MOT performance
2002 Mercedes-Benz SL: MOT pass rate and common failures
Of 2,004 MOT tests on 2002-registered Mercedes-Benz SLs in 2023–2024 (on average 20.8 years old at test, median 73,702 miles), 81.1% passed first time, 1.8 points lower than the Mercedes-Benz SL overall. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLs failed 52% less often than comparable cars.
2,004 MOT tests on 1,143 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto
Check a specific car's MOT history and running costsAt a glance
| Figure | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 81.1% | ±1.7 pts (95%), n = 2,004 |
| All Mercedes-Benz SLs | 82.9% | n = 43,454 |
| Failures vs similar cars | 0.48× | same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00 |
| Tests with a dangerous defect | 4.6% | n = 2,004 |
| Average age at test | 20.8 years | n = 2,004 |
Where 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail
| Area | Tests failed on it | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6.3% | -53% |
| Lights, reflectors and electrical | 6.0% | -67% |
| Brakes | 5.4% | -53% |
| Tyres | 3.6% | -36% |
| Driver's view of the road | 2.8% | -62% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.7% | -74% |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.3% | -49% |
| Registration plates and VIN | 1.0% | +36% |
| Steering | 0.9% | -68% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 0.6% | -92% |
| Road wheels | 0.3% | +15% |
Most common failure items
| Item | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 1.85% |
| SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault | Seat belts and airbags | 1.35% |
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 1.20% |
| Headlamp: not working on dipped beam | Lights, reflectors and electrical | 1.15% |
| Ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Suspension | 1.15% |
Check a specific 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
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About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.