Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate and common problems
81.0% of 45,578 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT tests pass.
At 81.0%, the CLS passes slightly less often than the average across all Mercedes-Benz models (83.5%).
The Mercedes-Benz CLS has a pass rate of 81.0%, a little higher than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Mercedes-Benz CLS?
This is the average across every Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 0–3 years to 74.5% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 93.2% | 146 | 17,371 miles |
| 3–6 years | 88.5% | 4,751 | 42,484 miles |
| 6–10 years | 85.1% | 15,401 | 72,667 miles |
| 10–15 years | 78.7% | 14,901 | 99,381 miles |
| 15+ years | 74.5% | 10,379 | 118,859 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mercedes-Benz CLS
The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz CLS fails its MOT is tyres — present in 42.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 42.0% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Suspension | 35.1% | Fractured or broken |
| Brakes | 32.9% | Excessively corroded |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 23.7% | Not working |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.0% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 7.1% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Road Wheels | 6.3% | Fractured |
| Steering | 4.5% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Body, chassis, structure | 3.4% | System insecure |
| Identification of the vehicle | 2.5% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLS: what to check
These checks follow the Mercedes-Benz CLS’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 CLS comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 85.1% to 78.7%. 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: 87.2% down to 81.6%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Tyres
Recorded in 42.0% of failed Mercedes-Benz CLS MOTs. 10.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 4.8% at 0–3 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.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 35.1% of failed Mercedes-Benz CLS MOTs. 15.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 0.7% at 0–3 years.
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 32.9% of failed Mercedes-Benz CLS MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 11.9% 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.
4. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 23.7% of failed Mercedes-Benz CLS MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 11.6% 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.
5. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 11.0% of failed Mercedes-Benz CLS MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 4.3% 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 S-Class — 88.9% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz CLK — 71.1% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz SL — 88.1% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter — 76.9% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Citan — 72.0% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class — 87.1% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
- 81.0% of Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT tests pass, based on 45,578 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
- The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz CLS fails its MOT is tyres — present in 42.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm".
- What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mercedes-Benz CLS are tyres; suspension; brakes. 10.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 4.8% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLS?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: tyres; suspension; brakes; lights and electrics; 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 CLS'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.