2003 Mercedes C 230 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for C 230 models manufactured in 2003, based on 65 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
2003 Mercedes C 230 MOT Analysis
The 2003 Mercedes C 230 has an MOT pass rate of 56.9% based on 65 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 72,492 miles on the odometer. With a 43.1% failure rate, the 2003 C 230 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2003 Mercedes C 230 is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 3.1% of failures. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs range from £100–1,000+.
Top failures specific to 2003 models only. The overall C 230 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 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 3.1% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 72,492 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.42 | 3.1% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2003 Mercedes C 230 has an MOT pass rate of 56.9% based on 65 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 72,492 miles on the odometer. With a 43.1% failure rate, the 2003 C 230 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2003 Mercedes C 230, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to noise, emissions and leaks: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help. At 72,492 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 3.1% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 3.1% of MOT failures on 2003 Mercedes C 230 models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.