2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito MOT pass rate and common faults

417 MOT tests in 2024. 55.6% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time55.6%
Failed or needed repairs44.4%
Typical mileage at test126,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 417 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength12.0%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt9.6%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.5%
  4. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced5.0%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.0%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.3%
  7. Position lamp: not working4.1%
  8. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn4.1%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.4%
  10. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics38.1%
  2. Suspension36.0%
  3. Body & chassis35.3%
  4. Brakes30.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.5%
  6. Tyres8.2%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.1%
  8. Steering3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.8%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened17.0%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.6%
  5. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced9.8%

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: 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito?

In 2024, 55.6% of 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito cars passed their MOT first time, across 417 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).