2006 · 18 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

300 MOT tests in 2024. 64.0% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time64.0%
Failed or needed repairs36.0%
Typical mileage at test125,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 300 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.3%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.7%
  3. Stop lamp: not working2.7%
  4. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
    15 marked dangerous
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.3%
  7. Rear fog lamp: not working2.3%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.3%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0%
    10 marked dangerous
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.0%
  2. Brakes21.7%
  3. Suspension11.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks8.0%
  5. Tyres7.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.0%
  7. Body & chassis3.0%
  8. Steering3.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine28.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded23.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.3%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn10.7%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.0%

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: shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All R-Class years2007 R-Class →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?

In 2024, 64.0% of 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 300 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

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

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; stop lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).