2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 63.2% of Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. Across 4,278 C-Class first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars first used in 2001 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, C-Class cars first used in 2001 against all cars first used in 2001 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the C-Class figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2001 C-Class | All cars first used 2001 | C-Class first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 59.2% | 55.6% | 3,026 |
| 2022 | 60.9% | 57.4% | 2,321 |
| 2023 | 61.8% | 58.7% | 1,819 |
| 2024 | 61.5% | 59.4% | 1,382 |
| 2025 | 63.2% | 61.1% | 1,077 |
Common 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT failures
Share of the 1,622 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 16.7% | 271 |
| Ball joint: excessively worn | 16.3% | 265 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 8.8% | 143 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 8.8% | 143 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 8.1% | 131 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a C-Class in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
| Ball joint: excessively worn | Ball joint replacement | £90 | £60–£150 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2001 C-Class cars, as a share of all 4,278 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 17.7% | 757 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 14.4% | 615 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 11.0% | 469 |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | 10.0% | 426 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 8.5% | 362 |
Questions about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
In 2025, 63.2% of C-Class cars first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2001 C-Class most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 49.3% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (40.5%) and brakes (26.0%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (16.7%).
How often does a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class fail its MOT?
In 2025, 36.8% of first tests on C-Class cars first used in 2001 did not pass first time: 29.2% failed, and a further 7.6% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,622 of 4,278 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT advisories?
“Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (on 17.7% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (14.4%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (11.0%), “Play in steering rack inner joint(s)” (10.0%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (8.5%).
Is a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 59.2% in 2021 to 63.2% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2001
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2001 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2001 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2001 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 2001 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2001 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2001 C-Class?
The numbers above cover every C-Class first used in 2001 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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