2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for C-Class models manufactured in 2004, based on 30 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT Analysis
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has an MOT pass rate of 66.7% based on 30 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 123,318 miles on the odometer. With a 33.3% failure rate, the 2004 C-Class is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is Steering, responsible for 13.3% of failures. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs range from £150–600. Suspension is the second most common issue at 13.3%.
Top failures specific to 2004 models only. The overall C-Class page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steering | 13.3% | 4 |
| 2 | Suspension | 13.3% | 4 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 123,318 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 1.08 | 13.3% | 4 |
| Suspension | 1.08 | 13.3% | 4 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has an MOT pass rate of 66.7% based on 30 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 123,318 miles on the odometer. With a 33.3% failure rate, the 2004 C-Class is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to steering: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels. With an average mileage of 123,318 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Steering — 13.3% of failures
Steering issues account for 13.3% of MOT failures on 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Suspension — 13.3% of failures
Suspension issues account for 13.3% of MOT failures on 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.