2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class · 20,456 MOT tests
2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Classs fail 27.9% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 16 B-Class years (20,456 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz B-Classs: 26.5%)
- 27.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz B-Classs: 26.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 75,798
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 20,456
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.6% of tests fail here (290% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 69% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10.1%
- Lights and electrics9.4%
- Tyres7%
- Brakes5.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.8%
- Seat belts and airbags1.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.96%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.9%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Registration plate lamp not working 2.3%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.83%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.77%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.75%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.55%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.64%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.56%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.38%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.32%) · Brake discs showing some wear (3.65%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz B-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz B-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz B-Class, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class reliable?
2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Classs fail 27.9% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 16 B-Class years (20,456 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class MOT?
Most often anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed (2.96% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (2.9% of tests), registration plate lamp not working (2.3% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class shows 75,798 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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