2008 · 16 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT pass rate and common faults

1,136 MOT tests in 2024. 67.3% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

118Well above average
Passed first time67.3%
Failed or needed repairs32.7%
Typical mileage at test137,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,136 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.9%
  2. Position lamp: not working3.3%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.9%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.9%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.8%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value1.9%
    32 marked dangerous
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.8%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working1.8%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  10. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes26.1%
  2. Lights & electrics24.6%
  3. Suspension9.9%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%
  5. Body & chassis5.6%
  6. Steering5.4%
  7. Emissions & leaks4.6%
  8. Tyres3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.8%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.2%
  3. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)13.6%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.6%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn9.2%

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

In 2024, 67.3% of 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,136 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; position lamp: not working; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 118, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).