2002 Mercedes-Benz Clk — MOT failures & pass rate
12,161 MOT tests on the 2002 Mercedes-Benz Clk are in this dataset, and 76.5% of them passed. That is effectively the same as coupes & convertibles of a similar age (22.6% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
One area stands out: lighting & signalling, recorded in 14.1% of tests against 10.3% for the next-worst category.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, headlamp and coil spring — headlamp aim alone was recorded 1,004 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 13.0% in the 0-30k band and 25.7% in the 150k+ band, a 12.7-point spread.
Brakes is the most common advisory, noted on 39.3% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 14.1% | 1,712 |
| 2 | Suspension | 10.3% | 1,255 |
| 3 | Brakes | 8.2% | 993 |
| 4 | Tyres | 5.9% | 711 |
| 5 | Visibility | 4.3% | 528 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 3.5% | 419 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 1,004 |
| 2 | Headlamp | 681 |
| 3 | Coil spring | 571 |
| 4 | Rigid brake pipes | 512 |
| 5 | Ball joint | 501 |
| 6 | Tread depth | 378 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 39.3% | 4,775 |
| 2 | Suspension | 31.4% | 3,818 |
| 3 | Tyres | 27.3% | 3,321 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 17.7% | 2,157 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 13.6% | 1,659 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 11.1% | 1,351 |
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 | 177 | 13.0% |
| 30-60k | 963 | 16.4% |
| 60-90k | 2,791 | 21.0% |
| 90-120k | 3,869 | 24.4% |
| 120-150k | 2,750 | 26.4% |
| 150k+ | 1,544 | 25.7% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 12,001 | 23.4% |
| Diesel | 160 | 26.9% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,309 | 24.0% |
| 2022 | 2,865 | 23.8% |
| 2023 | 2,382 | 23.2% |
| 2024 | 1,992 | 23.0% |
| 2025 | 1,613 | 22.8% |
What to check before buying a 2002 Clk
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: lighting & signalling accounted for 14.1% of tests. Start there.
- Lighting & signalling (14.1% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (10.3% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (8.2% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
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 2002 Mercedes-Benz Clks pass their MOT?
76.5% of the 12,161 2002 Mercedes-Benz Clk MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 23.5% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz Clk?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 14.1% of tests, followed by suspension (10.3%).
Does the 2002 Clk get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 13.0% in the 0-30k band to 25.7% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 12,161 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.