2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mercedes-Benz CLS first registered in 2021: we looked at the 104 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 104 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres21% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Brakes6% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics5% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension3% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Steering1% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLS?
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Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz CLS compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2020 | 850 | Tyres 24% |
| 2019 | 3,235 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 2,895 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 4,487 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 6,312 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 8,678 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 5,369 | Brakes 35% |
| 2013 | 9,199 | Brakes 38% |
| 2012 | 3,346 | Brakes 34% |
| 2011 | 3,528 | Brakes 34% |
| 2010 | 3,201 | Brakes 37% |
| 2009 | 3,285 | Brakes 38% |
| 2008 | 4,060 | Brakes 38% |
| 2007 | 5,119 | Brakes 41% |
| 2006 | 4,213 | Brakes 40% |
| 2005 | 2,811 | Brakes 35% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz CLS cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score