2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 79.9% of Mercedes-Benz CLS cars first used in 2017 passed their MOT first time, against 78.2% for all cars first used in 2017. Across 4,502 CLS first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were tyres, brakes and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz CLS cars first used in 2017 (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 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, CLS cars first used in 2017 against all cars first used in 2017 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the CLS figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2017 CLS | All cars first used 2017 | CLS first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 85.1% | 85.9% | 1,549 |
| 2022 | 84.7% | 83.9% | 1,527 |
| 2023 | 82.7% | 81.7% | 1,528 |
| 2024 | 79.7% | 79.8% | 1,509 |
| 2025 | 79.9% | 78.2% | 1,465 |
Common 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT failures
Share of the 866 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 14.9% | 129 |
| Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 12.9% | 112 |
| Tyre condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | 11.5% | 100 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 11.2% | 97 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 9.1% | 79 |
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 2017 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.
- 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.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
Common 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2017 CLS cars, as a share of all 4,502 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 14.8% | 667 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 7.6% | 344 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 5.8% | 260 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 4.3% | 193 |
| Tyre condition: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 3.6% | 162 |
Questions about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
In 2025, 79.9% of CLS cars first used in 2017 passed their MOT first time, against 78.2% for all cars first used in 2017. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2017 CLS most often fail its MOT on?
Tyres (in 54.2% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (17.1%) and suspension (14.7%). The single most common item was “Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed” (14.9%).
How often does a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS fail its MOT?
In 2025, 20.1% of first tests on CLS cars first used in 2017 did not pass first time: 17.7% failed, and a further 2.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 866 of 4,502 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 14.8% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (7.6%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (5.8%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (4.3%) and “Tyre condition: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords” (3.6%).
Is a 2017 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 85.1% in 2021 to 79.9% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2017
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2017 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2017 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2017 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2017 Nissan Qashqai MOT statistics · 2017 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2017 CLS?
The numbers above cover every CLS first used in 2017 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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