Mercedes-Benz Vito MOT pass rate and common problems
75.2% of 128,142 Mercedes-Benz Vito MOT tests pass.
The Vito passes 75.2% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Mercedes-Benz models (83.5%).
At 75.2%, the Mercedes-Benz Vito passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Mercedes-Benz Vito?
This is the average across every Mercedes-Benz Vito 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 Vito tested at 0–3 years pass 87.5% of the time, compared with just 66.2% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 87.5% | 3,359 | 60,204 miles |
| 3–6 years | 83.4% | 25,127 | 88,614 miles |
| 6–10 years | 78.3% | 39,249 | 132,851 miles |
| 10–15 years | 71.5% | 32,772 | 172,881 miles |
| 15+ years | 66.2% | 27,635 | 166,232 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mercedes-Benz Vito
The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz Vito fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 54.7% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 54.7% | Not working |
| Brakes | 54.7% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Suspension | 40.7% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Tyres | 20.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 17.6% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 15.1% | Corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 13.6% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.3% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Steering | 4.7% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.7% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz Vito: what to check
These checks follow the Mercedes-Benz Vito’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 Vito comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 78.3% to 71.5%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 90.0% down to 83.9%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 54.7% of failed Mercedes-Benz Vito MOTs. 32.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 5.7% at 0–3 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.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 54.7% of failed Mercedes-Benz Vito MOTs. 27.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 5.4% at 0–3 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.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 40.7% of failed Mercedes-Benz Vito MOTs. 25.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 2.4% 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.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 20.4% of failed Mercedes-Benz Vito 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. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 17.6% of failed Mercedes-Benz Vito MOTs. 8.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 3.6% at 0–3 years.
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 Gla — 89.4% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz GLC — 91.1% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Cla — 87.2% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz B-Class — 79.0% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz SLK — 78.9% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Gle — 91.9% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz Vito?
- 75.2% of Mercedes-Benz Vito MOT tests pass, based on 128,142 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz Vito?
- The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz Vito fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 54.7% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz Vito?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mercedes-Benz Vito are lights and electrics; brakes; suspension. 32.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 5.7% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Mercedes-Benz Vito?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; suspension; 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 Vito'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.