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Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 (2003-2014) reliability

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 built around 2014: about average at the MOT

Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 models built around 2014 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz Viano W639?

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

Key figure

26% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 models built around 2014 ended in a fail (retests included), against 27% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 models built around 2014 involves the tyres.

Mercedes-Benz Viano W639
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2003-2014MPVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 6,360 tests of Viano models registered 2003-2014.

About 1 in 15 Viano W639 MOTs (7.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2014 (11 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 881 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 5.7% and 9.2%. 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 Viano W639 MOTs (8.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2014 (11 years old).

Based on 881 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 6.4% and 10.0%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

W639 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
34223.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
88125.9%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
78625.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
68226.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
52825.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
52528.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
52625.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
59626.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
54427.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
47427.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
41128.7%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
6527.7%

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 20 years old.

How the Viano W639 compares

At each age below, see how the Viano W639 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 114,743 tests across 15 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
34223.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
88125.9%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
78625.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
68226.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
52825.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
52528.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
52625.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
59626.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
54427.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
47427.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
41128.7%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
6527.7%

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 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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks 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 people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Viano W639.

  1. 1

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    2.9%

    Lower fail rate: 17.4%, against 25.9% for the Mercedes-Benz Viano W639, both built around 2014.

    1,888 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Skoda Roomster

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.1%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.4%

    Lower fail rate: 21.8%, against 25.9% for the Mercedes-Benz Viano W639, both built around 2014.

    3,588 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    Toyota Verso

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.2%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90%

    Lower fail rate: 23.1%, against 25.9% for the Mercedes-Benz Viano W639, both built around 2014.

    3,812 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  4. 4

    Kia Venga

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.8%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 4.0%, against 7.3% for the Mercedes-Benz Viano W639.

    7,568 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

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

Not enough registration data to show this for the Mercedes-Benz Viano.

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.

Recall context

31 recalls in all

16 of the 31 Viano W639 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 Critical
  • 10 more

Top concerns

  • The driver's airbag may not correctly deploy if activated
  • The Takata driver's air bag might not deploy as specified
  • The driver's air bag may not deploy as specified

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

How Viano W639 cars have aged

How Viano W639 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%79111315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (537 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (550 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (523 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (502 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (517 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (559 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (556 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (543 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (499 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (462 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (485 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (478 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (444 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (406 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (398 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (382 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (370 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (352 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (345 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (290 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (363 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (348 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (340 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (298 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (283 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (369 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (325 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (313 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (280 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (258 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (402 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (426 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (423 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (331 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (290 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (386 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (337 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (321 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (285 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (252 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (320 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (292 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (255 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (218 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (187 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (267 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (265 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (227 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (196 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (154 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (148 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (120 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (112 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (77 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (65 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011
W639 variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

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

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz Viano built around 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W639 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

    22.8%
    Advisory: 290Fail: 21 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    16.2%
    Advisory: 176Fail: 43 (20% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    9.0%
    Advisory: 81Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    8.5%
    Advisory: 73Fail: 9 (11% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    7.0%
    Advisory: 88Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 881 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz Viano W639?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 (2003-2014) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 881 11-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 6,360 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz Viano models first registered between 2003-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.