2021 · 3 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2021 Mercedes-Benz V-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

597 MOT tests in 2024. 81.2% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time81.2%
Failed or needed repairs18.8%
Typical mileage at test27,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 597 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.7%
    21 marked dangerous
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.7%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.3%
    19 marked dangerous
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
    26 marked dangerous
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    16 marked dangerous
  8. Headlamp aim: too low1.0%
  9. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres10.9%
  2. Brakes5.9%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.2%
  4. Lights & electrics3.0%
  5. Suspension2.8%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.3%
  7. Body & chassis0.3%
  8. Wheels0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.2%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.9%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak5.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.7%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn2.5%

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: tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 V-ClassAll V-Class years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Mercedes-Benz V-Class?

In 2024, 81.2% of 2021 Mercedes-Benz V-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 597 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Mercedes-Benz V-Class?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz V-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).