1997 · 27 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1997 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT pass rate and common faults

137 MOT tests in 2024. 62.0% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time62.0%
Failed or needed repairs38.0%
Typical mileage at test129,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 137 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.6%
  2. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.8%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.1%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively5.1%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.4%
  6. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements4.4%
  7. Headlamp: not working on main beam3.6%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.6%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.6%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics46.7%
  2. Brakes31.4%
  3. Suspension11.7%
  4. Body & chassis10.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.5%
  6. Steering6.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags2.2%
  8. Emissions & leaks1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded23.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.1%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.8%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Sprinter years1998 Sprinter →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

In 2024, 62.0% of 1997 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cars passed their MOT first time, across 137 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 95, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).