Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 22,641 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter carried out in 2023. 29% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Sprinters passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1996 to 2022. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2009 models did best (70% passed, +10.6 points against the average for 14-year-old cars), while 1997 models fared worst (56%, −8.9 points). Tested cars had covered 127,084 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 14.5% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 7.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 22,641
- First-time pass rate
- 71%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −0.4 points
- Average mileage at test
- 127,084
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Sprinter?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Sprinter 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 | 234 | 93% | 93% | +0.3 points | 29,571 |
| 2021 | 177 | 90% | 91% | −0.4 points | 49,788 |
| 2020 | 987 | 85% | 88% | −2.7 points | 54,148 |
| 2019 | 1,064 | 85% | 86% | −1.1 points | 76,528 |
| 2018 | 1,120 | 85% | 84% | +0.7 points | 92,060 |
| 2017 | 1,250 | 84% | 82% | +2.5 points | 111,937 |
| 2016 | 1,149 | 77% | 79% | −1.7 points | 116,203 |
| 2015 | 1,459 | 76% | 75% | +1.0 points | 140,309 |
| 2014 | 1,326 | 75% | 72% | +3.8 points | 139,696 |
| 2013 | 1,125 | 75% | 68% | +6.4 points | 152,136 |
| 2012 | 1,149 | 69% | 66% | +3.6 points | 133,191 |
| 2011 | 1,002 | 69% | 63% | +6.4 points | 147,625 |
| 2010 | 1,058 | 66% | 60% | +5.5 points | 149,666 |
| 2009 | 826 | 70% | 59% | +10.6 points | 136,678 |
| 2008 | 1,132 | 63% | 57% | +5.3 points | 139,279 |
| 2007 | 1,039 | 65% | 57% | +7.8 points | 145,695 |
| 2006 | 888 | 63% | 56% | +6.6 points | 139,069 |
| 2005 | 967 | 63% | 56% | +6.3 points | 130,764 |
| 2004 | 1,060 | 60% | 56% | +3.8 points | 137,993 |
| 2003 | 918 | 59% | 57% | +2.0 points | 137,574 |
| 2002 | 886 | 58% | 58% | +0.5 points | 137,903 |
| 2001 | 677 | 64% | 59% | +5.5 points | 143,320 |
| 2000 | 381 | 60% | 61% | −1.0 points | 144,693 |
| 1999 | 244 | 61% | 62% | −1.0 points | 155,219 |
| 1998 | 235 | 57% | 64% | −6.5 points | 149,769 |
| 1997 | 153 | 56% | 64% | −8.9 points | 141,842 |
| 1996 | 62 | 63% | 65% | −2.3 points | 140,967 |
Why the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Sprinter | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 14.5% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 13.2% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 6.3% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 5.3% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 4.6% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.1% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 2.8% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 2.7% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.0% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working7.6%
- 2efficiency below requirements5.3%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
- 4excessively corroded2.5%
- 5efficiency less than 50% of the required value1.8%
- 6prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.8%
- 7ball joint excessively worn1.6%
- 8pin or bush excessively worn1.6%
- 9excessively binding1.6%
- 10ball joint has excessive play1.5%
Common Sprinter MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Sprinter, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 13.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.3% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 8.8% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 7.7% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 6.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 6.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.9% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 2.9% |
| incorrect colour | Lights and electrics | 2.8% |
Tips to help your Sprinter pass
Based on where Sprinters most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 14.5% of Sprinter 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 · 13.2% of Sprinter 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.
Visibility · 5.3% of Sprinter tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Sprinter ULEZ compliant? See the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ULEZ check, or view all Mercedes-Benz models.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 22,641 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 22,641 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
What is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT failure rate?
In our data, 29% of 22,641 first MOT attempts on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (14.5% of tests), brakes (13.2% of tests), suspension (6.3% of tests).
Which Sprinter year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2009 cars performed best: 70% passed first time, +10.6 points against the average for 14-year-old cars. The weakest was 1997, at 56% (−8.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Mercedes-Benz Sprinter covered at its MOT?
The average was 127,084 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2022 cars averaged 29,571 miles and 1996 cars 140,967.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 13.4% of tests, in the brakes area. 13.2% of Sprinters failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Sprinter's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 22,641 Sprinters in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 56% to 93% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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
- 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
Check any Sprinter's MOT history
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