Makes › Mercedes-Benz › Vito

Mercedes-Benz Vito reliability

C · Average

MOT pass rates and common problems from 719,708 MOT tests of cars first registered 1998–2023.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
65.2%pass first time
−0.7 ptsvs typical car
Beats 47%of cars
719,708MOT tests

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz Vito passes its MOT first time on 65.2% of tests, 0.7 points lower than a typical car of the same age and mileage (65.9%). That puts it ahead of 47% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2009 Vito does best (beats 62% of cars) and the 2019 worst (beats 22%).

Of its engines, the 3.0 Diesel does best (beats 68%) and the 1.6 Diesel worst (beats 5%).

Better than average on steering.

Watch these weak spots

Brakes1.5×as often as a typical car
Seat belts & airbags1.5×as often as a typical car
Handbrake performance2.4×as often as a typical car
Coil springs1.5×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%3456789101112131415161718192078%74%70%66%61%58%56%54%53%
Mercedes-Benz VitoTypical 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 14%
2000
Beats 23%
2001
Beats 33%
2002
Beats 38%
2003
Beats 33%
2004
Beats 47%
2005
Beats 49%
2006
Beats 56%
2007
Beats 55%
2008
Beats 61%
2009
Beats 62%
2010
Beats 58%
2011
Beats 55%
2012
Beats 56%
2013
Beats 53%
2014
Beats 47%
2015
Beats 39%
2016
Beats 26%
2017
Beats 37%
2018
Beats 25%
2019
Beats 22%
2020
Beats 9%
2021
Beats 14%
2022
Beats 20%
2023
Beats 10%

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 Diesel2004–2020561,75864.7%Beats 52%C
1.6 Diesel2015–201962,47867.5%Beats 5%E
2.0 Diesel2011–202331,59778.3%Beats 39%D
3.0 Diesel2007–201430,83565.7%Beats 68%B
2.2 Diesel2000–201221,91249.0%Beats 36%D
1.8 Diesel2019–20219,87968.4%Beats 0%E
2.3 Diesel1998–19981,24945.8%Beats 14%E

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: 4.7% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.3% 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: 10.7% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.5% 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: 15.6% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 15.6% 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: 6.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.6% 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: 13.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 9.0% 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: 15.6% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 15.6% 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−0.1 ptsTyres: 6.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.6% 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+1.0 ptsBrakes: 13.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 9.0% 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−4.1 ptsSuspension: 10.7% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.5% 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+0.7 ptsExhaust: 4.7% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.3% 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−0.3 ptsSuspension: 10.7% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.5% 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: 13.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 9.0% 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: 6.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.6% 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: 15.6% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 15.6% 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: 4.7% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.3% 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: 15.6% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 15.6% 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−0.1 ptsTyres: 6.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.6% 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+1.0 ptsBrakes: 13.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 9.0% 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−4.1 ptsSuspension: 10.7% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.5% 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+0.7 ptsExhaust: 4.7% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.3% 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−0.3 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Brakes: 13.1% of tests fail on brakes, against 9.0% 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
15.6% vs 15.6%
Brakes
13.1% vs 9.0%
Suspension
10.7% vs 11.5%
Visibility
6.8% vs 5.5%
Tyres
6.6% vs 7.6%
Emissions & leaks
4.7% vs 4.3%
Body & structure
4.4% vs 4.4%
Seat belts & airbags
2.2% vs 1.5%
Steering
1.9% vs 2.6%
Wheels
0.4% vs 0.6%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Handbrake performance 2.4× typical
    Check the handbrake holds the car firmly on a slope.
  • Coil springs 1.5× typical
    Look behind each wheel for a snapped coil (often the bottom one) and listen for clunks over bumps.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Headlight bulbs & units
    Check dipped and main beam on both sides.
  • Windscreen washers
    Test the washers and wipers: a cheap fix, but a very common MOT fail.
  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k86%82%76%72%68%64%61%60%
Mercedes-Benz VitoTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Handbrake performance7.4%3.1%2.4×
Headlight aim4.0%4.2%0.9×
Headlight bulbs & units3.8%2.9%1.3×
Coil springs3.8%2.5%1.5×
Windscreen washers3.5%2.6%1.4×
Tyre damage & cracking3.1%3.8%0.8×
Sidelights3.1%4.0%0.8×
Brake lights3.1%2.8%1.1×
Tyre tread depth2.7%3.4%0.8×
Windscreen wipers2.6%2.3%1.1×

Specific defects found

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

Defectper 1,000
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements39.6
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement37.9
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened37.5
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen35.3
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn34.6
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED30.2
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction30.1
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning28.0
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.

