Mercedes-Benz common problems and MOT failures

From 3,601,585 MOT tests in 2024, 18.0% of Mercedes-Benz vehicles failed. Below are the most common reasons, ranked by how often they occur.

Top Mercedes-Benz MOT failure reasons

#	Problem	Occurrences	% of failures
1	suspension pin, bush or joint worn	88,009	17.7%
2	tyre tread depth outside legal limits	68,207	13.7%
3	tyre seriously damaged	66,238	13.3%
4	spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened	48,287	9.7%
5	tyre cords visible or damaged	41,251	8.3%
6	suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc	41,159	8.3%
7	engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction	37,672	7.6%
8	brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded	37,324	7.5%
9	parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement	35,306	7.1%
10	the aim of a headlamp is not within limits the requirements	34,229	6.9%

What this means if you're buying a Mercedes-Benz

The single most common MOT failure for Mercedes-Benz is suspension pin, bush or joint worn, accounting for 18% of all failure items. Suspension repairs typically cost £150–£400 depending on the component.

These figures are from real MOT inspections. They show what testers actually find wrong with Mercedes-Benz vehicles. If you're viewing a used Mercedes-Benz, it's worth checking these areas specifically.

Mercedes-Benz models by MOT pass rate

Lowest pass rates first. These models have the most testable issues.

Model	Tests	Pass rate
308 D	920	62.2%
208 D	1,050	64.5%
Vaneo	647	66.8%
310	448	68.5%
Clc	15,588	69.2%
Citan	32,208	70.2%
312	541	70.2%
Vito 110 Pure Cdi	1,058	70.6%
Traveliner	250	72%
Vario	272	72.1%
Sprinter 314 Premium Cdi	1,358	72.2%
Vito 110 Progressive Cdi	1,913	72.6%
Clk	54,883	72.7%
Sprinter	327,362	73.4%
C 320	2,367	74%

Buying a specific Mercedes-Benz? Check the individual vehicle's MOT history for free on GOV.UK to see its actual test results, advisories, and mileage readings.

Check MOT history on GOV.UK