1991 Mercedes 408 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 408 models manufactured in 1991, based on 35 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1991 Mercedes 408 MOT Analysis
The 1991 Mercedes 408 has an MOT pass rate of 48.6% based on 35 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 133,439 miles on the odometer. With a 51.4% failure rate, the 1991 408 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1991 Mercedes 408 is Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment, responsible for 5.7% of failures. 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 range from £5–50. Body, Structure and General Items is the second most common issue at 2.9%. Steering follows at 2.9%.
Top failures specific to 1991 models only. The overall 408 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
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| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 5.7% | 2 |
| 2 | Body, Structure And General Items | 2.9% | 1 |
| 3 | Steering | 2.9% | 1 |
| 4 | Suspension | 2.9% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 133,439 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.43 | 5.7% | 2 |
| Body & Structure | 0.21 | 2.9% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.21 | 2.9% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.21 | 2.9% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1991 Mercedes 408 has an MOT pass rate of 48.6% based on 35 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 133,439 miles on the odometer. With a 51.4% failure rate, the 1991 408 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1991 Mercedes 408, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: 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. With an average mileage of 133,439 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 5.7% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 5.7% of MOT failures on 1991 Mercedes 408 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.
Body, Structure and General Items — 2.9% of failures
Body, Structure and General Items issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 1991 Mercedes 408 models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Steering — 2.9% of failures
Steering issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 1991 Mercedes 408 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.