2006 · 18 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate and common faults

1,274 MOT tests in 2024. 68.8% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

122Well above average
Passed first time68.8%
Failed or needed repairs31.2%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,274 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
    70 marked dangerous
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.4%
    57 marked dangerous
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.4%
  7. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.0%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.0%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.8%
    34 marked dangerous
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension17.0%
  2. Lights & electrics12.9%
  3. Brakes12.4%
  4. Tyres10.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks7.5%
  6. Steering3.7%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.2%
  8. Wheels2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.8%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.2%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.4%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn8.5%

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: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS?

In 2024, 68.8% of 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,274 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 122, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).