2003 Mercedes 380 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 380 models manufactured in 2003, based on 63 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
2003 Mercedes 380 MOT Analysis
The 2003 Mercedes 380 has an MOT pass rate of 65.1% based on 63 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 73,961 miles on the odometer. With a 34.9% failure rate, the 2003 380 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2003 Mercedes 380 is Visibility, responsible for 3.2% of failures. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs range from £10–300. Brakes is the second most common issue at 3.2%. Non-component advisories follows at 1.6%.
Top failures specific to 2003 models only. The overall 380 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 | Visibility | 3.2% | 2 |
| 2 | Brakes | 3.2% | 2 |
| 3 | Non-component Advisories | 1.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 73,961 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.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 0.43 | 3.2% | 2 |
| Brakes | 0.43 | 3.2% | 2 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.21 | 1.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2003 Mercedes 380 has an MOT pass rate of 65.1% based on 63 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 73,961 miles on the odometer. With a 34.9% failure rate, the 2003 380 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2003 Mercedes 380, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to visibility: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable. At 73,961 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Visibility — 3.2% of failures
Visibility issues account for 3.2% of MOT failures on 2003 Mercedes 380 models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Brakes — 3.2% of failures
Brakes issues account for 3.2% of MOT failures on 2003 Mercedes 380 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).
Non-component advisories — 1.6% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 1.6% of MOT failures on 2003 Mercedes 380 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.