2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 79.9% of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters first used in 2017 passed their MOT first time, against 78.2% for all cars first used in 2017. Across 3,957 Sprinter first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were brakes, lamps and electrical equipment and visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen).
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz Sprinters 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 Sprinter MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Sprinters 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 Sprinter figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2017 Sprinter | All cars first used 2017 | Sprinter first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 85.8% | 85.9% | 1,295 |
| 2022 | 85.4% | 83.9% | 1,281 |
| 2023 | 84.2% | 81.7% | 1,250 |
| 2024 | 80.2% | 79.8% | 1,385 |
| 2025 | 79.9% | 78.2% | 1,322 |
Common 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT failures
Share of the 738 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 | 17.9% | 132 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 12.5% | 92 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 9.2% | 68 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- 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.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Wipers and windscreen. Worth checking that the wipers clear the screen cleanly, that the washers work, and that there are no chips or cracks in the driver’s view.
Common 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2017 Sprinters, as a share of all 3,957 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 6.5% | 256 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 5.9% | 235 |
| Ball joint: has slight play | 4.4% | 173 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 3.6% | 141 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 2.8% | 109 |
Questions about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
In 2025, 79.9% of Sprinters 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 Sprinter most often fail its MOT on?
Brakes (in 40.5% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (40.2%) and visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) (19.6%). The single most common item was “Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements” (17.9%).
How often does a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fail its MOT?
In 2025, 20.1% of first tests on Sprinters first used in 2017 did not pass first time: 15.4% failed, and a further 4.7% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 738 of 3,957 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT advisories?
“Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (on 6.5% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (5.9%), “Ball joint: has slight play” (4.4%), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (3.6%) and “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (2.8%).
Is a 2017 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 85.8% 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 Sprinter?
The numbers above cover every Sprinter 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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