Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 (2019-present) reliability
Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 built around 2020: fails its MOT less often than average
Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 models built around 2020 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247?
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Key figure
9% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 9,178 tests of B-Class models registered 2019+.
About 1 in 20 petrol B-Class cars registered in 2022 (4.9%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 142 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 75 B-Class W247 MOTs (1.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 3,744 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 30 B-Class W247 MOTs (3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 3,744 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
W247 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 6 years old.
How the B-Class W247 compares
At each age below, see how the B-Class W247 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 124,145 tests across 22 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2020 (5 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other people carriers to compare
Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the B-Class W247.
- 1
Ford Tourneo
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.2%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,449 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Volkswagen Caddy
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 17%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.6%
- Dangerous
- 5.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.8%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 on these figures.
9,776 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Peugeot Rifter
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.6%
- Dangerous
- 3.3%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 on these figures.
3,405 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Renault Kangoo
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 24%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 4.1%
- Dangerous
- 5.9%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 on these figures.
3,080 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
65 recalls in all9 of the 65 B-Class W247 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 9 recalls
Top concerns
- SRPC2404 – backup function of steering software
- The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
- The emergency call system might not meet specifications
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on B-Class W247 cars built around 2020
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 143 cars.
How B-Class W247 cars have aged
How B-Class W247 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as W247 cars age
How each part holds up as W247 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | No figure | 2% | 4% | 13% |
| Brakes | 6% | 6% | 6% | 7% |
| Emissions | No figure | 1% | 3% | 5% |
| Tyres | 14% | 16% | 30% | 28% |
| Lighting | 4% | 7% | 10% | 14% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 80 to 400 cars at each age.
W247 variants compared
B-Class W247 variants built around 2020
The fail rate for each B-Class W247 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- B8.8%2,113 tests
Diesel
- B9.0%1,418 tests
Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz B-Class models of this age
This list covers every Mercedes-Benz B-Class built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W247 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 113.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 211.3%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 37.0%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 44.0%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 53.6%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 3,744 tests
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the Mercedes-Benz B-Class W247 (2019-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 3,744 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.