2003 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Mercedes-Benz V-Class first registered in 2003 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 186 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 186 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2003 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes54% 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.
- Suspension42% 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.
- Lights and electrics41% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres37% 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.
- Rust and bodywork25% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Exhaust and emissions20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Mercedes-Benz V-Class diesel
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 V-Class?
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Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz V-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 |
| 2023 | 682 | Tyres 16% |
| 2022 | 801 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 1,241 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 2,706 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 8,687 | Tyres 22% |
| 2018 | 7,272 | Tyres 23% |
| 2017 | 6,726 | Tyres 23% |
| 2016 | 4,500 | Tyres 24% |
| 2015 | 2,720 | Tyres 24% |
| 2002 | 343 | Brakes 43% |
| 2001 | 169 | Brakes 47% |
| 2000 | 143 | Brakes 52% |
| 1999 | 182 | Brakes 51% |
| 1998 | 137 | Brakes 50% |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
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 V-Class cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score