Why does a suspension pin, bush or joint… fail an MOT?

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn. Most commonly flagged on the Chrysler Jeep Patriot. 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 suspension pin, bush or joint…?

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 suspension pin, bush or joint… myself?

This repair typically needs workshop equipment — a lift and specialist tools. Most owners book a garage rather than attempt it at home.

MOT failure · RFR #31322

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn

Total

536,592

Models

448

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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Top 30 by rate. 418 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 suspension pin, bush or joint… fail an MOT?: A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn. Most commonly flagged on the Chrysler Jeep Patriot. 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 suspension pin, bush or joint…?: 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 suspension pin, bush or joint… 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.

Fiat 500

10 Feb 2013

On a 31k mile (but little used in the last year) 2009 500, rubber tank breather hoses failed and car failed MoT on n/s front suspension arm ball joint dust cover costing £287.30 to fix.

Fiat 500 L

10 Feb 2013

On a 31k mile (but little used in the last year) 2009 500, rubber tank breather hoses failed and car failed MoT on n/s front suspension arm ball joint dust cover costing £287.30 to fix.

Fiat 500 C

10 Feb 2013

On a 31k mile (but little used in the last year) 2009 500, rubber tank breather hoses failed and car failed MoT on n/s front suspension arm ball joint dust cover costing £287.30 to fix.

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