2003 Mercedes S55 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for S55 models manufactured in 2003, based on 34 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
2003 Mercedes S55 MOT Analysis
The 2003 Mercedes S55 has an MOT pass rate of 58.8% based on 34 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 125,827 miles on the odometer. With a 41.2% failure rate, the 2003 S55 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2003 Mercedes S55 is Brakes, responsible for 5.9% 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. Tyres is the second most common issue at 2.9%. Visibility follows at 2.9%.
Top failures specific to 2003 models only. The overall S55 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 | 5.9% | 2 |
| 2 | Tyres | 2.9% | 1 |
| 3 | Visibility | 2.9% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 125,827 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 | 0.47 | 5.9% | 2 |
| Tyres | 0.23 | 2.9% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.23 | 2.9% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2003 Mercedes S55 has an MOT pass rate of 58.8% based on 34 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 125,827 miles on the odometer. With a 41.2% failure rate, the 2003 S55 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2003 Mercedes S55, 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 125,827 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Brakes — 5.9% of failures
Brakes issues account for 5.9% of MOT failures on 2003 Mercedes S55 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).
Tyres — 2.9% of failures
Tyres issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 2003 Mercedes S55 models. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Visibility — 2.9% of failures
Visibility issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 2003 Mercedes S55 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.