2003 Mercedes 220 Te MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 220 Te models manufactured in 2003, based on 53 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
2003 Mercedes 220 Te MOT Analysis
The 2003 Mercedes 220 Te has an MOT pass rate of 58.5% based on 53 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 123,555 miles on the odometer. With a 41.5% failure rate, the 2003 220 Te is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2003 Mercedes 220 Te is Brakes, responsible for 11.3% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 1.9%. Non-component advisories follows at 1.9%.
Top failures specific to 2003 models only. The overall 220 Te 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 | Brakes | 11.3% | 6 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.9% | 1 |
| 3 | Non-component Advisories | 1.9% | 1 |
| 4 | Suspension | 1.9% | 1 |
| 5 | Tyres | 1.9% | 1 |
| 6 | Visibility | 1.9% | 1 |
| 7 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 1.9% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 123,555 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.92 | 11.3% | 6 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.15 | 1.9% | 1 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.15 | 1.9% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.15 | 1.9% | 1 |
| Tyres | 0.15 | 1.9% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.15 | 1.9% | 1 |
| Body & Structure | 0.15 | 1.9% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2003 Mercedes 220 Te has an MOT pass rate of 58.5% based on 53 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 123,555 miles on the odometer. With a 41.5% failure rate, the 2003 220 Te is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2003 Mercedes 220 Te, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). With an average mileage of 123,555 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Brakes — 11.3% of failures
Brakes issues account for 11.3% of MOT failures on 2003 Mercedes 220 Te models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 1.9% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 1.9% of MOT failures on 2003 Mercedes 220 Te models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Non-component advisories — 1.9% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 1.9% of MOT failures on 2003 Mercedes 220 Te models. Non-component advisories issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.