MOT failure · RFR #30616
A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play
Total
326,251
Models
200
Models most at risk.
Ranked by rate, not raw volume. A Fiesta shows every failure a lot because there are a lot of Fiestas. Rate = share of that model's own MOTs.
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- 01 Vauxhall Vivaro 7.24%
- 02 Peugeot 4007 7.04%
- 03 Nissan Primastar 6.88%
- 04 Renault Trafic 6.87%
- 05 Citroen C Crosser 6.29%
- 06 Renault Grand Modus 5.74%
- 07 Mazda CX 7 5.74%
- 08 Renault G Scenic D Que TT Energy Dciss 5.70%
- 09 Renault G 5.53%
- 10 Ssangyong Rodius 5.49%
- 11 Hyundai Veloster 5.32%
- 12 Renault Grand Scenic 4.96%
- 13 Renault Modus 4.95%
- 14 Renault Grand Espace 4.92%
- 15 Kia Soul 4.80%
- 16 Renault Megane 4.76%
- 17 Chrysler Jeep Patriot 4.70%
- 18 Renault Wind 4.63%
- 19 Nissan Kubistar 4.52%
- 20 Chevrolet Aveo 4.45%
- 21 Renault Kangoo 4.38%
- 22 Renault Scenic 4.38%
- 23 Hyundai Terracan 4.35%
- 24 Chevrolet Kalos 4.33%
- 25 Kia Venga 4.16%
- 26 Renault Espace 4.05%
- 27 Nissan Juke 3.91%
- 28 Citroen Ds3 3.88%
- 29 Nissan Pathfinder 3.81%
- 30 Dodge Caliber 3.79%
Top 30 by rate. 170 more models also logged this defect.
Typical UK garage cost
£80–£240
for suspension bush / joint / spring. Range covers regional rate spread + part-quality variance. This one needs a lift and a torque wrench — book a garage rather than self-fitting. Open the estimator →
Frequently asked.
- Why does a steering ball joint with excessive… fail an MOT?
- A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play. Most commonly flagged on the Vauxhall Vivaro. UK MOT standards require this item to meet minimum safety thresholds — when it falls short, the tester logs it as a Major or Dangerous defect and the car fails outright.
- How much does it cost to fix a steering ball joint with excessive…?
- Typical UK garage cost for suspension bush / joint / spring is £80–£240. The range reflects regional labour rate differences and part-quality choices. Main dealer rates are usually 30–50% higher.
- Can I fix a steering ball joint with excessive… myself?
- This repair typically needs workshop equipment — a lift and specialist tools. Most owners book a garage rather than attempt it at home.
Real examples from owners.
Owner reports sourced from honestjohn.co.uk that mention keywords from this failure. Matched, not summarised.
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