Common problems by part
Mercedes-Benz V-Class body and structure problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 9,409 MOT tests · Updated
At 6 years, 1.0 in 100 MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class failed on body and structure, against 0.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 9,409 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 92 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 8 ages from 3 to 10 years, 46,317 MOT tests
- Most common fail: Driveshaft CV boot split, 0.4 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
1.0 fails per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.8 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 6 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A body and structure fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
Look under the sills, jacking points and rear subframe for rot, bubbling or fresh underseal over a repair, and check every door, bonnet and boot shuts properly.
The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a commercial or van-based vehicle: it is compared with all class 4 vehicles, cars and vans together, so part of any difference can come from how vans are used.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class body and structure fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5,054 | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| 4 | 7,003 | 0.7 | 0.3 |
| 5 | 8,703 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| 6 | 9,409 | 1.0 | 0.8 |
| 7 | 7,460 | 0.9 | 1.3 |
| 8 | 4,990 | 0.5 | 1.8 |
| 9 | 2,670 | 1.1 | 2.3 |
| 10 | 1,028 | 1.2 | 2.9 |
All first-use years of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the body and structure at 6 years
Fails
- Driveshaft CV boot split: 0.4 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.4. Replace CV joint boot: estimated £88–£196 (1–2 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £10–£40) Drive shaft constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot severely deteriorated: 0.3 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.3. Drive shaft constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (MOT minor defect)
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying a Mercedes-Benz V-Class? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
Look under the sills, jacking points and rear subframe for rot, bubbling or fresh underseal over a repair, and check every door, bonnet and boot shuts properly.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot severely deteriorated.
Check one Mercedes-Benz V-Class, not the average
The figures here describe Mercedes-Benz V-Class cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Mercedes-Benz V-Class's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Mercedes-Benz V-Class problems
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class suspension problems
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class brakes problems
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class lights and electrics problems
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class steering problems
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class tyres problems
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class road wheels problems
Body and structure on rival models
- Peugeot Boxer body and structure problems: 1.0 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 1.0 for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class (11,139 MOT tests)
- Ford Tourneo body and structure problems: 3.3 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 1.0 for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class (9,531 MOT tests)
- Fiat Ducato body and structure problems: 0.8 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 1.0 for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class (9,132 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Mercedes-Benz V-Class have more body and structure problems than other cars?
1.0 in 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 9,409 MOT tests).
How common are Mercedes-Benz V-Class body and structure problems?
1.0 in 100 MOT tests at 6 years failed on body and structure, against 0.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 9,409 MOT tests).
What is the most common Mercedes-Benz V-Class body and structure fail?
0.4 in 100 MOT tests at 6 years: Driveshaft CV boot split (42 MOT tests with it).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 46,317 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare