2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 69.8% of Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. Across 73,296 C-Class first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, brakes and tyres.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars first used in 2013 (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 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, C-Class cars first used in 2013 against all cars first used in 2013 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the C-Class figure was 4.0 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2013 C-Class | All cars first used 2013 | C-Class first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 76.6% | 72.1% | 26,098 |
| 2022 | 74.7% | 70.3% | 25,798 |
| 2023 | 72.7% | 68.3% | 25,331 |
| 2024 | 69.9% | 66.8% | 24,537 |
| 2025 | 69.8% | 65.8% | 23,428 |
Common 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT failures
Share of the 21,388 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ball joint: excessively worn | 15.4% | 3,290 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 11.0% | 2,347 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 10.0% | 2,140 |
| Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 9.0% | 1,932 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 7.7% | 1,638 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball joint: excessively worn | Ball joint replacement | £90 | £60–£150 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2013 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.
- 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.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Common 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2013 C-Class cars, as a share of all 73,296 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 18.7% | 13,716 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.0% | 6,633 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 7.7% | 5,608 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 7.5% | 5,475 |
| Wheel bearings: has slight play | 5.4% | 3,991 |
Questions about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
In 2025, 69.8% of C-Class cars first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2013 C-Class most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 41.8% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (34.8%) and tyres (27.3%). The single most common item was “Ball joint: excessively worn” (15.4%).
How often does a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class fail its MOT?
In 2025, 30.2% of first tests on C-Class cars first used in 2013 did not pass first time: 26.4% failed, and a further 3.8% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 21,388 of 73,296 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 18.7% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.0%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (7.7%), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (7.5%) and “Wheel bearings: has slight play” (5.4%).
Is a 2013 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 76.6% in 2021 to 69.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2013
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2013 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2013 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics · 2013 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics
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