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Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 (2011-2017) reliability

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 built around 2017: fails its MOT more often than average

Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 models built around 2017 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLS C218?

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

Key figure

17% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

Mercedes-Benz CLS C218
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2011-2017SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 16,266 tests of CLS models registered 2011-2017.

About 1 in 25 CLS C218 MOTs (3.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,277 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 CLS C218 MOTs (7.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 2,277 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

C218 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
53516.4%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,27717.2%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,88617.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,81718.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,96722.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,74222.1%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,32221.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
72021.3%

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 11 years old.

How the CLS C218 compares

At each age below, see how the CLS C218 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 184,960 tests across 17 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
53516.4%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,27717.2%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,88617.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,81718.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,96722.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,74222.1%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,32221.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
72021.3%

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Axles & Wheels

Worth checking

Inspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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 saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the CLS C218.

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.1%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 17.2% for the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218, both built around 2017.

    1,883 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    BMW 7 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.3%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.9%

    Lower fail rate: 9.9%, against 17.2% for the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218, both built around 2017.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,874 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

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.

How many are still registered

83%of all Mercedes-Benz CLS cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

53 recalls in all

24 of the 53 CLS C218 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 22 more

Top concerns

  • Risk of fire
  • Fire may occur
  • On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.

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

How CLS C218 cars have aged

How CLS C218 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%468101214Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (1,332 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (1,251 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.9% (1,253 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (1,214 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (1,169 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (1,697 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (1,608 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (1,547 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (1,506 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (1,442 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (2,295 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (2,258 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (2,089 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (2,099 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (1,994 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (1,458 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.3% (1,424 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (1,439 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (1,367 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (1,333 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (2,557 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (2,474 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (2,373 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (2,184 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (2,113 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (902 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (842 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (817 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (746 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (693 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (1,011 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (976 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (886 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (785 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (720 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
C218 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

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

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz CLS built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the C218 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    18.4%
    Advisory: 588Fail: 61 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    10.0%
    Advisory: 187Fail: 145 (44% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    7.8%
    Advisory: 229Fail: 15 (6% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    7.0%
    Advisory: 204Fail: 3 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    5.6%
    Advisory: 97Fail: 60 (38% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,277 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLS C218?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 (2011-2017) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 2,277 8-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 16,266 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CLS models first registered between 2011-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.