2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 74.3% of Mercedes-Benz SLKs first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. Across 13,662 SLK first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, tyres and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz SLKs first used in 2013 (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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, SLKs first used in 2013 against all cars first used in 2013 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the SLK figure was 8.5 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2013 SLK | All cars first used 2013 | SLK first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 80.7% | 72.1% | 4,676 |
| 2022 | 78.1% | 70.3% | 4,629 |
| 2023 | 76.8% | 68.3% | 4,645 |
| 2024 | 75.0% | 66.8% | 4,529 |
| 2025 | 74.3% | 65.8% | 4,488 |
Common 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT failures
Share of the 3,362 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 | 20.6% | 693 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 12.0% | 404 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 11.0% | 371 |
| Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 10.0% | 335 |
| Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 6.9% | 233 |
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 SLK 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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.
- 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.
Common 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2013 SLKs, as a share of all 13,662 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 16.8% | 2,289 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.3% | 1,273 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 5.8% | 787 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 5.2% | 705 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 4.9% | 666 |
Questions about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK?
In 2025, 74.3% of SLKs first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2013 SLK most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 45.5% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), tyres (35.3%) and brakes (17.1%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (20.6%).
How often does a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK fail its MOT?
In 2025, 25.7% of first tests on SLKs first used in 2013 did not pass first time: 23.4% failed, and a further 2.3% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 3,362 of 13,662 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 16.8% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.3%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (5.8%), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (5.2%) and “Brake pads: wearing thin” (4.9%).
Is a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 80.7% in 2021 to 74.3% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2013
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2013 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2013 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics · 2013 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics
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