At a Glance
The Mercedes-benz R-class has 15 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the W251 (2006-2013) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 50K 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 R-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 R-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 R-class owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Mercedes-benz R-class Generations
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Most Common Mercedes-benz R-class MOT Failures
Every reason Mercedes-benz R-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 | Tyre condition | 10.72% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.30% |
| 3 | Stop lamp not working | 6.67% |
| 4 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 5.51% |
| 5 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.16% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.04% |
| 7 | Driveshaft fault | 4.94% |
| 8 | Front lamp not working | 4.67% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.37% |
| 10 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 4.32% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.81% |
| 12 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.57% |
| 13 | Headlamp fault | 2.51% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.92% |
| 15 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 1.88% |
| 16 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.74% |
| 17 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.73% |
| 18 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.47% |
| 19 | Position lamp not working | 1.44% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.30% |
| 21 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.29% |
| 22 | Parking brake condition | 1.28% |
| 23 | Fog lamp not working | 1.27% |
| 24 | Airbag warning light on | 0.94% |
| 25 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.94% |
| 26 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.82% |
| 27 | Exhaust system fault | 0.74% |
| 28 | Engine oil leak | 0.73% |
| 29 | Steering rack fault | 0.59% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.58% |
| 31 | ABS fault | 0.57% |
| 32 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.55% |
| 33 | Brake pedal fault | 0.53% |
| 34 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.49% |
| 35 | Suspension unit fault | 0.49% |
| 36 | Brake lever fault | 0.48% |
| 37 | Indicator fault | 0.47% |
| 38 | Rear lamp not working | 0.45% |
| 39 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.39% |
| 40 | Seat belt condition | 0.29% |
| 41 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.24% |
| 42 | Propshaft fault | 0.20% |
| 43 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 44 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.20% |
| 45 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.19% |
| 46 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.18% |
| 47 | Track rod end worn | 0.18% |
| 48 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.17% |
| 49 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.16% |
| 50 | Horn not working | 0.15% |
| 51 | Steering lock fault | 0.14% |
| 52 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.14% |
| 53 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.14% |
| 54 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 55 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.12% |
| 56 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 57 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.12% |
| 58 | Front suspension fault | 0.12% |
| 59 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.12% |
| 60 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 61 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 62 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.10% |
| 63 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.09% |
| 64 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.09% |
| 65 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.09% |
| 66 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 67 | Exhaust leak | 0.07% |
| 68 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.07% |
| 69 | Driver seat fault | 0.07% |
| 70 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 72 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Electrical switch fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 75 | Brake fluid leak | 0.05% |
| 76 | Transmission oil leak | 0.05% |
| 77 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 78 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 80 | Chassis condition | 0.03% |
| 81 | Rear suspension fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Brake servo fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 84 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 88 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 89 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 92 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 96 | Handbrake fails on gradient | 0.02% |
| 97 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 103 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.01% |
| 105 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.01% |
| 107 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 108 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 110 | Seat belt or padding damaged | 0.01% |
| 111 | Steering operation fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 113 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.01% |
| 114 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 121 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 122 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 125 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 126 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 127 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 135 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 136 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mercedes-benz R-class MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mercedes-benz R-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 R-class problems?
Based on analysis of 50K Mercedes-benz R-class MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 15 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Driveshaft fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mercedes-benz R-class generation has the most problems?
The Mercedes-benz R-class W251 (2006-2013) (2006–2013) has the highest number of identified common problems (18). 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 R-class?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mercedes-benz R-class owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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