1999 · 25 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1999 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT pass rate and common faults

207 MOT tests in 2024. 59.4% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time59.4%
Failed or needed repairs40.6%
Typical mileage at test146,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 207 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam5.8%
  2. Position lamp: not working5.8%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.8%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.8%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.3%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.9%
  7. Headlamp: not working on main beam3.4%
  8. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.9%
  10. Rear fog lamp: not working2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics48.8%
  2. Brakes33.3%
  3. Body & chassis16.4%
  4. Suspension15.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.2%
  6. Steering5.3%
  7. Tyres2.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded29.5%
  2. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)13.5%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.6%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.1%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn10.6%

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: not working on dipped beam. 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

In 2024, 59.4% of 1999 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cars passed their MOT first time, across 207 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp: not working on dipped beam; position lamp: not working; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).