Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT pass rate and common problems
71.1% of 48,456 Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT tests pass.
The CLK passes 71.1% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Mercedes-Benz models (83.5%).
The Mercedes-Benz CLK passes 71.1% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Mercedes-Benz CLK?
This is the average across every Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 stays relatively stable with age: 70.4% at 10–15 years versus 71.2% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | too few tests (3) | 3 | no reading |
| 10–15 years | 70.4% | 2,046 | 95,345 miles |
| 15+ years | 71.2% | 46,407 | 104,329 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mercedes-Benz CLK
The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz CLK fails its MOT is suspension — present in 65.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 65.3% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 52.6% | Not working |
| Brakes | 40.8% | Excessively corroded |
| Tyres | 22.8% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 14.4% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 13.6% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Steering | 7.2% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Body, chassis, structure | 7.1% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.6% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 3.0% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLK: what to check
These checks follow the Mercedes-Benz CLK’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.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 91.5% down to 82.1%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 65.3% of failed Mercedes-Benz CLK MOTs.
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. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 52.6% of failed Mercedes-Benz CLK MOTs.
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.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 40.8% of failed Mercedes-Benz CLK MOTs.
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. Tyres
Recorded in 22.8% of failed Mercedes-Benz CLK MOTs.
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 14.4% of failed Mercedes-Benz CLK MOTs.
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 Gle — 91.9% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz ML — 80.7% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class — 88.9% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz SL — 88.1% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz CLS — 81.0% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter — 76.9% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz CLK?
- 71.1% of Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT tests pass, based on 48,456 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz CLK?
- The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz CLK fails its MOT is suspension — present in 65.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Ball joint excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz CLK?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mercedes-Benz CLK are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes.
- What should I check when buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLK?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; lights and electrics; brakes; 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 CLK'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.