Mercedes Common MOT Problems (2026)
Mercedes models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 3,624,651 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average Mercedes MOT pass rate: 87%
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See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
87%
Avg pass rate
13%
Avg fail rate
363
Models tested
Mercedes Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Typical Issues (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes CLC | 26% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 2 | Mercedes CLK | 23% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 3 | Mercedes C 320 | 22% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 4 | Mercedes Viano | 20% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 5 | Mercedes B-Class | 19% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration |
Most Reliable Mercedes Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
| # | Model | Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes GT | 96% | |
| 2 | Mercedes A 200 Exclusive Edition Auto | 96% | |
| 3 | Mercedes GLA 220 AMG Line Prem + D 4M A | 96% | |
| 4 | Mercedes GLA 200 Sport Executive Auto | 96% | |
| 5 | Mercedes G | 95% |
All Mercedes Models by Fail Rate
Every Mercedes model and year with 300+ MOT tests (cars registered up to 2021), sorted by fail rate (highest first). Fuel type is shown as a guide.
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Class | 1999 | 68% | 32% | |
| A-Class | 2002 | 70% | 30% | |
| A-Class | 2000 | 69% | 30% | |
| B-Class | 2008 | 71% | 28% | |
| A-Class | 2004 | 71% | 28% | |
| A-Class | 2003 | 71% | 28% | |
| C | 2004 | 72% | 27% | |
| A-Class | 2006 | 72% | 27% | |
| B-Class | 2007 | 72% | 27% | |
| CLC | 2008 | 72% | 27% | |
| B-Class | 2006 | 71% | 27% | |
| A-Class | 2001 | 72% | 27% | |
| B-Class | 2005 | 73% | 27% | |
| C | 2006 | 74% | 26% | |
| C | 2005 | 73% | 26% | |
| C | 2003 | 73% | 26% | |
| B-Class | 2010 | 74% | 26% | |
| B-Class | 2009 | 74% | 26% | |
| CLC | 2009 | 73% | 26% | |
| B-Class | 2011 | 73% | 26% | |
| A-Class | 2005 | 73% | 26% | |
| CLC | 2010 | 74% | 26% | |
| ML | 2004 | 73% | 26% | |
| CLC | 2011 | 73% | 26% | |
| ML | 2000 | 73% | 26% | |
| A-Class | 2008 | 74% | 25% | |
| A-Class | 2007 | 74% | 25% | |
| ML | 2003 | 74% | 25% | |
| Viano | 2006 | 74% | 25% | |
| ML | 1999 | 74% | 25% | |
| A-Class | 2009 | 75% | 24% | |
| CLK | 2008 | 75% | 24% | |
| C | 2002 | 75% | 24% | |
| C | 2001 | 75% | 24% | |
| Viano | 2005 | 75% | 24% | |
| C | 2007 | 76% | 23% | |
| A-Class | 2010 | 76% | 23% | |
| CLK | 2005 | 76% | 23% | |
| CLK | 2004 | 76% | 23% | |
| CLK | 2007 | 76% | 23% | |
| CLK | 2006 | 76% | 23% | |
| CLK | 2009 | 76% | 23% | |
| ML | 2005 | 75% | 23% | |
| CLK | 1998 | 77% | 23% | |
| R-Class | 2007 | 74% | 23% | |
| 230 | 1992 | 75% | 23% | |
| C 320 | 2009 | 76% | 23% | |
| C | 2008 | 77% | 22% | |
| C | 2009 | 77% | 22% | |
| A-Class | 2011 | 78% | 22% |
Showing top 50 of 522 model/year combinations. View all Mercedes models
Mercedes MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Mercedes cars?
The most common MOT problems on Mercedes cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Older Mercedes diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. Of the Mercedes models with at least 1,000 tests, the Mercedes CLC has the highest average fail rate at 26%.
Which Mercedes model is the most reliable?
In our data, the Mercedes GT has the best MOT record of the Mercedes models with at least 1,000 tests: 96% of its 4,934 MOT tests ended in a pass and 3% in a fail. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Mercedes?
The average MOT pass rate for Mercedes is 87%, based on 3,624,651 MOT tests across 363 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 13% of MOT tests on Mercedes cars ended in a fail.
Mercedes Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each Mercedes model
Check a Specific Mercedes
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.