1998 · 26 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1998 Mercedes-Benz Vito MOT pass rate and common faults

137 MOT tests in 2024. 52.5% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

81Well below average
Passed first time52.5%
Failed or needed repairs47.5%
Typical mileage at test111,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 137 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt11.7%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.5%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively8.8%
  4. Headlamp: not working on main beam8.8%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.6%
  6. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced5.1%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.4%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.6%
  9. Door condition: cannot be opened from inside the vehicle3.6%
  10. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics36.5%
  2. Brakes33.6%
  3. Body & chassis31.4%
  4. Suspension29.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)19.7%
  6. Emissions & leaks8.8%
  7. Steering8.0%
  8. Tyres6.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened17.5%
  3. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced10.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.8%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Vito years1999 Vito →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Mercedes-Benz Vito?

In 2024, 52.5% of 1998 Mercedes-Benz Vito cars passed their MOT first time, across 137 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Mercedes-Benz Vito?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Mercedes-Benz Vito reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 81, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).