2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class · 1,024 MOT tests
2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Classs fail 22.8% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 5 R-Class years (1,024 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz R-Classs: 27.2%)
- 22.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz R-Classs: 27.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 37% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 98,697
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,024
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 6.7% of tests fail here (59% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 84% 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 R-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics8.2%
- Body, chassis and structure6.7%
- Brakes6.3%
- Tyres3.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.4%
- Suspension2.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 4%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 3.12%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 1.56%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.37%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.07%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Headlamp aim set too low 0.98%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.67%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.18%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.52%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.76%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.71%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (3.61%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz R-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz R-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz R-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 R-Class reliable?
2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Classs fail 22.8% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 5 R-Class years (1,024 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (4% of tests), position lamp not working (3.12% of tests), diesel engine warning light faulty (1.56% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class shows 98,697 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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