At a Glance
The Mercedes-benz Viano has 16 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the W639 (2003-2014) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 98K 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 Viano 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 Viano 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 Viano Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Mercedes-benz Viano MOT Failures
Every reason Mercedes-benz Viano 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 tread depth below limit | 7.53% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 7.29% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.85% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.35% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 5.75% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.22% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.55% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 4.05% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.77% |
| 10 | Position lamp not working | 3.17% |
| 11 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.04% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.86% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.74% |
| 14 | Headlamp fault | 2.59% |
| 15 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.26% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 2.12% |
| 17 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.06% |
| 18 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.95% |
| 19 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.84% |
| 20 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.80% |
| 21 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.76% |
| 22 | Parking brake condition | 1.51% |
| 23 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.37% |
| 24 | Airbag warning light on | 1.33% |
| 25 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.02% |
| 26 | Fog lamp not working | 1.00% |
| 27 | Seat belt condition | 0.93% |
| 28 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.92% |
| 29 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.81% |
| 30 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.75% |
| 31 | ABS fault | 0.63% |
| 32 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.63% |
| 33 | Chassis condition | 0.59% |
| 34 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.56% |
| 35 | Horn not working | 0.53% |
| 36 | Rear lamp not working | 0.50% |
| 37 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.45% |
| 38 | Indicator fault | 0.41% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.40% |
| 40 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.39% |
| 41 | Steering rack fault | 0.36% |
| 42 | Brake lever fault | 0.35% |
| 43 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.32% |
| 44 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.24% |
| 45 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.22% |
| 46 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.21% |
| 47 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.21% |
| 48 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.20% |
| 49 | Engine oil leak | 0.17% |
| 50 | Brake pedal fault | 0.16% |
| 51 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.16% |
| 52 | Passenger seat fault | 0.15% |
| 53 | Suspension unit fault | 0.15% |
| 54 | Driveshaft fault | 0.15% |
| 55 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.12% |
| 56 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 57 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.11% |
| 58 | Propshaft fault | 0.11% |
| 59 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.10% |
| 60 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.08% |
| 61 | Brake caliper fault | 0.08% |
| 62 | Spare wheel fault | 0.07% |
| 63 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.07% |
| 64 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.06% |
| 65 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 66 | Electrical switch fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Steering arm worn | 0.06% |
| 68 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 69 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 70 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 71 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.05% |
| 74 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.05% |
| 75 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.05% |
| 78 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 79 | Front suspension fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 81 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Exhaust leak | 0.04% |
| 83 | Driver door fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 85 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.04% |
| 86 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 87 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 88 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 89 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 91 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 93 | Brake fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 94 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 98 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 101 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 102 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 106 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 108 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Body strengthening plate corroded | 0.01% |
| 110 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Electric power steering fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.01% |
| 113 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | <0.01% |
| 117 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 118 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 124 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 127 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 131 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 137 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 138 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 140 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 145 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 146 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 149 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 155 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 156 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 157 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 163 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 165 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 166 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mercedes-benz Viano MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mercedes-benz Viano, 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 Viano problems?
Based on analysis of 98K Mercedes-benz Viano MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 16 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Indicator fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mercedes-benz Viano generation has the most problems?
The Mercedes-benz Viano W639 (2003-2014) (2003–2014) has the highest number of identified common problems (23). 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 Viano?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mercedes-benz Viano owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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