1998 · 26 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1998 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT pass rate and common faults

206 MOT tests in 2024. 55.3% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time55.3%
Failed or needed repairs44.7%
Typical mileage at test131,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 206 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.3%
  2. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements4.9%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.4%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.9%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value3.9%
    21 marked dangerous
  6. Stop lamp: not working3.4%
  7. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.4%
  8. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.4%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.4%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics44.7%
  2. Brakes35.4%
  3. Suspension19.9%
  4. Body & chassis16.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.2%
  6. Steering7.3%
  7. Tyres6.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.4%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.5%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn12.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.7%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.3%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

In 2024, 55.3% of 1998 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cars passed their MOT first time, across 206 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake performance: efficiency below requirements; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).