2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 68.8% of Mercedes-Benz CLS cars first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. Across 4,101 CLS first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and tyres.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz CLS cars first used in 2008 (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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, CLS cars first used in 2008 against all cars first used in 2008 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the CLS figure was 11.6 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2008 CLS | All cars first used 2008 | CLS first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 65.8% | 58.0% | 1,746 |
| 2022 | 64.7% | 57.9% | 1,678 |
| 2023 | 67.8% | 57.4% | 1,551 |
| 2024 | 64.4% | 56.9% | 1,381 |
| 2025 | 68.8% | 57.2% | 1,169 |
Common 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT failures
Share of the 1,355 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 | 16.7% | 226 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 11.4% | 155 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 10.9% | 148 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 10.6% | 143 |
| Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play | 9.2% | 125 |
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 CLS 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 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Common 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2008 CLS cars, as a share of all 4,101 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 21.2% | 870 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 19.0% | 781 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 12.0% | 494 |
| Ball joint: has slight play | 9.0% | 371 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 8.3% | 341 |
Questions about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
In 2025, 68.8% of CLS cars first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2008 CLS most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 38.3% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (31.1%) and tyres (29.7%). The single most common item was “Ball joint: excessively worn” (16.7%).
How often does a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS fail its MOT?
In 2025, 31.2% of first tests on CLS cars first used in 2008 did not pass first time: 25.1% failed, and a further 6.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,355 of 4,101 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 21.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (19.0%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (12.0%), “Ball joint: has slight play” (9.0%) and “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (8.3%).
Is a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 65.8% in 2021 to 68.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2008
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2008 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2008 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2008 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2008 CLS?
The numbers above cover every CLS first used in 2008 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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