Mercedes Sprinter

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 27 model years from 45,902 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

79%

Total Tests

45,902

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (89%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes Sprinter

The Mercedes Sprinter was MOT tested 45,902 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 27 model years (1996 to 2022), with an average pass rate of 79%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 89% from 1,701 tests. The 1996 model has the lowest at 68%. With a 21 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes Sprinters pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1996) averages 148,195 miles, while the newest (2022) averages 64,875 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Mercedes brand average of 87%, the Sprinter is 8 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mercedes models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,131

Per month£178/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2022 details

How reliable is the Mercedes Sprinter?

vs average of all models-3% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average-8% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread21 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mercedes Sprinter by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	92%	156	64,875 mi
2021	85%	757	50,032 mi
2020	89%	1,701	60,989 mi
2019	88%	2,195	90,467 mi
2018	87%	2,215	98,916 mi
2017	88%	2,626	108,282 mi
2016	83%	2,447	120,235 mi
2015	83%	3,151	137,553 mi
2014	80%	3,008	140,703 mi
2013	79%	2,484	146,792 mi
2012	75%	2,351	138,262 mi
2011	79%	2,140	150,457 mi
2010	78%	2,065	144,887 mi
2009	79%	1,741	143,543 mi
2008	77%	2,264	141,659 mi
2007	76%	2,122	148,349 mi
2006	74%	1,788	142,955 mi
2005	73%	1,716	132,628 mi
2004	74%	1,821	132,046 mi
2003	75%	1,675	143,352 mi
2002	73%	1,618	137,516 mi
2001	75%	1,138	146,632 mi
2000	73%	702	143,745 mi
1999	72%	606	149,141 mi
1998	72%	749	147,305 mi
1997	74%	466	142,617 mi
1996	68%	200	148,195 mi

Questions about the Mercedes Sprinter

Is the Mercedes Sprinter reliable?

Across its 27 model years in our data (1996 to 2022), the Mercedes Sprinter averages a 79% MOT pass rate, from 45,902 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 89%.

Which year Mercedes Sprinter has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mercedes Sprinter has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 68%, a 21 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.