At a Glance
The Mercedes-benz Sprinter has 75 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the NCV3 (2006-2018) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 2.9M 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 Sprinter 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 Sprinter 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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Browse Mercedes-benz Sprinter Generations
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Most Common Mercedes-benz Sprinter MOT Failures
Every reason Mercedes-benz Sprinter 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 | 8.79% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.99% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.43% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.87% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 5.03% |
| 6 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.59% |
| 7 | Front lamp not working | 3.49% |
| 8 | Track rod end worn | 3.07% |
| 9 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.07% |
| 10 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.02% |
| 11 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.92% |
| 12 | Tyre condition | 2.83% |
| 13 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.61% |
| 14 | Exhaust system fault | 2.53% |
| 15 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.36% |
| 16 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.30% |
| 17 | Parking brake condition | 2.17% |
| 18 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 2.00% |
| 19 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.99% |
| 20 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.96% |
| 21 | Position lamp not working | 1.92% |
| 22 | Headlamp fault | 1.83% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.82% |
| 24 | Rear lamp not working | 1.63% |
| 25 | Fog lamp not working | 1.33% |
| 26 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.12% |
| 27 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.05% |
| 28 | Steering rack fault | 0.90% |
| 29 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.87% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.79% |
| 31 | Airbag warning light on | 0.76% |
| 32 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.69% |
| 33 | Horn not working | 0.64% |
| 34 | Chassis condition | 0.62% |
| 35 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.59% |
| 36 | ABS fault | 0.58% |
| 37 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.55% |
| 38 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.52% |
| 39 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.46% |
| 40 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.40% |
| 41 | Brake pedal fault | 0.36% |
| 42 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.30% |
| 43 | Front suspension fault | 0.29% |
| 44 | Brake lever fault | 0.28% |
| 45 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.27% |
| 46 | Steering free play excessive | 0.27% |
| 47 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.26% |
| 48 | Driveshaft fault | 0.21% |
| 49 | Drag link end worn | 0.20% |
| 50 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 51 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.19% |
| 52 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.18% |
| 53 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.18% |
| 54 | Electrical switch fault | 0.17% |
| 55 | Steering arm worn | 0.15% |
| 56 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.14% |
| 57 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.14% |
| 58 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.13% |
| 59 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.11% |
| 60 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.11% |
| 61 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 62 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.10% |
| 63 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.10% |
| 64 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.10% |
| 65 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.09% |
| 66 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.09% |
| 67 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.08% |
| 68 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.08% |
| 69 | Brake caliper fault | 0.08% |
| 70 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.08% |
| 71 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.07% |
| 72 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 73 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.07% |
| 74 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 75 | Brake fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 76 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 77 | Spare wheel fault | 0.06% |
| 78 | Power steering pump fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 81 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 82 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 85 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 86 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 87 | Steering coupling worn | 0.04% |
| 88 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.04% |
| 89 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
| 90 | Rear suspension fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 93 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 95 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 98 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.02% |
| 99 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 102 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 103 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Universal joint worn | 0.02% |
| 108 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 110 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 111 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 113 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 115 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 116 | Steering box fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Loading door damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 120 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 121 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 122 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 123 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.01% |
| 124 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 125 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 127 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 131 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 132 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 135 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 136 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 137 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 138 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 139 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 147 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 152 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 157 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 158 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 160 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 161 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 162 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 167 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 169 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 171 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 172 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 173 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 174 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 177 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 178 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 180 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 181 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 189 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 190 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 193 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 194 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 195 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 196 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 197 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 198 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 199 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 200 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 201 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 202 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 203 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 203 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mercedes-benz Sprinter MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mercedes-benz Sprinter, 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 Sprinter problems?
Based on analysis of 2.9M Mercedes-benz Sprinter MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 75 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Parking brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mercedes-benz Sprinter generation has the most problems?
The Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3 (2006-2018) (2006–2018) has the highest number of identified common problems (66). 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 Sprinter?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mercedes-benz Sprinter owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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