2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 62.9% of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. Across 3,422 Sprinter first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, brakes and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz Sprinters first used in 2008 (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 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Sprinters first used in 2008 against all cars first used in 2008 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Sprinter figure was 5.7 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2008 Sprinter | All cars first used 2008 | Sprinter first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 65.3% | 58.0% | 1,157 |
| 2022 | 64.2% | 57.9% | 1,180 |
| 2023 | 62.6% | 57.4% | 1,132 |
| 2024 | 67.3% | 56.9% | 1,170 |
| 2025 | 62.9% | 57.2% | 1,120 |
Common 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT failures
Share of the 1,222 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 18.5% | 226 |
| Position lamp: not working | 11.9% | 146 |
| Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play | 9.0% | 110 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 8.1% | 99 |
| Service brake performance: excessively binding | 7.9% | 97 |
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 Sprinter in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brake performance: excessively binding | Brake caliper repair | £180 | £150–£220 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2008 Sprinters, as a share of all 3,422 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 18.6% | 635 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 13.8% | 471 |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | 13.3% | 455 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 12.0% | 409 |
| Ball joint: has slight play | 8.8% | 300 |
Questions about the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
In 2025, 62.9% of Sprinters first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2008 Sprinter most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 49.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (47.3%) and suspension (25.2%). The single most common item was “Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements” (18.5%).
How often does a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fail its MOT?
In 2025, 37.1% of first tests on Sprinters first used in 2008 did not pass first time: 30.9% failed, and a further 6.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,222 of 3,422 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT advisories?
“Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (on 18.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (13.8%), “Play in steering rack inner joint(s)” (13.3%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (12.0%) and “Ball joint: has slight play” (8.8%).
Is a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 62.9% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2008
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2008 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2008 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2008 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2008 Sprinter?
The numbers above cover every Sprinter first used in 2008 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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