Mercedes-Benz 220 MOT pass rate and common problems
78.9% of 1,444 Mercedes-Benz 220 MOT tests pass.
At 78.9%, the 220 passes slightly less often than the average across all Mercedes-Benz models (83.5%).
The Mercedes-Benz 220's pass rate of 78.9% is in line with the national average for cars, at 79.2%.
Own this Mercedes-Benz 220?
This is the average across every Mercedes-Benz 220 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 declines noticeably with age, from 93.2% at 3–6 years to 74.7% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (7) | 7 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 93.2% | 73 | 60,422 miles |
| 6–10 years | 84.1% | 391 | 88,028 miles |
| 10–15 years | 77.5% | 284 | 107,134 miles |
| 15+ years | 74.7% | 689 | 122,766 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mercedes-Benz 220
The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz 220 fails its MOT is suspension — present in 54.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 54.9% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Brakes | 40.3% | Excessively corroded |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 38.3% | Not working |
| Tyres | 29.5% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 16.1% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Body, chassis, structure | 12.3% | Corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 9.1% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.5% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 3.8% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz 220: what to check
These checks follow the Mercedes-Benz 220’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 220 comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 93.2% to 84.1%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 82.2% down to 72.4%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 54.9% of failed Mercedes-Benz 220 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 23.5% 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.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 40.3% of failed Mercedes-Benz 220 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 14.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes.
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.
3. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 38.3% of failed Mercedes-Benz 220 MOTs. 16.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.1% at 3–6 years.
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.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 29.5% of failed Mercedes-Benz 220 MOTs. 12.0% of tests at 10–15 years failed on tyres, against 4.1% at 3–6 years.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 16.1% of failed Mercedes-Benz 220 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 7.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
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 230 — 77.9% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz 280 — 82.2% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz 420 — 84.1% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Eqv — 89.4% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz S 350 L Grand — 93.2% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Vito 114 Progressive CDI — 77.4% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz 220?
- 78.9% of Mercedes-Benz 220 MOT tests pass, based on 1,444 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz 220?
- The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz 220 fails its MOT is suspension — present in 54.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz 220?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mercedes-Benz 220 are suspension; brakes; lights and electrics. Rare on young cars, but 23.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
- What should I check when buying a used Mercedes-Benz 220?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; brakes; lights and electrics; tyres; windscreen and wipers. 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 220'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.