At a Glance
The Mercedes-benz Clk-class has 4 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the C208 (1997-2003) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 1.1M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mercedes-benz Clk-class common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mercedes-benz Clk-class generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Help other Mercedes-benz Clk-class owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Mercedes-benz Clk-class Generations
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Most Common Mercedes-benz Clk-class MOT Failures
Every reason Mercedes-benz Clk-class vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 11.98% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 10.29% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 8.16% |
| 4 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 7.94% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.55% |
| 6 | Track rod end worn | 3.45% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.39% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.38% |
| 9 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.27% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.01% |
| 11 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.69% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.57% |
| 13 | Exhaust system fault | 2.42% |
| 14 | Headlamp fault | 2.24% |
| 15 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.15% |
| 16 | Front lamp not working | 2.07% |
| 17 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.05% |
| 18 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.96% |
| 19 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.77% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.75% |
| 21 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.71% |
| 22 | Airbag warning light on | 1.58% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.36% |
| 24 | Position lamp not working | 1.29% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 1.28% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.19% |
| 27 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.17% |
| 28 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.85% |
| 29 | Front suspension fault | 0.72% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.58% |
| 31 | ABS fault | 0.58% |
| 32 | Fog lamp not working | 0.58% |
| 33 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.42% |
| 34 | Parking brake condition | 0.39% |
| 35 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.38% |
| 36 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.37% |
| 37 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.33% |
| 38 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.32% |
| 39 | Seat belt condition | 0.30% |
| 40 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.29% |
| 41 | Horn not working | 0.24% |
| 42 | Steering rack fault | 0.24% |
| 43 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.22% |
| 44 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.22% |
| 45 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.17% |
| 46 | Drag link end worn | 0.16% |
| 47 | Brake lever fault | 0.16% |
| 48 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.13% |
| 49 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 50 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 51 | Steering arm worn | 0.11% |
| 52 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.11% |
| 53 | Chassis condition | 0.11% |
| 54 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.09% |
| 55 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.09% |
| 56 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 57 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 58 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.08% |
| 59 | Electrical switch fault | 0.08% |
| 60 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 61 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 62 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.07% |
| 63 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 65 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.05% |
| 66 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Driveshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Brake fluid leak | 0.05% |
| 69 | Engine oil leak | 0.05% |
| 70 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 71 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 72 | Steering free play excessive | 0.04% |
| 73 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 74 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 75 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 76 | Rear suspension fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
| 78 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 81 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 84 | Steering damper fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
| 87 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 89 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 90 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 91 | Steering box fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 93 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.01% |
| 100 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 103 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 106 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 112 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 114 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 116 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 117 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 118 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 120 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 124 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 127 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 131 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 141 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 142 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 148 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 150 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 153 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 154 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 155 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 161 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 168 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 171 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 172 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 175 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 177 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 179 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 181 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 182 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 185 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 185 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mercedes-benz Clk-class MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mercedes-benz Clk-class, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mercedes-benz Clk-class problems?
Based on analysis of 1.1M Mercedes-benz Clk-class MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 4 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Steering damper fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mercedes-benz Clk-class generation has the most problems?
The Mercedes-benz Clk-class C208 (1997-2003) (1997–2003) has the highest number of identified common problems (6). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mercedes-benz Clk-class?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mercedes-benz Clk-class owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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