Makes › Mercedes-Benz › S-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability

A · Excellent

MOT pass rates and common problems from 192,336 MOT tests of cars first registered 1999–2022.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
80.8%pass first time
+12.6 ptsvs typical car
Beats 97%of cars
192,336MOT tests

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class passes its MOT first time on 80.8% of tests, 12.6 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (68.2%). That puts it ahead of 97% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2022 S-Class does best (beats 100% of cars) and the 1999 worst (beats 83%).

Of its engines, the 2.9 Diesel does best (beats 99%) and the 3.2 Diesel worst (beats 94%).

Better than average on suspension, brakes, lights & electrics.

Watch these weak spots

Suspension ball joints1.9×as often as a typical car
Ball joint dust covers1.4×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

50%60%70%80%90%100%3456789101112131415161718192091%90%86%82%78%75%72%71%71%
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

1999
Beats 83%
2000
Beats 85%
2001
Beats 91%
2002
Beats 91%
2003
Beats 96%
2004
Beats 96%
2005
Beats 94%
2006
Beats 98%
2007
Beats 96%
2008
Beats 94%
2009
Beats 93%
2010
Beats 98%
2011
Beats 98%
2012
Beats 95%
2013
Beats 96%
2014
Beats 99%
2015
Beats 99%
2016
Beats 98%
2017
Beats 97%
2018
Beats 100%
2019
Beats 99%
2020
Beats 98%
2021
Beats 99%
2022
Beats 100%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel2006–201793,90181.6%Beats 97%A
3.2 Diesel2001–200925,57969.4%Beats 94%A
2.9 Diesel2017–202125,10691.1%Beats 99%A
3.7 Diesel2010–201211,37178.3%Beats 98%A
4.7 Petrol2014–20177,34388.4%Beats 96%A
5.5 Petrol2006–20166,80284.3%Beats 99%A
5.0 Petrol2000–20046,06471.9%Beats 96%A
3.2 Petrol1999–20025,45466.4%Beats 85%A
3.0 Hybrid2015–20223,27589.9%Beats 99%A
3.7 Petrol2003–20043,16072.4%Beats 97%A
3.0 Petrol2018–20181,84591.2%Beats 99%A
3.5 Hybrid2014–20141,28989.4%Beats 100%A
4.0 Petrol2018–20181,14791.5%Beats 97%A

