Mercedes-Benz Clc MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 9,166 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz Clc carried out in 2023. 45% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 5 in 10 Clcs passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2008 to 2011. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2011 models did best (60% passed, −2.5 points against the average for 12-year-old cars), while 2010 models fared worst (55%, −5.4 points). Tested cars had covered 96,413 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 26.1% of tests (well above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint excessively worn", on 13.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 9,166
- First-time pass rate
- 55%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −16.4 points
- Average mileage at test
- 96,413
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Clc?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Clc MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 617 | 60% | 63% | −2.5 points | 79,248 |
| 2010 | 2,600 | 55% | 60% | −5.4 points | 90,382 |
| 2009 | 3,551 | 55% | 59% | −3.9 points | 98,427 |
| 2008 | 2,368 | 53% | 57% | −4.3 points | 104,625 |
Why the Mercedes-Benz Clc fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Clc | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 26.1% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 17.0% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 10.9% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 10.1% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 7.9% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 4.0% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.9% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 2.5% | 3.5% |
| Road Wheels | 1.8% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.0% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint excessively worn13.0%
- 2fractured or broken10.0%
- 3not working7.5%
- 4ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.4%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.7%
- 6pin or bush excessively worn3.6%
- 7provides insufficient washer liquid3.4%
- 8efficiency below requirements3.3%
- 9ball joint has excessive play3.1%
- 10incorrect colour3.0%
Common Clc MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Clc, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 19.2% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 16.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 11.5% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 9.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.2% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.6% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 6.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.9% |
| system insecure | Body and structure | 4.7% |
| incorrect colour | Lights and electrics | 4.7% |
Tips to help your Clc pass
Based on where Clcs most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 17.0% of Clc tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 10.9% of Clc tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Clc ULEZ compliant? See the Mercedes-Benz Clc ULEZ check, or view all Mercedes-Benz models.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 9,166 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Clc carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 9,166 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Clc.
What is the Mercedes-Benz Clc MOT failure rate?
In our data, 45% of 9,166 first MOT attempts on the Mercedes-Benz Clc ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mercedes-Benz Clc fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (26.1% of tests), lights and electrics (17.0% of tests), brakes (10.9% of tests).
Which Clc year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2011 cars performed best: 60% passed first time, −2.5 points against the average for 12-year-old cars. The weakest was 2010, at 55% (−5.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Mercedes-Benz Clc covered at its MOT?
The average was 96,413 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2011 cars averaged 79,248 miles and 2008 cars 104,625.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mercedes-Benz Clc?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 19.2% of tests, in the tyres area. 10.1% of Clcs failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Clc's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 9,166 Clcs in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 53% to 60% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
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