2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Side repeaters5.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  6.9% All 2012 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Individual direction indicators2.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  7.2% All 2012 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Steering rack5.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  2.8% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Windscreen1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  5.2% All 2012 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

Common 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  27% 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.

• Suspension
  25% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  10% 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano

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

1. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 5.6× as often on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?