2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class · 6,103 MOT tests
2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 38.7% of first MOT tests, 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 25 C-Class years (6,103 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- 38.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 98,368
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,103
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- 2002 cars: 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 18.7% of tests fail here (23% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 64% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension18.7%
- Lights and electrics16%
- Brakes9.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.6%
- Tyres6.2%
- Body, chassis and structure3.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.6%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.41%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.23%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.92%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Stop lamp not working 2.74%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.49%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.57%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.81%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.83%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (8.45%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.39%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (6.42%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz C-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 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 38.7% of first MOT tests, 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 25 C-Class years (6,103 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.6% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.41% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (3.23% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows 98,368 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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