MOT or just get an advisory?
2.4% of the records for it are a fail, 0.0% were fixed at the test, 0.0% are minor and 97.5% are advisories. In short, it is an advisory or minor most of the time rather than a fail.
Which cars record Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function most often?
Renault Scenic and Mitsubishi L200 head the list, at a rate of each model's own tests — Renault Scenic records it on 2.8%. Only models with at least 20,000 recorded tests are shown.
How much does it cost to fix Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function?
Typically £30–£75 fitted, and it is usually a DIY or independent-garage job. That is an estimate from reported prices, not a DVSA figure.
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