Mercedes-Benz Clk MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 32,401 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz Clk carried out in 2023. 38% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Clks passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1998 to 2010. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2001 models did best (68% passed, +9.3 points against the average for 22-year-old cars), while 1998 models fared worst (64%, +0.4 points). Tested cars had covered 103,679 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 18.8% of tests (well above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint excessively worn", on 7.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 32,401
- First-time pass rate
- 62%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −9.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 103,679
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Clk?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Clk 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 67 | 67% | 60% | +6.7 points | 81,945 |
| 2009 | 3,051 | 60% | 59% | +1.1 points | 94,638 |
| 2008 | 2,798 | 62% | 57% | +4.6 points | 100,911 |
| 2007 | 4,067 | 60% | 57% | +3.3 points | 103,627 |
| 2006 | 3,633 | 61% | 56% | +4.7 points | 105,525 |
| 2005 | 4,522 | 61% | 56% | +5.1 points | 106,333 |
| 2004 | 4,534 | 60% | 56% | +4.2 points | 105,211 |
| 2003 | 3,487 | 62% | 57% | +5.2 points | 105,893 |
| 2002 | 1,924 | 64% | 58% | +6.2 points | 107,689 |
| 2001 | 1,608 | 68% | 59% | +9.3 points | 102,808 |
| 2000 | 1,346 | 67% | 61% | +6.5 points | 103,190 |
| 1999 | 1,024 | 67% | 62% | +4.3 points | 104,637 |
| 1998 | 277 | 64% | 64% | +0.4 points | 99,562 |
Why the Mercedes-Benz Clk fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Clk | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 18.8% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 14.2% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 10.2% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 7.9% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 5.2% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.0% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 3.0% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 2.6% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.6% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 1.1% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint excessively worn7.8%
- 2fractured or broken7.1%
- 3not working5.5%
- 4projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.6%
- 5ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.5%
- 6pin or bush excessively worn3.2%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
- 8inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.8%
- 9efficiency below requirements2.5%
- 10excessively corroded2.4%
Common Clk MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Clk, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 19.4% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 17.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 10.1% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.0% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 8.2% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.1% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 7.0% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 6.2% |
Tips to help your Clk pass
Based on where Clks most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 14.2% of Clk 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 · 10.2% of Clk 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 Clk ULEZ compliant? See the Mercedes-Benz Clk ULEZ check, or view all Mercedes-Benz models.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 32,401 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Clk 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 32,401 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Clk.
What is the Mercedes-Benz Clk MOT failure rate?
In our data, 38% of 32,401 first MOT attempts on the Mercedes-Benz Clk ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mercedes-Benz Clk fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (18.8% of tests), lights and electrics (14.2% of tests), brakes (10.2% of tests).
Which Clk year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2001 cars performed best: 68% passed first time, +9.3 points against the average for 22-year-old cars. The weakest was 1998, at 64% (+0.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Mercedes-Benz Clk covered at its MOT?
The average was 103,679 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2010 cars averaged 81,945 miles and 1998 cars 99,562.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mercedes-Benz Clk?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 19.4% of tests, in the brakes area. 10.2% of Clks failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Clk's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 32,401 Clks in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 60% to 68% 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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