Common problems by part
Mercedes-Benz V-Class steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 9,409 MOT tests · Updated
At 6 years, 0.1 in 100 MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class failed on steering, against 0.5 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), 7 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 8 ages from 3 to 10 years, 46,317 MOT tests
- MOT tests at 6 years: 9,409 for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
0.1 fails per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.5 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 6 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
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 steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5,054 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
| 4 | 7,003 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| 5 | 8,703 | 0.0 | 0.3 |
| 6 | 9,409 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| 7 | 7,460 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
| 8 | 4,990 | 0.3 | 1.2 |
| 9 | 2,670 | 0.3 | 1.8 |
| 10 | 1,028 | 0.3 | 2.1 |
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 steering at 6 years
Advisories (not fails)
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s): 0.7 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.3. Play in steering rack inner joint(s) MOT advisory
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
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Play in steering rack inner joint(s).
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 body and structure 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
Steering on rival models
- Peugeot Boxer steering problems: 0.5 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.1 for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class (11,139 MOT tests)
- Fiat Ducato steering problems: 0.4 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.1 for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class (9,132 MOT tests)
- Hyundai i800 steering problems: 0.3 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.1 for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class (5,501 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Mercedes-Benz V-Class have more steering problems than other cars?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.5 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 steering problems?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 6 years failed on steering, against 0.5 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 9,409 MOT tests).
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.
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