Mercedes-Benz CL MOT pass rate and common problems
84.0% of 6,217 Mercedes-Benz CL MOT tests pass.
The CL's pass rate of 84.0% is in line with the average across all Mercedes-Benz models, at 83.5%.
The Mercedes-Benz CL has a pass rate of 84.0%, a little higher than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Mercedes-Benz CL?
This is the average across every Mercedes-Benz CL 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 98.0% at 3–6 years to 83.0% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (24) | 24 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 98.0% | 49 | 30,861 miles |
| 6–10 years | 90.2% | 102 | 65,525 miles |
| 10–15 years | 86.1% | 1,357 | 73,066 miles |
| 15+ years | 83.0% | 4,685 | 97,482 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mercedes-Benz CL
The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz CL fails its MOT is brakes — present in 44.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Excessively corroded".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 44.6% | Excessively corroded |
| Suspension | 40.9% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 36.8% | Not working |
| Tyres | 26.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 13.1% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 11.9% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 8.4% | Corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced |
| Identification of the vehicle | 7.0% | Incorrect |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 4.5% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Steering | 4.3% | Ball joint has excessive play |
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz CL: what to check
These checks follow the Mercedes-Benz CL’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 CL comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 98.0% to 90.2%. 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: 90.0% down to 84.8%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Brakes
Recorded in 44.6% of failed Mercedes-Benz CL MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 8.8% 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.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 40.9% of failed Mercedes-Benz CL MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 8.7% 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. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 36.8% of failed Mercedes-Benz CL MOTs. 8.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 2.0% 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 26.4% of failed Mercedes-Benz CL MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 5.9% of tests at 6–10 years failed on tyres.
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. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 13.1% of failed Mercedes-Benz CL MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 2.7% 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 300 — 81.3% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz GL — 87.0% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz 190 — 77.5% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz GLS — 91.1% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz GT — 96.6% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz R-Class — 81.4% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz CL?
- 84.0% of Mercedes-Benz CL MOT tests pass, based on 6,217 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz CL?
- The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz CL fails its MOT is brakes — present in 44.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Excessively corroded".
- What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz CL?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mercedes-Benz CL are brakes; suspension; lights and electrics. Rare on young cars, but 8.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes.
- What should I check when buying a used Mercedes-Benz CL?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: brakes; suspension; lights and electrics; tyres; 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 CL'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.