Mercedes-Benz X-Class MOT pass rate and common problems
88.2% of 9,292 Mercedes-Benz X-Class MOT tests pass.
The X-Class has a pass rate of 88.2%, a little higher than the average across all Mercedes-Benz models (83.5%).
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class passes its MOT 88.2% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Mercedes-Benz X-Class?
This is the average across every Mercedes-Benz X-Class 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: 88.3% at 3–6 years versus 87.3% at 6–10 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 88.3% | 7,646 | 57,790 miles |
| 6–10 years | 87.3% | 1,642 | 72,516 miles |
| 10–15 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 15+ years | too few tests (3) | 3 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class
The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz X-Class fails its MOT is brakes — present in 38.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Less than 1.5 mm thick".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 38.4% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 27.2% | Not working |
| Visibility | 18.9% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 18.0% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 16.3% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 15.0% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Body, chassis, structure | 7.2% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Identification of the vehicle | 7.2% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Suspension | 4.9% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Road Wheels | 1.3% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz X-Class: what to check
These checks follow the Mercedes-Benz X-Class’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 60,000–90,000 mi to 90,000–120,000 mi: 88.0% down to 82.5%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Brakes
Recorded in 38.4% of failed Mercedes-Benz X-Class 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.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 27.2% of failed Mercedes-Benz X-Class 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. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 18.9% of failed Mercedes-Benz X-Class MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 18.0% of failed Mercedes-Benz X-Class 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 16.3% of failed Mercedes-Benz X-Class 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 CLC — 65.4% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz GLB — 93.4% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class — 92.7% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Viano — 74.6% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Eqa — 91.6% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz 300 — 81.3% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class?
- 88.2% of Mercedes-Benz X-Class MOT tests pass, based on 9,292 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class?
- The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz X-Class fails its MOT is brakes — present in 38.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Less than 1.5 mm thick".
- What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz X-Class?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mercedes-Benz X-Class are brakes; lights and electrics; windscreen and wipers.
- What should I check when buying a used Mercedes-Benz X-Class?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: brakes; lights and electrics; windscreen and wipers; 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 X-Class'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.