Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 29,044 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class carried out in 2023. 17% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 S-Classes passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1994 to 2022. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2006 models did best (76% passed, +19.9 points against the average for 17-year-old cars), while 2022 models fared worst (96%, +2.9 points). Tested cars had covered 86,325 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 5.3% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint excessively worn", on 2.7% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 29,044
- First-time pass rate
- 83%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +11.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 86,325
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular S-Class?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
S-Class 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 235 | 96% | 93% | +2.9 points | 26,652 |
| 2021 | 194 | 97% | 91% | +6.6 points | 34,303 |
| 2020 | 703 | 91% | 88% | +3.5 points | 35,452 |
| 2019 | 2,623 | 93% | 86% | +6.4 points | 51,652 |
| 2018 | 2,515 | 91% | 84% | +6.5 points | 61,993 |
| 2017 | 2,542 | 88% | 82% | +5.9 points | 65,780 |
| 2016 | 2,789 | 88% | 79% | +9.7 points | 66,180 |
| 2015 | 2,261 | 87% | 75% | +11.0 points | 82,770 |
| 2014 | 1,712 | 86% | 72% | +14.0 points | 90,328 |
| 2013 | 1,046 | 79% | 68% | +10.5 points | 102,965 |
| 2012 | 1,279 | 77% | 66% | +11.2 points | 100,242 |
| 2011 | 979 | 79% | 63% | +16.3 points | 106,458 |
| 2010 | 938 | 80% | 60% | +19.3 points | 107,919 |
| 2009 | 952 | 74% | 59% | +15.1 points | 110,844 |
| 2008 | 1,070 | 74% | 57% | +16.3 points | 111,717 |
| 2007 | 1,455 | 74% | 57% | +17.2 points | 113,793 |
| 2006 | 1,182 | 76% | 56% | +19.9 points | 110,013 |
| 2005 | 621 | 74% | 56% | +17.5 points | 123,790 |
| 2004 | 732 | 73% | 56% | +16.9 points | 122,704 |
| 2003 | 790 | 72% | 57% | +15.6 points | 124,404 |
| 2002 | 485 | 70% | 58% | +12.2 points | 112,066 |
| 2001 | 391 | 71% | 59% | +12.7 points | 101,889 |
| 2000 | 372 | 68% | 61% | +7.7 points | 101,099 |
| 1999 | 219 | 73% | 62% | +10.6 points | 105,776 |
| 1998 | 175 | 75% | 64% | +11.5 points | 114,993 |
| 1997 | 137 | 76% | 64% | +11.4 points | 111,482 |
| 1996 | 118 | 76% | 65% | +11.0 points | 108,008 |
| 1995 | 98 | 76% | 66% | +9.0 points | 101,757 |
| 1994 | 56 | 70% | 66% | +3.2 points | 101,703 |
Why the Mercedes-Benz S-Class fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | S-Class | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 5.3% | 6.3% |
| Suspension | 4.6% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 4.4% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 4.2% | 11.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.7% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 2.1% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 0.9% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.8% | 0.4% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint excessively worn2.7%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
- 3not working1.8%
- 4inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.6%
- 5has ply or cords exposed1.2%
- 6has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
- 7efficiency below requirements0.9%
- 8excessively corroded0.9%
- 9pin or bush excessively worn0.9%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%
Common S-Class MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used S-Class, 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 | 14.4% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 6.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.0% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 5.1% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 2.9% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 2.7% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.6% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.6% |
Tips to help your S-Class pass
Based on where S-Classes most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 4.4% of S-Class 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.
Lights and electrics · 4.2% of S-Class 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.
Compare with other models
Is the S-Class ULEZ compliant? See the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ULEZ check, or view all Mercedes-Benz models.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 29,044 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 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 29,044 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
What is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT failure rate?
In our data, 17% of 29,044 first MOT attempts on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mercedes-Benz S-Class fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (5.3% of tests), suspension (4.6% of tests), brakes (4.4% of tests).
Which S-Class year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2006 cars performed best: 76% passed first time, +19.9 points against the average for 17-year-old cars. The weakest was 2022, at 96% (+2.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Mercedes-Benz S-Class covered at its MOT?
The average was 86,325 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2022 cars averaged 26,652 miles and 1994 cars 101,703.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 14.4% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.3% of S-Classes failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific S-Class's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 29,044 S-Classes in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 68% to 97% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- 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 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
Check any S-Class's MOT history
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