Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
MOT pass rates & common faults · 55,662 real DVSA tests · 2024
Across 55,662 real DVSA MOT tests in 2024, 78% of Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars aged 13 years and older pass their MOT first time — ahead of the 61% average for all cars of that age. It holds up especially well on body & structure and steering.
MOT pass rate by age
Where the S-Class tends to fail
Share of Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars aged 13 years and older with no fault in each area (higher is better). The tick is the fleet average for the same age.
Holds up better than average on body & structure, steering, lights & electrics.
Common questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
On 2024 MOT data the Mercedes-Benz S-Class holds up well for its age: 78% of examples aged 13 years and older pass first time, against a 61% fleet average. That puts it ahead of 82% of similar-age models.
What is the MOT pass rate for a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
First-time MOT pass rates for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 2024: 4 to 7 years, 93%; 8 to 12 years, 88%; and 13 years and older, 78%. Pass rates fall with age across the whole fleet, so compare each figure with cars of the same age, not with a new car.
What commonly fails on a Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
No single area stands out as a recurring weakness for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class versus other cars of the same age — its MOT failures are spread across the usual wear items (tyres, brakes, lamps).