2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 69.6% of Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars first used in 2011 passed their MOT first time, against 61.2% for all cars first used in 2011. Across 40,222 E-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 E-Class cars first used in 2011 (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 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, E-Class cars first used in 2011 against all cars first used in 2011 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the E-Class figure was 8.4 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2011 E-Class | All cars first used 2011 | E-Class first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 75.4% | 65.8% | 15,375 |
| 2022 | 73.6% | 64.5% | 15,001 |
| 2023 | 71.6% | 63.0% | 14,409 |
| 2024 | 70.6% | 61.8% | 13,377 |
| 2025 | 69.6% | 61.2% | 12,436 |
Common 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT failures
Share of the 11,803 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 | 12.6% | 1,492 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 11.2% | 1,319 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 10.2% | 1,205 |
| Ball joint: excessively worn | 10.0% | 1,182 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 7.5% | 889 |
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 an E-Class 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 |
| 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-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 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2011 E-Class cars, as a share of all 40,222 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 18.4% | 7,418 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 17.7% | 7,118 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.8% | 3,926 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 8.3% | 3,347 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 7.8% | 3,142 |
Questions about the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
In 2025, 69.6% of E-Class cars first used in 2011 passed their MOT first time, against 61.2% for all cars first used in 2011. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2011 E-Class most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 42.7% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (32.3%) and tyres (28.7%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (12.6%).
How often does a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class fail its MOT?
In 2025, 30.4% of first tests on E-Class cars first used in 2011 did not pass first time: 27.3% failed, and a further 3.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 11,803 of 40,222 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 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” (17.7%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.8%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (8.3%) and “Brake pads: wearing thin” (7.8%).
Is a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-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 75.4% in 2021 to 69.6% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2011
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2011 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2011 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2011 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2011 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2011 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2011 E-Class?
The numbers above cover every E-Class first used in 2011 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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