2007 Mercedes-Benz Vito — MOT failures & pass rate
31,163 MOT tests on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz Vito are in this dataset, and 72.8% of them passed. Vans of a similar age fail 29.2% of the time, so this is 1.9pp better than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, brakes and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (17.1%) and brakes (14.7%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are rigid brake pipes, rbt (sp) and headlamp aim — rigid brake pipes alone was recorded 2,170 times.
Mileage matters less than usual here: the 2007 Vito fails 30.6% of the time in the 0-30k band and 27.9% at 150k+, a spread of only 2.6 points.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 42.4% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 17.1% | 5,318 |
| 2 | Brakes | 14.7% | 4,567 |
| 3 | Suspension | 13.2% | 4,109 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 6.5% | 2,012 |
| 5 | Visibility | 6.2% | 1,941 |
| 6 | Tyres | 5.0% | 1,564 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rigid brake pipes | 2,170 |
| 2 | Rbt (sp) | 1,920 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 1,756 |
| 4 | Position lamp | 1,648 |
| 5 | Headlamp | 1,490 |
| 6 | Washers | 1,390 |
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 | 42.4% | 13,226 |
| 2 | Tyres | 26.5% | 8,249 |
| 3 | Suspension | 25.3% | 7,893 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 18.0% | 5,603 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 16.7% | 5,207 |
| 6 | Other defects | 14.5% | 4,509 |
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 | 275 | 30.6% |
| 30-60k | 452 | 18.4% |
| 60-90k | 1,654 | 22.4% |
| 90-120k | 3,983 | 26.7% |
| 120-150k | 6,098 | 27.0% |
| 150k+ | 18,326 | 27.9% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 31,103 | 27.2% |
| Petrol | 55 | 21.8% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,404 | 27.2% |
| 2022 | 7,035 | 27.3% |
| 2023 | 6,287 | 27.2% |
| 2024 | 5,509 | 27.1% |
| 2025 | 4,928 | 27.5% |
What to check before buying a 2007 Vito
On a 2007 Vito, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 17.1% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (17.1% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Brakes (14.7% 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.
- Suspension (13.2% 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.
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 2007 Mercedes-Benz Vitos pass their MOT?
72.8% of the 31,163 2007 Mercedes-Benz Vito MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 27.2% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2007 Mercedes-Benz Vito?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 17.1% of tests, followed by brakes (14.7%).
Does the 2007 Vito get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 30.6% in the 0-30k band to 27.9% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 31,163 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.