Mercedes Unclassified
From 4,629 MOT tests. Average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Pass rate by fuel type
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements and parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement. The top issue, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, caused 139 failures in 2024. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 139 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 132 |
| parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement | 96 |
| brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded | 88 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 86 |
| 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 | 71 |
| steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 69 |
| windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 68 |
| a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 58 |
| vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced | 57 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 46.1% of failures are serious: 31.2% are safety issues (brakes, steering, tyre damage) and 14.8% could actually leave you stranded. That's close to the 44.4% average across all models. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £127.
Fuel type matters
Petrol versions pass at 81.9% while Diesel versions pass at 76.2%, a 6 percentage point gap.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89.5% | a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
| 2020 | 89.6% | a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
| 2017 | 97% | a steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps |
| 2015 | 93.6% | windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view, a body panel or body component damaged or corroded and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted, or insecure |
14 earlier years
| 2014 | 85.7% | brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, audible warning inoperative |
| 2012 | 82% | parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement, esc mil indicates a system malfunction |
| 2010 | 84.7% | a transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement |
| 2009 | 79.2% | brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake |
| 2008 | 75.1% | a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources, parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement |
| 2007 | 76.8% | a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen |
| 2006 | 73.7% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2005 | 78.2% | brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is so weakened that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected |
| 2004 | 73% | 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, parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement |
| 2003 | 67.7% | parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value, a steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play |
| 2002 | 72% | vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 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 |
| 2000 | 68.8% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
| 1999 | 68.8% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen |
| 1998 | 76.5% | steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
Typical mileage
Half of all Unclassifieds tested had between 46,762 and 129,169 miles on the clock. A significant number are high-mileage vehicles.
At 84,806 median miles, the Unclassified has 0.027 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Mercedes models
| Mercedes Ml 250 | 85.7% |
Common questions
What is the Mercedes Unclassified MOT pass rate?
The Mercedes Unclassified has a 77.5% MOT pass rate based on 4,629 real MOT tests. This is around the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Mercedes Unclassified?
The most common MOT failure on the Mercedes Unclassified is a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, which caused 139 failures. Other common issues include the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements.
What is the typical mileage of a Mercedes Unclassified at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Mercedes Unclassified is 84,806 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 46,762 and 129,169 miles.
Buying a used Unclassified?
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 77.5% pass rate and an average repair bill of £127 when things go wrong, budget accordingly.
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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.