2023 Mercedes-Benz Vito1 engine76.7% passE
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel1,53476.7%Beats 10%E
2022 Mercedes-Benz Vito1 engine78.6% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel6,37078.6%Beats 20%D
2021 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines77.3% passE
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel12,89879.7%Beats 31%D
1.8 Diesel4,56870.3%Beats 1%E
2020 Mercedes-Benz Vito3 engines75.0% passE
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel9,23776.8%Beats 16%E
2.0 Diesel4,41278.6%Beats 27%D
1.8 Diesel4,17567.4%Beats 0%E
2019 Mercedes-Benz Vito4 engines74.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel29,24776.8%Beats 35%D
1.6 Diesel11,07567.6%Beats 2%E
2.0 Diesel3,88382.9%Beats 87%A
1.8 Diesel1,13664.7%Beats 0%E
2018 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines74.3% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel29,02276.6%Beats 43%C
1.6 Diesel10,71668.0%Beats 4%E
2017 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines74.2% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel43,91177.0%Beats 60%C
1.6 Diesel18,82667.8%Beats 5%E
2016 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines71.0% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel36,36072.8%Beats 39%D
1.6 Diesel13,21666.2%Beats 6%E
2015 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines70.9% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel36,62771.6%Beats 45%C
1.6 Diesel8,64568.1%Beats 16%E
2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines68.6% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel39,62168.2%Beats 45%C
3.0 Diesel4,39072.3%Beats 61%B
2013 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines66.6% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel40,33366.2%Beats 51%C
3.0 Diesel4,01571.6%Beats 71%B
2012 Mercedes-Benz Vito4 engines64.4% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel36,79563.9%Beats 54%C
3.0 Diesel3,83267.3%Beats 66%B
2.2 Diesel1,42867.4%Beats 69%B
2.0 Diesel1,26764.6%Beats 59%C
2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito4 engines62.0% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel29,66761.9%Beats 55%C
3.0 Diesel2,69665.7%Beats 66%B
2.2 Diesel1,57958.5%Beats 38%D
2.0 Diesel1,23362.0%Beats 55%C
2010 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines60.3% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel37,34260.0%Beats 57%C
3.0 Diesel3,24663.6%Beats 68%B
2009 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines59.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel37,23059.6%Beats 61%B
3.0 Diesel3,39363.2%Beats 72%B
2008 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines57.8% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel38,27057.3%Beats 59%C
3.0 Diesel5,68261.3%Beats 70%B
2007 Mercedes-Benz Vito2 engines55.4% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel40,80054.9%Beats 53%C
3.0 Diesel3,58160.7%Beats 71%B
2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito1 engine54.6% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel37,59554.6%Beats 56%C
2005 Mercedes-Benz Vito1 engine51.9% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel25,17751.9%Beats 49%C
2004 Mercedes-Benz Vito1 engine50.1% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel14,52450.1%Beats 47%C
2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito1 engine45.9% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel7,46645.9%Beats 33%D
2002 Mercedes-Benz Vito1 engine47.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel6,39747.8%Beats 38%D
2001 Mercedes-Benz Vito1 engine47.1% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel3,63447.1%Beats 33%D
2000 Mercedes-Benz Vito1 engine46.3% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel1,40846.3%Beats 23%D
1998 Mercedes-Benz Vito1 engine45.8% passE
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.3 Diesel1,24945.8%Beats 14%E

FAQ

What is the Mercedes-Benz Vito MOT pass rate?

65.2% of MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz Vito were passed first time, based on 719,708 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1998–2023. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 65.9% of the time.

Is the Mercedes-Benz Vito reliable?

On MOT results it rates C (average): it passes first time less often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 47% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Mercedes-Benz Vito year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2009 Vito does best for its age and mileage: it beats 62% of cars on UK roads. The 2019 does worst: it beats 22%.

Which Mercedes-Benz Vito engine is best?

Across all years, the 3.0 Diesel does best: it beats 68% of cars on UK roads. The 1.6 Diesel does worst: it beats 5%.

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

The most common failure items are handbrake performance, headlight aim, headlight bulbs & units. 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.