Mercedes-Benz 380
From 382 MOT tests. Average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, emissions levels exceed default limits, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame and spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired. The top issue, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, caused 23 failures in 2024. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 23 |
| emissions levels exceed default limits | 18 |
| the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 15 |
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 14 |
| significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake | 11 |
| a body panel or body component damaged or corroded and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted, or insecure | 9 |
| wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 9 |
| parking brake inoperative on one side | 8 |
| parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value | 8 |
| steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 7 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 25.4% of 380 failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 9% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. Breakdown cover may be worth considering for this model. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £106.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 75.4% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired |
Typical mileage
Half of all 380s tested had between 72,953 and 131,143 miles on the clock. A significant number are high-mileage vehicles.
At 91,934 median miles, the 380 has 0.028 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Common questions
What is the Mercedes-Benz 380 MOT pass rate?
The Mercedes-Benz 380 has a 74.1% MOT pass rate based on 382 real MOT tests. This is around the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Mercedes-Benz 380?
The most common MOT failure on the Mercedes-Benz 380 is the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, which caused 23 failures. Other common issues include emissions levels exceed default limits.
What is the typical mileage of a Mercedes-Benz 380 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Mercedes-Benz 380 is 91,934 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 72,953 and 131,143 miles.
Buying a used 380?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 74.1% pass rate and an average repair bill of £106 when things go wrong, budget accordingly. 25.4% of failures on this model could actually strand you, so breakdown cover may be worth considering.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.