Used car guide

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs, from 18,835 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

18,835MOT tests in 2025
67%pass first time (all 2011 cars: 61%)
7,900typical miles a year
3.8×the usual rate for rigid brake pipes

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs than on all cars registered in 2011.

  • Rigid brake pipes3.8× usual
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    23.2% All 2011 cars
    6.1%
    Rough price £100–£400

    At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

  • Ball joint2.2× usual
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    13.2% All 2011 cars
    6.1%
    Rough price £80–£200

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Link ball joint covers2.7× usual
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    7.2% All 2011 cars
    2.7%
    Rough price £80–£200

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Wheel bearings3× usual
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    5.4% All 2011 cars
    1.8%
    Rough price £100–£250

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

  • Ball joint dust cover1.7× usual
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    5.4% All 2011 cars
    3.1%
    Rough price £80–£200

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Better than most

Number plate lights: 0.8% here, against 8.1% of all 2011 cars. Exhaust system: 1.6% here, against 6.4% of all 2011 cars.

By area

The share of 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    40% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    37% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    32% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Lights and electrics
    19% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    13% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20207,333Tyres 29%
201924,043Tyres 29%
201828,324Tyres 29%
201739,527Tyres 29%
201636,604Tyres 30%
201534,034Tyres 30%
201425,199Tyres 32%
201323,486Suspension 33%
201225,744Brakes 40%
201012,829Brakes 40%
200912,530Suspension 43%
200812,995Suspension 45%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score