Mercedes-Benz 200 MOT pass rate and common problems
78.0% of 1,176 Mercedes-Benz 200 MOT tests pass.
The 200 passes 78.0% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Mercedes-Benz models (83.5%).
At 78.0%, the Mercedes-Benz 200 passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Mercedes-Benz 200?
This is the average across every Mercedes-Benz 200 in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Mercedes-Benz’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Mercedes-Benz 200 tested at 3–6 years pass 97.4% of the time, compared with just 74.4% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (10) | 10 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 97.4% | 78 | 36,819 miles |
| 6–10 years | 86.6% | 97 | 58,867 miles |
| 10–15 years | 86.0% | 86 | 83,597 miles |
| 15+ years | 74.4% | 905 | 122,783 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mercedes-Benz 200
The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz 200 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 53.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 53.0% | Not working |
| Suspension | 38.7% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Brakes | 29.6% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Body, chassis, structure | 19.8% | Corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 16.5% | Emissions carbon monoxide content excessive |
| Visibility | 16.5% | Not working |
| Tyres | 11.6% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Steering | 9.1% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 4.9% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Identification of the vehicle | 3.7% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz 200: what to check
These checks follow the Mercedes-Benz 200’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz 200 comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 86.0% to 74.4%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 90.3% down to 75.7%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 53.0% of failed Mercedes-Benz 200 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 18.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 38.7% of failed Mercedes-Benz 200 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 12.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 29.6% of failed Mercedes-Benz 200 MOTs. 10.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 1.3% at 3–6 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 19.8% of failed Mercedes-Benz 200 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 7.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
5. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 16.5% of failed Mercedes-Benz 200 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 5.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Mercedes-Benz service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Mercedes-Benz models
- Mercedes-Benz Eqe — 97.6% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Hymer — 85.0% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Vito 110 Progressive CDI — 74.2% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Motorhome — 76.8% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz 320 — 77.8% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz 208 — 67.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz 200?
- 78.0% of Mercedes-Benz 200 MOT tests pass, based on 1,176 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz 200?
- The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz 200 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 53.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz 200?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mercedes-Benz 200 are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. Rare on young cars, but 18.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics.
- What should I check when buying a used Mercedes-Benz 200?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; bodywork and corrosion; exhaust, emissions and leaks. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Mercedes-Benz 200's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Mercedes-Benz service history guide for how to check and keep one.