Mercedes-Benz Slc MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 8,878 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz Slc carried out in 2023. 13% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Slcs passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2016 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2016 models did best (85% passed, +6.6 points against the average for 7-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (91%, +3.6 points). Tested cars had covered 28,204 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 7.1% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "has ply or cords exposed", on 2.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 8,878
- First-time pass rate
- 87%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +16.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 28,204
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Slc?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Slc 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 594 | 91% | 88% | +3.6 points | 13,958 |
| 2019 | 1,006 | 93% | 86% | +6.5 points | 17,129 |
| 2018 | 1,507 | 90% | 84% | +5.8 points | 23,842 |
| 2017 | 3,460 | 86% | 82% | +4.1 points | 30,478 |
| 2016 | 2,281 | 85% | 79% | +6.6 points | 36,033 |
Why the Mercedes-Benz Slc fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Slc | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 7.1% | 6.3% |
| Suspension | 2.1% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 1.9% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 1.2% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.1% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 0.6% | 4.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Body and structure | 0.1% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.1% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1has ply or cords exposed2.4%
- 2has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.3%
- 3tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
- 4fractured or broken0.9%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.6%
- 6too low0.6%
- 7ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.6%
- 8has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
- 9has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
- 10ball joint excessively worn0.5%
Common Slc MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Slc, 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 | 12.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.2% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 3.2% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 2.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 1.9% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 1.6% |
| has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 1.4% |
| badly distorted | Road Wheels | 1.4% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.3% |
Tips to help your Slc pass
Based on where Slcs most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 1.9% of Slc 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 · 1.2% of Slc 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 Slc ULEZ compliant? See the Mercedes-Benz Slc ULEZ check, or view all Mercedes-Benz models.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 8,878 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Slc 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 8,878 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Slc.
What is the Mercedes-Benz Slc MOT failure rate?
In our data, 13% of 8,878 first MOT attempts on the Mercedes-Benz Slc ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mercedes-Benz Slc fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (7.1% of tests), suspension (2.1% of tests), lights and electrics (1.9% of tests).
Which Slc year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2016 cars performed best: 85% passed first time, +6.6 points against the average for 7-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 91% (+3.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Mercedes-Benz Slc covered at its MOT?
The average was 28,204 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 13,958 miles and 2016 cars 36,033.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mercedes-Benz Slc?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 12.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.1% of Slcs failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Slc's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 8,878 Slcs in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 85% to 93% 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 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
Check any Slc's MOT history
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