2013 · 11 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT pass rate and common faults

2,938 MOT tests in 2024. 74.1% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time74.1%
Failed or needed repairs25.9%
Typical mileage at test94,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,938 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.5%
    145 marked dangerous
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8%
    156 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.4%
    53 marked dangerous
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    66 marked dangerous
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.1%
    44 marked dangerous
  10. Anti-roll bars - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres11.9%
  2. Suspension9.9%
  3. Brakes9.6%
  4. Lights & electrics3.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks2.8%
  6. Wheels1.4%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.3%
  8. Body & chassis0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.2%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.6%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.8%

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 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS?

In 2024, 74.1% of 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,938 tests. The average for all 11-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).