Mercedes-Benz C-Class: brakes MOT failures
Brakes was a recorded failure area in 5.4% of Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT tests in this dataset. It is most prominent on 2004, 2009 cars.
Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair cost: £100–£350 per axle (rough UK ballpark, not a quote).
Brakes failures by year
| Model year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 12,091 | 8.3% |
| 2002 | 22,550 | 8.2% |
| 2003 | 39,827 | 8.4% |
| 2004 | 55,339 | 9.0% |
| 2005 | 71,633 | 8.6% |
| 2006 | 77,985 | 8.4% |
| 2007 | 92,319 | 8.6% |
| 2009 | 93,481 | 8.9% |
Methodology & source. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.