2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT pass rate and common faults

1,804 MOT tests in 2024. 69.6% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

120Well above average
Passed first time69.6%
Failed or needed repairs30.4%
Typical mileage at test84,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,804 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Stop lamp: not working4.9%
  2. Position lamp: not working2.3%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.3%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.0%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.9%
  6. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.7%
  7. Washers: not working1.7%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
    49 marked dangerous
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics24.5%
  2. Brakes12.1%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.4%
  4. Suspension6.9%
  5. Tyres4.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks4.4%
  7. Body & chassis3.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.8%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play8.0%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: stop lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

In 2024, 69.6% of 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,804 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

The most common failure reasons were stop lamp: not working; position lamp: not working; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 120, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).