2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class · 101,663 MOT tests
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 29.3% of first MOT tests, 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 25 C-Class years (101,663 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- 29.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 93,697
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 101,663
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: brakes, 11.1% of tests fail here (38% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 74% 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 C-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension12.8%
- Brakes11.1%
- Tyres7.7%
- Lights and electrics6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.7%
- Seat belts and airbags1.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.66%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.14%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.71%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.27%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.06%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 1.49%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.17%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.01%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.63%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.21%) · Wheel bearing slight play (4.02%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.85%)
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 29.3% of first MOT tests, 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 25 C-Class years (101,663 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (4.66% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (3.14% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.71% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows 93,697 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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