Mercedes Sprinter Reliability and Common Problems
What the Mercedes Sprinter fails its MOT on, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 45,902 MOT tests across 27 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: premium | Fuel: Diesel
79%
Mercedes Sprinter pass rate
87%
Mercedes average
82%
All-model average
The Mercedes Sprinter has an average MOT pass rate of 79%, which is 8 points below the Mercedes average and 3 points below the average across all models in our data. 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.
Check Your Mercedes Sprinter's MOT History
Enter your reg plate to see the specific issues found on your car, plus a health score and running cost estimate.
What the Mercedes Sprinter Fails Its MOT On
Of the 6,800 MOT tests on the Mercedes Sprinter that failed at the first attempt in 2025, the share that failed on each part of the test, next to the share for all cars and vans of the same ages. A test that failed on two areas counts in both.
Lights and electrics
48%Cars and vans the same age: 42% · Typical repair £15-£200
Brakes
46%Cars and vans the same age: 25% (the Sprinter fails on this more often) · Typical repair £80-£450
Suspension
23%Cars and vans the same age: 35% (the Sprinter fails on this less often) · Typical repair £150-£600
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
17%Cars and vans the same age: 16% · Typical repair £10-£350
Body, chassis and structure
16%Cars and vans the same age: 15% · Typical repair £200-£1200
The 3 single faults it failed on most
- Parking brake efficiency below requirements (17% of failed tests, brakes)
- Position lamp: not working (9.4% of failed tests, lights and electrics)
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.5% of failed tests, windscreen, wipers and mirrors)
Source: CarCostCheck analysis of DVSA anonymised MOT test results and failure items for 2025: first attempt at each MOT, fail and pass-after-repair defects, DVSA's defect categories (names shortened). Repair costs are rough UK ranges, not quotes. Method and national figures: MOT failure reasons 2025.
Buying a Mercedes Sprinter? Check it first
See that car's own MOT history and mileage free, then check it for outstanding finance, an insurance write-off and a stolen record before you pay.
History check £4.99, one-off. No subscription.
Mercedes Sprinter Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
| Year | Fuel | Engine | Pass Rate | Fail Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Diesel | 3.0L | 92% | 5% |
| 2021 | Diesel | 1.9L | 85% | 12% |
| 2020 | Diesel | 3.0L | 89% | 9% |
| 2019 | Diesel | 3.0L | 88% | 10% |
| 2018 | Diesel | 2.1L | 87% | 11% |
| 2017 | Diesel | 3.0L | 88% | 11% |
| 2016 | Diesel | 3.0L | 83% | 16% |
| 2015 | Diesel | 3.0L | 83% | 16% |
| 2014 | Diesel | 2.1L | 80% | 18% |
| 2013 | Diesel | 2.1L | 79% | 19% |
| 2012 | Diesel | 0.0L | 75% | 23% |
| 2011 | Diesel | 2.2L | 79% | 19% |
| 2010 | Diesel | 2.2L | 78% | 20% |
| 2009 | Diesel | 2.2L | 79% | 20% |
| 2008 | Diesel | 2.2L | 77% | 20% |
| 2007 | Diesel | 2.2L | 76% | 22% |
| 2006 | Diesel | 2.2L | 74% | 24% |
| 2005 | Diesel | 2.2L | 73% | 25% |
| 2004 | Diesel | 2.2L | 74% | 25% |
| 2003 | Diesel | 2.2L | 75% | 24% |
| 2002 | Diesel | 2.2L | 73% | 26% |
| 2001 | Diesel | 2.2L | 75% | 23% |
| 2000 | Diesel | 2.1L | 73% | 26% |
| 1999 | Diesel | 2.9L | 72% | 28% |
| 1998 | Diesel | 2.9L | 72% | 28% |
| 1997 | Diesel | 2.9L | 74% | 25% |
| 1996 | Diesel | 0.0L | 68% | 28% |
Mercedes Sprinter Running Costs
Want to know the full annual running costs for the Mercedes Sprinter? Including fuel, road tax, the MOT and predicted repairs based on MOT pass rates, plus an estimated insurance group.
View Mercedes Sprinter Running CostsCar history check for £4.99
Finance, stolen and write-off checks
Outstanding finance with the lender's details, stolen, write-off and keeper changes. One payment, no subscription.
Comparing checks first? See the cheapest car check in the UK and the best car check providers compared.
Mercedes Sprinter FAQ
What are the most common Mercedes Sprinter problems?
In 2025, MOT tests on the Mercedes Sprinter that failed at the first attempt most often failed on lights and electrics (48% of the 6,800 failed tests), brakes (46%) and suspension (23%). The single most common fault was "Parking brake efficiency below requirements" (17%). Across 45,902 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 79% ended in a pass.
Is the Mercedes Sprinter reliable?
The Mercedes Sprinter has an average MOT pass rate of 79%, from 45,902 MOT tests. That is 3 points below the average across all models in our data (82%), so budget for potential repairs. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.
Which year Mercedes Sprinter is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 2020 Mercedes Sprinter has the highest MOT pass rate: 89% of its 1,701 tests ended in a pass. The 1996 has the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes Sprinter faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a Mercedes Sprinter typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
Check a Specific Mercedes Sprinter
Enter any reg plate to see the exact MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.
Other Mercedes Models
Common problems pages for other Mercedes models