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 2.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 5.5% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 4.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 5.7% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 5.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 4.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+8.9 ptsTyres: 5.7% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+1.2 ptsBrakes: 5.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+3.1 ptsSuspension: 5.5% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+4.8 ptsExhaust: 2.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+0.9 ptsSuspension: 5.5% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 5.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 5.7% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 4.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 2.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 4.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+8.9 ptsTyres: 5.7% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+1.2 ptsBrakes: 5.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+3.1 ptsSuspension: 5.5% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+4.8 ptsExhaust: 2.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+0.9 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Exhaust: 2.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Tyres
5.7% vs 6.9%
Suspension
5.5% vs 10.3%
Brakes
5.1% vs 8.2%
Lights & electrics
4.7% vs 13.7%
Emissions & leaks
2.9% vs 3.8%
Visibility
2.2% vs 5.4%
Seat belts & airbags
1.1% vs 1.4%
Body & structure
0.9% vs 4.1%
Wheels
0.8% vs 0.4%
Steering
0.6% vs 2.2%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Suspension ball joints 1.9× typical
    Listen for knocks over speed bumps and feel for wandering or vague steering.
  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Tyre tread depth
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
  • Handbrake performance
    Check the handbrake holds the car firmly on a slope.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Windscreen washers
    Test the washers and wipers: a cheap fix, but a very common MOT fail.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k95%90%86%83%80%77%75%73%
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Tyre damage & cracking3.1%3.6%0.9×
Suspension ball joints3.0%1.6%1.9×
Tyre tread depth2.5%2.9%0.8×
Handbrake performance1.6%1.7%0.9×
Headlight aim1.4%3.8%0.4×
Windscreen washers1.3%2.4%0.5×
Brake pads1.1%2.2%0.5×
Brake pipes1.1%1.1%1.0×
Engine warning light1.0%1.3%0.7×
Headlight bulbs & units1.0%2.5%0.4×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn38.9
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements24.9
A tyre seriously damaged16.9
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction16.2
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements13.9
A tyre cords visible or damaged13.0
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen12.9
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement10.4
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class1 engine93.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Hybrid1,00993.5%Beats 100%A
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class1 engine91.4% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.9 Diesel1,26091.4%Beats 99%A
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class1 engine90.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.9 Diesel1,96490.5%Beats 98%A
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2 engines91.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.9 Diesel8,87191.0%Beats 99%A
3.0 Hybrid1,13191.2%Beats 99%A
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class3 engines91.3% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.9 Diesel10,40791.3%Beats 100%A
3.0 Petrol1,84591.2%Beats 99%A
4.0 Petrol1,14791.5%Beats 97%A
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class3 engines88.4% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel10,20087.5%Beats 97%A
2.9 Diesel2,60490.9%Beats 100%A
4.7 Petrol2,16989.3%Beats 89%A
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class3 engines87.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel15,64487.4%Beats 98%A
4.7 Petrol1,88788.0%Beats 92%A
5.5 Petrol1,31791.6%Beats 99%A
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class4 engines87.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel13,81387.3%Beats 99%A
4.7 Petrol1,96888.8%Beats 98%A
5.5 Petrol1,47689.6%Beats 98%A
3.0 Hybrid1,13585.4%Beats 96%A
2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class3 engines87.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel10,72387.0%Beats 99%A
4.7 Petrol1,31986.8%Beats 98%A
3.5 Hybrid1,28989.4%Beats 100%A
2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class1 engine80.4% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel7,50180.4%Beats 96%A
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2 engines78.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel6,67478.1%Beats 95%A
3.7 Diesel3,35478.0%Beats 95%A
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2 engines78.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.7 Diesel4,19479.3%Beats 98%A
3.0 Diesel2,99078.2%Beats 97%A
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2 engines77.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.7 Diesel3,82377.6%Beats 98%A
3.0 Diesel2,73576.2%Beats 97%A
2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2 engines72.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel4,18372.0%Beats 93%A
3.2 Diesel3,12272.1%Beats 93%A
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2 engines71.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel5,96071.4%Beats 94%A
3.2 Diesel2,27371.6%Beats 94%A
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class3 engines72.9% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel8,34771.5%Beats 95%A
3.2 Diesel2,20174.1%Beats 98%A
5.5 Petrol1,35179.3%Beats 99%A
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class3 engines74.6% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel5,13172.6%Beats 97%A
5.5 Petrol2,65880.2%Beats 99%A
3.2 Diesel1,60471.9%Beats 97%A
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class1 engine69.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.2 Diesel4,49469.1%Beats 94%A
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class3 engines70.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.2 Diesel4,05468.5%Beats 95%A
3.7 Petrol1,58372.1%Beats 97%A
5.0 Petrol1,03076.0%Beats 99%A
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class3 engines70.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.2 Diesel3,98967.3%Beats 94%A
3.7 Petrol1,57772.7%Beats 97%A
5.0 Petrol1,36975.4%Beats 99%A
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class3 engines67.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.2 Diesel2,42766.3%Beats 92%A
3.2 Petrol1,16965.7%Beats 86%A
5.0 Petrol1,10370.5%Beats 95%A
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class3 engines67.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.2 Diesel1,41565.1%Beats 88%A
3.2 Petrol1,41469.2%Beats 92%A
5.0 Petrol1,38568.2%Beats 91%A
2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2 engines66.3% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.2 Petrol1,72164.0%Beats 79%B
5.0 Petrol1,17769.6%Beats 92%A
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class1 engine67.3% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.2 Petrol1,15067.3%Beats 83%A

FAQ

What is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT pass rate?

80.8% of MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class were passed first time, based on 192,336 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1999–2022. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 68.2% of the time.

Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

On MOT results it rates A (excellent): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 97% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2022 S-Class does best for its age and mileage: it beats 100% of cars on UK roads. The 1999 does worst: it beats 83%.

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class engine is best?

Across all years, the 2.9 Diesel does best: it beats 99% of cars on UK roads. The 3.2 Diesel does worst: it beats 94%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The most common failure items are tyre damage & cracking, suspension ball joints, tyre tread depth. Compared with similar cars, suspension ball joints comes up 1.9× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.