2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Mercedes-Benz Viano first registered in 2004 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 372 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 372 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano petrol?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.
- Flexible brake hoses2.2× usualMercedes-Benz Viano12.4% All 2004 cars5.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 1.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
Engine oil leaks: 5.4% here, against 14.7% of all 2004 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 8.1% here, against 17.3% of all 2004 cars.
Common 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics39% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes34% 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.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Suspension24% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering8% 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano petrol as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz Viano?
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 Viano compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 408 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 1,947 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 1,959 | Tyres 28% |
| 2012 | 1,700 | Tyres 30% |
| 2011 | 1,449 | Brakes 32% |
| 2010 | 1,318 | Brakes 34% |
| 2009 | 1,337 | Brakes 38% |
| 2008 | 1,467 | Brakes 37% |
| 2007 | 1,370 | Brakes 42% |
| 2006 | 1,140 | Brakes 41% |
| 2005 | 1,161 | Brakes 46% |
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 Viano cars first registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score