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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliability

B · Good

MOT pass rates and common problems from 101,145 MOT tests of cars first registered 1998–2019.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
69.8%pass first time
+5.9 ptsvs typical car
Beats 74%of cars
101,145MOT tests

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter passes its MOT first time on 69.8% of tests, 5.9 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (63.9%). That puts it ahead of 74% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2015 Sprinter does best (beats 93% of cars) and the 2019 worst (beats 20%).

Of its engines, the 2.1 Diesel does best (beats 69%) and the 2.2 Diesel worst (beats 65%).

Better than average on suspension, tyres, emissions & leaks.

Watch these weak spots

Brakes1.3×as often as a typical car
Handbrake performance2.4×as often as a typical car
Brake pipes1.9×as often as a typical car
Rear fog light1.9×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%3456789101112131415161718192086%84%77%73%68%64%60%58%58%
Mercedes-Benz SprinterTypical 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.

1998
Beats 56%
1999
Beats 63%
2000
Beats 59%
2001
Beats 66%
2002
Beats 66%
2003
Beats 62%
2004
Beats 68%
2005
Beats 69%
2006
Beats 72%
2007
Beats 73%
2008
Beats 77%
2009
Beats 89%
2010
Beats 82%
2011
Beats 78%
2012
Beats 69%
2013
Beats 87%
2014
Beats 82%
2015
Beats 93%
2016
Beats 73%
2017
Beats 89%
2018
Beats 83%
2019
Beats 20%

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
2.1 Diesel2005–201961,30871.5%Beats 69%B
2.2 Diesel2000–200722,44456.9%Beats 65%B
3.0 Diesel2013–201810,67290.4%Beats 100%A
2.7 Diesel2004–20063,98370.7%Beats 85%A
2.9 Diesel1998–19992,73857.7%Beats 60%B

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: 3.0% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.8% 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: 7.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 12.8% 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: 16.2% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 17.0% 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: 3.1% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% 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: 13.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.4% 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: 16.2% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 17.0% 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+0.9 ptsTyres: 3.1% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% 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+4.1 ptsBrakes: 13.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.4% 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−3.3 ptsSuspension: 7.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 12.8% 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+5.5 ptsExhaust: 3.0% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.8% 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+1.8 ptsSuspension: 7.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 12.8% 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: 13.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.4% 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: 3.1% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% 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: 16.2% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 17.0% 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: 3.0% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.8% 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: 16.2% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 17.0% 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+0.9 ptsTyres: 3.1% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% 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+4.1 ptsBrakes: 13.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.4% 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−3.3 ptsSuspension: 7.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 12.8% 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+5.5 ptsExhaust: 3.0% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.8% 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+1.8 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Brakes: 13.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.4% 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.

Every MOT area

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

Lights & electrics
16.2% vs 17.0%
Brakes
13.7% vs 10.4%
Suspension
7.3% vs 12.8%
Visibility
5.5% vs 6.1%
Body & structure
4.6% vs 5.5%
Steering
3.1% vs 3.0%
Tyres
3.1% vs 7.2%
Emissions & leaks
3.0% vs 4.8%
Seat belts & airbags
2.0% vs 2.0%
Wheels
0.2% vs 0.5%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Handbrake performance 2.4× typical
    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.
  • Sidelights
    Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid.
  • Windscreen wipers
    Test the washers and wipers: a cheap fix, but a very common MOT fail.
  • Headlight bulbs & units
    Check dipped and main beam on both sides.
  • Brake performance
    On the test drive, brake firmly: the car should stop straight with no pulsing through the pedal.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k90%84%79%74%71%66%64%62%
Mercedes-Benz SprinterTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Handbrake performance5.8%2.5%2.4×
Headlight aim3.9%4.6%0.8×
Sidelights3.6%4.3%0.8×
Windscreen wipers3.2%2.7%1.2×
Brake pipes2.9%1.6%1.9×
Headlight bulbs & units2.6%3.0%0.9×
Brake lights2.5%3.1%0.8×
Number plate lights2.0%2.3%0.9×
Rear fog light1.9%1.0%1.9×
Brake performance1.8%1.4%1.3×

Specific defects found

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

Defectper 1,000
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement43.2
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements38.6
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn35.9
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning32.1
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen30.0
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded25.8
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning20.5
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 repaired18.5
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.

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine80.3% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel1,41880.3%Beats 20%D
2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2 engines85.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel2,21581.6%Beats 35%D
3.0 Diesel1,25492.4%Beats 100%A
2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2 engines85.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel3,33481.3%Beats 48%C
3.0 Diesel1,72893.7%Beats 100%A
2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2 engines82.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel3,94479.4%Beats 44%C
3.0 Diesel1,37189.6%Beats 100%A
2015 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2 engines83.4% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel5,00978.4%Beats 60%B
3.0 Diesel2,90792.0%Beats 100%A
2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2 engines78.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel5,27675.8%Beats 62%B
3.0 Diesel2,04185.6%Beats 100%A
2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2 engines77.6% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel4,53274.2%Beats 68%B
3.0 Diesel1,37188.6%Beats 100%A
2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine71.5% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel5,41371.5%Beats 69%B
2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine71.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel4,48171.6%Beats 78%B
2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine70.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel4,99970.7%Beats 82%A
2009 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine72.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel4,09772.1%Beats 89%A
2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine65.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel5,14165.6%Beats 77%B
2007 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2 engines62.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel4,54361.5%Beats 70%B
2.2 Diesel1,10467.4%Beats 87%A
2006 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2 engines62.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel3,62359.2%Beats 69%B
2.7 Diesel1,31071.2%Beats 83%A
2005 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter3 engines60.5% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel3,28357.1%Beats 64%B
2.2 Diesel1,70359.0%Beats 68%B
2.7 Diesel1,44870.1%Beats 83%A
2004 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter2 engines59.1% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel4,87456.1%Beats 63%B
2.7 Diesel1,22570.9%Beats 89%A
2003 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine55.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel4,66955.4%Beats 62%B
2002 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine56.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel4,54156.9%Beats 66%B
2001 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine57.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel3,62057.0%Beats 66%B
2000 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine54.6% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel1,93354.6%Beats 59%C
1999 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine58.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.9 Diesel1,42358.0%Beats 63%B
1998 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter1 engine57.5% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.9 Diesel1,31557.5%Beats 56%C

FAQ

What is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT pass rate?

69.8% of MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter were passed first time, based on 101,145 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1998–2019. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 63.9% of the time.

Is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable?

On MOT results it rates B (good): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 74% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Mercedes-Benz Sprinter year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2015 Sprinter does best for its age and mileage: it beats 93% of cars on UK roads. The 2019 does worst: it beats 20%.

Which Mercedes-Benz Sprinter engine is best?

Across all years, the 2.1 Diesel does best: it beats 69% of cars on UK roads. The 2.2 Diesel does worst: it beats 65%.

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

The most common failure items are handbrake performance, headlight aim, sidelights. Compared with similar cars, handbrake performance comes up 2.4× 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.