Mercedes Benz 230 MOT Check

MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the Mercedes Benz 230. Check any 230 by registration number below.

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81.9%

Avg Pass Rate

-8.3%

vs Mercedes Benz Avg

Year Ranges

Good

Reliability

Mercedes Benz 230 — MOT Reliability Overview

The Mercedes Benz 230 has an average MOT pass rate of 81.9%, which is 8.3 percentage points below the Mercedes Benz brand average of 90.2%. This is a strong result, indicating that the 230 is well-engineered and tends to age well mechanically. Owners can expect fewer surprises at MOT time.

The most common reasons a Mercedes Benz 230 fails its MOT are the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, a tyre cords visible or damaged, a brake hose ferrule excessively corroded. If you are preparing your 230 for its MOT, checking these areas first could save you a retest fee. Our detailed fault analysis includes estimated repair costs for each failure type.

Before buying a used Mercedes Benz 230, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.

MOT Pass Rate by Year

How the Mercedes Benz 230 performs at MOT across different model years.

2003

Based on 51 vehicles

94.1%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Mileage at 10yr

122k mi

2002

Based on 71 vehicles

93.0%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Mileage at 10yr

219k mi

1999

Based on 75 vehicles

90.7%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Mileage at 10yr

158k mi

1998

Based on 89 vehicles

86.5%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Mileage at 10yr

256k mi

1997

Based on 102 vehicles

96.1%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

1996

Based on 54 vehicles

88.9%Excellent

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

1992

Based on 359 vehicles

73.8%Average

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

3.4%

Retest Rate

18.9%

1991

Based on 350 vehicles

76.3%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

2.3%

Retest Rate

14.8%

1990

Based on 363 vehicles

81.0%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

2.0%

Retest Rate

10.5%

1989

Based on 264 vehicles

69.3%Average

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

6.7%

Retest Rate

17.9%

1988

Based on 190 vehicles

76.8%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

2.3%

Retest Rate

20.3%

1987

Based on 79 vehicles

70.9%Average

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

3.9%

Retest Rate

11.8%

1986

Based on 114 vehicles

80.7%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

2.3%

Retest Rate

8.1%

1985

Based on 410 vehicles

77.3%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

1.4%

Retest Rate

19.4%

1984

Based on 193 vehicles

80.3%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

1.8%

Retest Rate

10.6%

1983

Based on 141 vehicles

78.7%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

1.3%

Retest Rate

16.9%

1982

Based on 63 vehicles

77.8%Good

Mercedes Benz average: 90.2%

Dangerous Defects

8.0%

Retest Rate

20.0%

Top MOT Failures — Mercedes Benz 230

The most common reasons a Mercedes Benz 230 fails its MOT, aggregated across all year ranges.

The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired

7.0%

A tyre cords visible or damaged

5.3%

A brake hose ferrule excessively corroded

5.3%

The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired

4.3%

A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

3.5%

Mercedes Benz 230 Common Faults & Repair Costs

Other Mercedes Benz Models

Compare MOT reliability across Mercedes Benz models.

Mercedes Benz E 300

94.2% pass rate

Mercedes Benz E

83.5% pass rate

Mercedes Benz Amg Gla 45 S 4matic+ Auto

92.7% pass rate

Mercedes Benz V

85.8% pass rate

Mercedes Benz Vito 112

87.8% pass rate

Mercedes Benz Sl 500

100.0% pass rate

Useful MOT Guides

Common MOT Failures

The most common reasons UK vehicles fail their MOT — and how to prepare.

MOT Checklist

Pre-MOT checklist to improve your chances of passing first time.

Advisory vs Failure

Understanding the difference between MOT advisories and failures.

See detailed fault analysis for Mercedes Benz 230

Mercedes Benz 230 — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Mercedes Benz 230 MOT and reliability.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes Benz 230?

The average MOT pass rate for the Mercedes Benz 230 is 81.9% compared to the Mercedes Benz average of 90.2%. Pass rates vary by year — check the year-by-year breakdown on this page for details.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Mercedes Benz 230?

The most common MOT failures on the Mercedes Benz 230 are: The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired (7.0%), A tyre cords visible or damaged (5.3%), A brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (5.3%). These are the components most likely to cause an MOT failure.

Is the Mercedes Benz 230 reliable?

With an average MOT pass rate of 81.9%, the Mercedes Benz 230 is rated as "Good" for reliability. This is a strong result suggesting good build quality and fewer common defects.

How do I check the MOT history of a Mercedes Benz 230?

Enter the vehicle's registration number in the search box at the top of this page. You will instantly see the complete MOT history including every test result, mileage readings, advisories, and dangerous defects — completely free.

What mileage should I expect on a Mercedes Benz 230?

Typical mileage for the Mercedes Benz 230: 122,027 miles at 10 years. Use these benchmarks when evaluating a used 230 to spot vehicles with unusually high or low mileage.

Check Your Mercedes Benz 230's MOT History

Enter the registration number for the full MOT history — free and instant.