2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS · 4,135 MOT tests
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLSs fail 23.3% of first MOT tests, 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 15 CLS years (4,135 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz CLSs: 24%)
- 23.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz CLSs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 32% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 89,607
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,135
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 9.3% of tests fail here (29% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 77% 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 CLS
Fail rate by area
- Tyres9.3%
- Suspension8.2%
- Brakes6.3%
- Lights and electrics3.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.2%
- Body, chassis and structure0.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.48%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.71%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.64%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.35%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.64%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 1.45%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.69%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.47%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.85%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.54%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (3.97%) · Brake discs showing some wear (3.24%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz CLS year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz CLS reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz CLS, 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 CLS reliable?
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLSs fail 23.3% of first MOT tests, 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 15 CLS years (4,135 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.48% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (2.71% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (2.64% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS shows 89,607 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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