2023 Mercedes-Benz V-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2023 Mercedes-Benz V-Class?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2023 Mercedes-Benz V-Class than on all cars registered in 2023.

• Shock absorbers7.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz V-Class

  7% All 2023 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.1% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Brake discs2.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz V-Class

  4.4% All 2023 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 2023 Mercedes-Benz V-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2023 Mercedes-Benz V-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  16% 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.

• Suspension
  8% 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.

• Brakes
  7% 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 mirrors
  2% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  1% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 7.8× as often on the 2023 Mercedes-Benz V-Class as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2023 Mercedes-Benz V-Class as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?