Used car guide

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs, from 25,744 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

25,744MOT tests in 2025
67%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
8,100typical miles a year
3.9×the usual rate for rigid brake pipes

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs than on all cars registered in 2012.

  • Rigid brake pipes3.9× usual
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    21.7% All 2012 cars
    5.5%
    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 joint2.3× usual
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    13.1% All 2012 cars
    5.6%
    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 covers3.1× usual
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    7.7% All 2012 cars
    2.5%
    Rough price £80–£200

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

  • Wheel bearings3.8× usual
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    5.7% All 2012 cars
    1.5%
    Rough price £100–£250

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

  • Ball joint dust cover2× usual
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    5.7% All 2012 cars
    2.9%
    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: 0.2% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars. Track rod end: 0.6% here, against 4.9% of all 2012 cars.

By area

The share of 2012 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
    35% 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
    16% 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
    9% 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
    6% 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%
201118,835Brakes 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score