2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 4,948 MOT tests
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 20.4% of first MOT tests, 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 21 S-Class years (4,948 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- 20.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 41% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 89,884
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,948
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 4.7% of tests fail here (32% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 80% 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 S-Class
Fail rate by area
- Brakes6.7%
- Suspension5.8%
- Tyres5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.7%
- Lights and electrics3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.1%
- Wheels0.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.05%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 2.61%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.04%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.78%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.27%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.15%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.14%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.33%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.04%) · Wheel bearing slight play (5.82%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.8%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (5.13%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz S-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz S-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 S-Class reliable?
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 20.4% of first MOT tests, 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 21 S-Class years (4,948 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.05% of tests), diesel engine warning light faulty (2.61% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.04% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows 89,884 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).
Check a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.