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Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3
Common Van Problems, MOT Failures & Pass Rate Data

53 identified problems216 MOT failure types1.6M MOT tests analysed2006–2018

Sources: DVSA MOT Test Data + owner-submitted problems

At a Glance

The Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3 has 53 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Parking brake performance below minimum being the most reported. Electrical is the most common MOT failure category. The most serious issue flagged is Parking brake performance below minimum, rated as dangerous. Based on 1.6M MOT tests from DVSA data.

Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →

Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3 — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.

Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3 MOT Pass Rate

Across 1.6M MOT tests from DVSA data, the Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3 (2006–2018) has a fail rate of 34.6%.

UK average fail rate (2006–2018): 37.8%

1.0M passed550K failed

Common Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3 Problems

Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.

Tier:
Sort by:
Tier:MOT ProblemMOT ProblemUnexpected failure — a pattern we've highlighted as occurring significantly more often on this make/model than the UK average.Wear & TearWear & TearDegrades naturally over time with use. Expected to need replacement during the life of the vehicle.ConsumableConsumableRoutine replacement item — brake pads, tyres, bulbs, wiper blades. Expected as part of normal servicing.
Severity:DangerousDangerousMOT failure with an immediate safety risk. The vehicle cannot be driven until the problem is repaired.MajorMajorMOT failure. Must be repaired for the vehicle to pass its MOT.MinorMinorMOT failure on a smaller issue. The car passes its MOT but the problem should be repaired soon.

Parking brake performance below minimum

MOT ProblemDangerousBrakes

82,915

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 170,953 mi

Position lamp not working

MOT ProblemMajorElectrical

43,731

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.5× the UK averageAvg mileage: 171,051 mi

Indicator fault

MOT ProblemMajorElectrical

32,041

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 3.3× the UK averageAvg mileage: 161,115 mi

Compression ignition emissions above threshold

MOT ProblemMajorEngine

28,352

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 185,308 mi

Windscreen damage affecting view

Wear & TearDangerousBodywork

28,238

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 173,807 mi

Tell Us About Your Problem

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Your report helps other car owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being published.

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Problems by mileage

Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.

628 distinct problems · 3,089,451 total occurrences in current filter

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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.

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Other Mercedes-benz Sprinter Generations

T1N

1995–2006

60 problems

NCV3

2006–2018

66 problems

Current page

VS30

2018–2025

10 problems

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3 problems?

Based on DVSA MOT data for the Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3 (2006–2018), we have identified 53 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Parking brake performance below minimum". Electrical is the most common MOT failure category.

How reliable is the Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3?

This generation has 1.6M MOT tests on record with a 34.6% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.

What commonly fails the MOT on a Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3?

There are 216 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the NCV3 (2006–2018), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.

Can I report a problem with my Mercedes-benz Sprinter NCV3?

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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