2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class · 51,533 MOT tests
2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 34.3% of first MOT tests, 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 25 C-Class years (51,533 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- 34.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 18% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 111,289
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 51,533
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (level)
- 2010 cars: 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1% of tests fail here (50% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 73% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17.2%
- Lights and electrics11.7%
- Brakes10.5%
- Tyres7.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%
- Body, chassis and structure1.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 6.47%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.45%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.39%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.03%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Position lamp not working 2.72%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.33%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (17.52%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.7%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.36%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.18%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.98%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (4.88%)
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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 34.3% of first MOT tests, 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 25 C-Class years (51,533 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (6.47% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (3.45% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.39% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows 111,289 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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