2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT pass rate and common faults

1,227 MOT tests in 2024. 65.3% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time65.3%
Failed or needed repairs34.7%
Typical mileage at test130,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,227 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.7%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value3.3%
    57 marked dangerous
  4. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.0%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.9%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  8. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.0%
  9. On or after 01/07/2008: emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit2.0%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes29.7%
  2. Lights & electrics22.5%
  3. Suspension7.8%
  4. Emissions & leaks7.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.1%
  6. Steering4.2%
  7. Tyres3.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.5%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.7%
  3. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)14.1%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn8.8%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

In 2024, 65.3% of 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,227 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).