2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mercedes-Benz B-Class first registered in 2019: we looked at the 1,758 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres24% 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.
- Brakes10% 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.
- Lights and electrics6% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension2% 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.
Known faults on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Many recalls (21)
Recalls covered automatic gearbox faults, rear seat backrests, engine failures (2015), fuel leaks, brakes, airbags, air con, adaptive cruise and headlights stuck on main beam.
At the viewing: Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes B-Class (Mk2, 2011-2019) review
- Automatic
Dual-clutch gearbox surging
The dual-clutch automatic can surge and lose drive.
At the viewing: Drive in slow traffic and pull away several times.
Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes B-Class (Mk2, 2011-2019) review
- Cars with stop-start
Starter motor wear
The stop-start system can shorten the starter motor’s life.
At the viewing: Listen for a slow or noisy restart at junctions.
Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes B-Class (Mk2, 2011-2019) review
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Mercedes dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz B-Class?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 1,427 | Tyres 19% |
| 2021 | 3,636 | Tyres 20% |
| 2020 | 8,752 | Tyres 23% |
| 2018 | 11,524 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 16,943 | Tyres 30% |
| 2016 | 15,928 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 16,859 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 24,593 | Tyres 32% |
| 2013 | 21,133 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 17,251 | Tyres 31% |
| 2011 | 10,635 | Brakes 40% |
| 2010 | 13,626 | Brakes 42% |
| 2009 | 13,002 | Brakes 47% |
| 2008 | 10,481 | Brakes 50% |
| 2007 | 8,076 | Brakes 48% |
| 2006 | 6,099 | Brakes 49% |
| 2005 | 1,264 | Brakes 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz B-Class cars first registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score