2004 · 20 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano MOT pass rate and common faults

265 MOT tests in 2024. 64.1% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time64.1%
Failed or needed repairs35.9%
Typical mileage at test101,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 265 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.3%
  2. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault4.9%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.5%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.8%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.0%
  6. Stop lamp: not working2.3%
  7. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.3%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.3%
  9. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.3%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics29.4%
  2. Suspension24.9%
  3. Brakes14.7%
  4. Body & chassis13.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.4%
  6. Seat belts & airbags9.1%
  7. Steering6.4%
  8. Tyres4.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.2%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.6%
  3. Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated10.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.9%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.8%

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: 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.

All Viano years2005 Viano →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano?

In 2024, 64.1% of 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano cars passed their MOT first time, across 265 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).