2012 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · FY12 ABV
2012 Mercedes-Benz C (2.1L, diesel). First registered 05 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 114,826 miles. MOT expired on 31 Mar 2023. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Lincoln
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 31 Mar 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 114,826 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
FY12 ABV Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 18/03/2022
- 114,826 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FY12 ABV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (FY12 ABV) between March 2022 and March 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 18 March 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Brake performance not tested due to leaking brake pipe (1.2.1 (g))”; “Offside Front Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.11 (b) (ii))”; “Front Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))”.
FY12 ABV Mileage History
- 17/03/2022114,826 mi
- 18/03/2022114,826 mi
Average of roughly 0 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel s
When viewing this 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, verify that a comprehensive paper or digital service history accompanies the vehicle, paying specific attention to past brake fluid changes and suspension component replacements. Given the severity of the March 2022 MOT failure—which noted a leaking hydraulic brake pipe and an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint—test drive the vehicle on varied road surfaces to listen for knocks from the front axle and ensure the brake pedal feels firm and progressive. Negotiate on price if there is no recent documentary proof that the front brake discs, pads, and affected suspension arms have been renewed.
Equipped with the 2,143cc diesel engine, this C-Class typically delivers strong fuel economy on motorway journeys, though urban returns will be lower. Depending on the exact emissions bracket for this 2012 registration, annual Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) will apply at standard rates. Insurance falls into a mid-to-high group typical of a premium German saloon, and maintenance requires budget allocation for consumables like tyres, front suspension components, and brake parts, bringing the estimated annual running cost to £1,200-£1,500.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, referencing the 2022 MOT failure where the offside front brake pipe was leaking and the front brake discs were significantly worn. Check the central rear lower brake pipe for any lingering corrosion, and inspect the tyres for embedded foreign objects, recalling the nearside rear nail recorded in the 2022 test. Finally, examine the front suspension ball joints and arms for play, as suspension wear is among the top failure reasons for this model.
First registered in March 2012, this black 2,143cc diesel model has covered 114,826 miles, placing it above the national average for its age based on the model's 7,609-mile annual average. The MOT history reveals a notable test in March 2012 resulting in multiple failures including a leaking offside front brake pipe, heavily worn front brake discs, and a corroded central rear lower brake pipe covered in grease. Although it passed its subsequent test the following day after rectifying these defects, the heavy braking and suspension wear items demand close scrutiny.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class achieves an average MOT pass rate of 82.4% across the UK fleet, though tyres, suspension arms, and headlamps are common failure points.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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