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Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203 (2008-2011) reliability

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203 built around 2011: fails its MOT more often than average

Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203 models built around 2011 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

32% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203 models built around 2011 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203 models built around 2011 involves the suspension.

Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2008-2011CoupePETROL / DIESEL

Based on 11,034 tests of CLC models registered 2008-2011.

About 1 in 10 CLC CL203 MOTs (10.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2011 (14 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,245 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 12 CLC CL203 MOTs (9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2011 (14 years old).

Based on 2,245 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

CL203 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
10931.2%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,24531.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
3,87432.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,85231.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
95431.2%

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 15 years old.

How the CLC CL203 compares

At each age below, see how the CLC CL203 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 61,232 tests across 14 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
10931.2%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,24531.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
3,87432.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,85231.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
95431.2%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the CLC CL203.

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.1%
    Dangerous
    1.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 8.5%, against 31.6% for the Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203, both built around 2011.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,595 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.7%
    Dangerous
    5.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 21.3%, against 31.6% for the Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203, both built around 2011.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,210 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Honda CR-Z

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.2%
    Dangerous
    5.6%

    Lower fail rate: 21.4%, against 31.6% for the Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203, both built around 2011.

    1,875 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Audi A5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.9%
    Dangerous
    8.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    87.6%

    Lower fail rate: 24.4%, against 31.6% for the Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203, both built around 2011.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    12,321 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

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

4 recalls in all

2 of the 4 CLC CL203 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame might not meet specifications
  • On affected vehicles the bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame might not meet specifications. In c

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How CLC CL203 cars have aged

How CLC CL203 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.

0%10%20%30%1011121314151617Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (636 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (673 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (684 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (677 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (634 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (2,236 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (2,063 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (2,036 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (1,803 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (1,741 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (2,821 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (2,659 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (2,553 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (2,309 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (2,094 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (1,552 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (1,394 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (1,272 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (1,092 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (954 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008
CL203 variants compared

CLC CL203 variants built around 2011

The fail rate for each CLC CL203 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • CLC30.9%1,822 tests

Diesel

  • CLC35.2%412 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz CLC models of this age

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz CLC built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the CL203 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    30.1%
    Advisory: 743Fail: 331 (31% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    21.1%
    Advisory: 622Fail: 78 (11% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    17.1%
    Advisory: 546Fail: 63 (10% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.5%
    Advisory: 311Fail: 72 (19% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    11.0%
    Advisory: 253Fail: 38 (13% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,245 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203 (2008-2011) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,245 14-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 11,034 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CLC models first registered between 2008-2011. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.