2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 73.8% of Mercedes-Benz CLS cars first used in 2012 passed their MOT first time, against 63.5% for all cars first used in 2012. Across 3,362 CLS first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were tyres, suspension and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz CLS cars first used in 2012 (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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, CLS cars first used in 2012 against all cars first used in 2012 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the CLS figure was 10.3 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2012 CLS | All cars first used 2012 | CLS first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 75.3% | 68.8% | 1,231 |
| 2022 | 75.3% | 67.4% | 1,212 |
| 2023 | 75.1% | 65.6% | 1,179 |
| 2024 | 74.1% | 64.3% | 1,120 |
| 2025 | 73.8% | 63.5% | 1,063 |
Common 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT failures
Share of the 862 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 | 17.7% | 153 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 13.2% | 114 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 13.1% | 113 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 12.6% | 109 |
| Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 8.1% | 70 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
- 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.
Common 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2012 CLS cars, as a share of all 3,362 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 18.4% | 620 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 18.3% | 616 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 8.1% | 271 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 7.5% | 253 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 6.5% | 218 |
Questions about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
In 2025, 73.8% of CLS cars first used in 2012 passed their MOT first time, against 63.5% for all cars first used in 2012. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2012 CLS most often fail its MOT on?
Tyres (in 39.7% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (37.9%) and brakes (26.7%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (17.7%).
How often does a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS fail its MOT?
In 2025, 26.2% of first tests on CLS cars first used in 2012 did not pass first time: 23.6% failed, and a further 2.6% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 862 of 3,362 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT advisories?
“Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (on 18.4% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (18.3%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (8.1%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (7.5%) and “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (6.5%).
Is a 2012 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 75.3% in 2021 to 73.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2012
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2012 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2012 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2012 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2012 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2012 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2012 CLS?
The numbers above cover every CLS first used in 2012 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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