2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class first registered in 2023: we looked at the 513 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres14% 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.
- Brakes2% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors1% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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 S-Class?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 651 | Tyres 12% |
| 2021 | 148 | Tyres 20% |
| 2020 | 775 | Tyres 21% |
| 2019 | 6,969 | Tyres 19% |
| 2018 | 6,939 | Tyres 18% |
| 2017 | 7,115 | Tyres 22% |
| 2016 | 8,055 | Tyres 23% |
| 2015 | 6,498 | Tyres 23% |
| 2014 | 4,832 | Tyres 22% |
| 2013 | 2,929 | Brakes 26% |
| 2012 | 3,634 | Brakes 31% |
| 2011 | 2,761 | Brakes 30% |
| 2010 | 2,549 | Brakes 31% |
| 2009 | 2,529 | Brakes 37% |
| 2008 | 2,858 | Brakes 39% |
| 2007 | 3,814 | Brakes 40% |
| 2006 | 3,082 | Brakes 37% |
| 2005 | 1,569 | Brakes 37% |
| 2004 | 1,856 | Brakes 37% |
| 2003 | 1,931 | Brakes 35% |
| 2002 | 1,143 | Brakes 33% |
| 2001 | 1,009 | Brakes 34% |
| 2000 | 748 | Suspension 35% |
| 1999 | 491 | Brakes 34% |
| 1998 | 501 | Brakes 32% |
| 1997 | 351 | Brakes 34% |
| 1996 | 318 | Brakes 28% |
| 1995 | 257 | Suspension 40% |
| 1994 | 148 | Suspension 31% |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | 133 | Brakes 18% |
| 1990 | 128 | Suspension 27% |
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 S-Class cars first registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score