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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2000–present).

MOT Pass Rate

78.0%4.0% below national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Good — based on approx. 12,000 tests

Dangerous Defects

1.90%

Moderate risk

Retest Rate

14.5%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

15.0%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

15.8%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

13.5%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

9.2%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

8.8%

Where Faults Occur

29.0%

Front

29.0%

Rear

22.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

28,000 mi

At 5 years

48,000 mi

At 10 years

92,000 mi

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Mercedes-Benz S-Class a Good Buy?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows average reliability in MOT data. With a 78.0% pass rate, it sits 4.0% below the national average of 82%.

Budget for potential repairs in lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment and suspension. An independent pre-purchase inspection is recommended, especially for older examples. Always check the full MOT history for recurring issues.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

View Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT Data

Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

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Other Mercedes-Benz Models

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

80.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

82.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

79.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

84.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

79.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

85.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The top MOT failure on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 15.0% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT pass rate?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has an estimated MOT pass rate of 78.0%, which is 4.0% below the national average of 82%. This rates the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as "Good" for MOT reliability.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a good reliability record with a 78.0% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 1.90% and a retest rate of 14.5%.
How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Mercedes-Benz S-Class covers approximately 28,000 mi by 3 years, 48,000 mi by 5 years, and 92,000 mi by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is generally a solid choice based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
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