2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 423 MOT tests, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class recorded a 94.6% pass rate. Executive cars of a similar age fail at 5.8%, so the 2023 C-Class sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in tyres, visibility and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
Tyres dominates the failure mix at 4.0% of all tests — 3.3 points clear of visibility, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are tread depth, headlamp aim and registration plates — tread depth alone was recorded 3 times.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 13.0% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 4.0% | 17 |
| 2 | Visibility | 0.7% | 3 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 0.5% | 2 |
| 4 | Other defects | 0.5% | 2 |
| 5 | Steering | 0.2% | 1 |
| 6 | Brakes | 0.2% | 1 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tread depth | 3 |
| 2 | Headlamp aim | 3 |
| 3 | Registration plates | 3 |
| 4 | Washers | 2 |
| 5 | Brake pads | 2 |
| 6 | Steering rack | 1 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 13.0% | 55 |
| 2 | Other defects | 2.6% | 11 |
| 3 | Visibility | 1.9% | 8 |
| 4 | Brakes | 0.9% | 4 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 0.7% | 3 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 0.2% | 1 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 314 | 5.7% |
| 30-60k | 101 | 5.0% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 265 | 5.3% |
| Diesel | 154 | 5.8% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 44 | 4.5% |
| 2025 | 376 | 5.6% |
What to check before buying a 2023 C-Class
On a 2023 C-Class, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 4.0% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (4.0% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Visibility (0.7% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
- Lighting & signalling (0.5% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs pass their MOT?
94.6% of the 423 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 5.4% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Tyres, recorded in 4.0% of tests, followed by visibility (0.7%).
Does the 2023 C-Class get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 5.7% in the 0-30k band to 5.0% in the 30-60k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 423 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.