2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 66.5% of Mercedes-Benz CLS cars first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. Across 3,289 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 2009 (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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, CLS cars first used in 2009 against all cars first used in 2009 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the CLS figure was 8.2 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2009 CLS | All cars first used 2009 | CLS first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 65.3% | 60.5% | 1,383 |
| 2022 | 64.4% | 60.1% | 1,326 |
| 2023 | 64.9% | 59.0% | 1,222 |
| 2024 | 63.3% | 58.4% | 1,118 |
| 2025 | 66.5% | 58.3% | 949 |
Common 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT failures
Share of the 1,157 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 | 16.4% | 190 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 13.1% | 152 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 12.3% | 142 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 11.7% | 135 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 10.4% | 120 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
Enter the car's registration to run the check.
Free · opens our free car check — no sign-in needed.
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 |
| 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 2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2009 CLS cars, as a share of all 3,289 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 22.3% | 735 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 18.6% | 611 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 11.3% | 372 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 8.8% | 290 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 7.8% | 258 |
Questions about the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
In 2025, 66.5% of CLS cars first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2009 CLS most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 36.8% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (33.0%) and tyres (29.7%). The single most common item was “Ball joint: excessively worn” (16.4%).
How often does a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS fail its MOT?
In 2025, 33.5% of first tests on CLS cars first used in 2009 did not pass first time: 28.9% failed, and a further 4.6% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,157 of 3,289 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 22.3% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (18.6%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (11.3%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (8.8%) and “Brake pads: wearing thin” (7.8%).
Is a 2009 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 65.3% in 2021 to 66.5% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2009
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2009 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2009 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2009 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2009 CLS?
The numbers above cover every CLS first used in 2009 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.
Enter the car's registration to run the check.
Free · no sign-in needed.