Mercedes-Benz Viano MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 5,807 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz Viano carried out in 2023. 35% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Vianos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2004 to 2015. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2004 models did best (63% passed, +6.9 points against the average for 19-year-old cars), while 2015 models fared worst (69%, −6.3 points). Tested cars had covered 148,270 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 17.9% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 10.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 5,807
- First-time pass rate
- 65%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −6.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 148,270
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Viano?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Viano 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 146 | 69% | 75% | −6.3 points | 121,737 |
| 2014 | 692 | 71% | 72% | −1.2 points | 132,229 |
| 2013 | 703 | 69% | 68% | +0.6 points | 137,569 |
| 2012 | 589 | 68% | 66% | +2.1 points | 149,402 |
| 2011 | 506 | 62% | 63% | −1.1 points | 153,007 |
| 2010 | 474 | 67% | 60% | +6.2 points | 161,144 |
| 2009 | 490 | 65% | 59% | +6.1 points | 159,494 |
| 2008 | 535 | 62% | 57% | +4.5 points | 157,648 |
| 2007 | 501 | 62% | 57% | +4.9 points | 164,692 |
| 2006 | 415 | 60% | 56% | +3.8 points | 159,537 |
| 2005 | 431 | 57% | 56% | +0.4 points | 144,627 |
| 2004 | 305 | 63% | 56% | +6.9 points | 123,784 |
Why the Mercedes-Benz Viano fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Viano | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 17.9% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 11.2% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 8.9% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 6.5% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 5.2% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 4.9% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.6% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 4.5% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 2.5% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working10.1%
- 2efficiency below requirements3.6%
- 3warning lamp indicates a fault3.4%
- 4ball joint excessively worn2.6%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
- 6inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3%
- 7has ply or cords exposed2.3%
- 8ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
- 9efficiency less than 50% of the required value1.9%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%
Common Viano MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Viano, 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 | 18.4% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 9.7% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.8% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 4.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.9% |
| incorrect colour | Lights and electrics | 3.5% |
| system insecure | Body and structure | 3.4% |
Tips to help your Viano pass
Based on where Vianos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 17.9% of Viano 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 · 11.2% of Viano 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 Viano ULEZ compliant? See the Mercedes-Benz Viano ULEZ check, or view all Mercedes-Benz models.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 5,807 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 5,807 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Viano.
What is the Mercedes-Benz Viano MOT failure rate?
In our data, 35% of 5,807 first MOT attempts on the Mercedes-Benz Viano ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mercedes-Benz Viano fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (17.9% of tests), brakes (11.2% of tests), suspension (8.9% of tests).
Which Viano year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2004 cars performed best: 63% passed first time, +6.9 points against the average for 19-year-old cars. The weakest was 2015, at 69% (−6.3 points).
How many miles had a typical Mercedes-Benz Viano covered at its MOT?
The average was 148,270 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2015 cars averaged 121,737 miles and 2004 cars 123,784.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mercedes-Benz Viano?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 18.4% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.5% of Vianos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Viano's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 5,807 Vianos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 57% to 71% 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 Viano's MOT history
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