2018 · 6 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

2,462 MOT tests in 2024. 80.9% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

98About average
Passed first time80.9%
Failed or needed repairs19.1%
Typical mileage at test77,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,462 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.4%
    94 marked dangerous
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    73 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.5%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
    64 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.2%
    36 marked dangerous
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value1.0%
    33 marked dangerous
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.0%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres8.3%
  2. Brakes7.8%
  3. Suspension6.8%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.7%
  6. Body & chassis1.4%
  7. Lights & electrics1.2%
  8. Wheels0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.4%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.6%
  4. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn4.2%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: coil spring: fractured or broken. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2017 V-ClassAll V-Class years2019 V-Class →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class?

In 2024, 80.9% of 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,462 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz V-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).