2021 · 3 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT pass rate and common faults

806 MOT tests in 2024. 80.5% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time80.5%
Failed or needed repairs19.5%
Typical mileage at test50,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 806 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.5%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.0%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.5%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
    15 marked dangerous
  7. Parking brake control - lever: has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment1.0%
  8. Headlamp aim: too high1.0%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.0%
    12 marked dangerous
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value0.9%
    11 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes10.4%
  2. Lights & electrics9.9%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%
  4. Tyres4.2%
  5. Body & chassis2.9%
  6. Seat belts & airbags2.4%
  7. Emissions & leaks1.9%
  8. Suspension0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.3%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.1%
  4. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.5%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn2.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

In 2024, 80.5% of 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cars passed their MOT first time, across 806 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).