Across 8,840 MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz SLC in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 12.5% failed — about 1 in 8. The parts that fail most are tyres (7.2% of tests), suspension (2.1%), lights and electrics (1.8%), brakes (1.2%) and exhaust, fuel and emissions (1.0%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the Mercedes-Benz SLC has 10% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage.
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
SLC (2016–2020)
MOT: 12.5% of 8,840 initial tests failed — 10% fewer failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyres | 7.2% |
| 2 | suspension | 2.1% |
| 3 | lights and electrics | 1.8% |
| 4 | brakes | 1.2% |
| 5 | exhaust, fuel and emissions | 1.0% |
Questions
What fails most on a Mercedes-Benz SLC at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is tyres: 7.2% of Mercedes-Benz SLC MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on tyres. Next come suspension (2.1%) and lights and electrics (1.8%).
How often does a Mercedes-Benz SLC fail its MOT?
12.5% of Mercedes-Benz SLC MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 8), counting initial tests only, across 8,840 tests. Allowing for age and mileage, that is 10% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLC reliable?
On MOT results, the Mercedes-Benz SLC has 10% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this Mercedes-Benz SLC data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.