Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a van. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 116 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 2 of 42, and 28.4% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is rbt (sp) (5.1% of tests).
Ranked 2 of 42 vans and pickups in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 21,012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 28.4% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is 14% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 17.7% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
28.4%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
17.7%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
13,700
Typical age at test: 10 years
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MOT faults
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.1% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5% of tests
- Position lamp: not working2.5% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.4% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.2% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value2.1% of tests
What the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 13.4% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 13.3% | About average |
| Suspension | 5.8% | ▼ 49% less often |
| Visibility | 4.9% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.8% | ▼ 13% less often |
| Body and structure | 3.7% | ▼ 21% less often |
| Steering | 2.9% | About average |
| Tyres | 2.8% | ▼ 61% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 2.0% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 74% less often |
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Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is 14% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 116 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
The most common MOT fault is “Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements”, found in 5.1% of tests. It fails on brakes and seat belts and airbags more often than similar cars.
›How many Mercedes-Benz Sprinters fail their MOT?
28.4% of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 17.7% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter combined (Open Government Licence v3.0). How we calculate the league.