2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK MOT pass rate and common faults

1,310 MOT tests in 2024. 67.2% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time67.2%
Failed or needed repairs32.8%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,310 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.4%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.0%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.9%
  4. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
    36 marked dangerous
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.8%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    31 marked dangerous
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics23.4%
  2. Brakes16.6%
  3. Suspension10.8%
  4. Emissions & leaks7.7%
  5. Tyres6.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.1%
  7. Body & chassis5.3%
  8. Steering1.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.5%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.8%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play10.1%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened9.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: coil spring: fractured or broken. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK?

In 2024, 67.2% of 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,310 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).