Makes › Mercedes-Benz › ML-Class

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliability

A · Excellent

MOT pass rates and common problems from 333,376 MOT tests of cars first registered 1999–2015.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
70.3%pass first time
+9.2 ptsvs typical car
Beats 84%of cars
333,376MOT tests

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class passes its MOT first time on 70.3% of tests, 9.2 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (61.1%). That puts it ahead of 84% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2013 ML-Class does best (beats 98% of cars) and the 2010 worst (beats 82%).

Of its engines, the 2.1 Diesel does best (beats 96%) and the 2.7 Diesel worst (beats 61%).

Better than average on lights & electrics, suspension, tyres.

Watch these weak spots

Indicator side repeaters2.0×as often as a typical car
Brake pipes1.4×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

40%50%60%70%80%90%3456789101112131415161718192087%86%82%77%74%68%61%59%59%
Mercedes-Benz ML-ClassTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

1999
Beats 59%
2000
Beats 61%
2001
Beats 63%
2002
Beats 65%
2003
Beats 60%
2004
Beats 60%
2005
Beats 63%
2006
Beats 88%
2007
Beats 88%
2008
Beats 86%
2009
Beats 82%
2010
Beats 82%
2011
Beats 87%
2012
Beats 96%
2013
Beats 98%
2014
Beats 96%
2015
Beats 94%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel2005–2015174,15572.3%Beats 90%A
2.1 Diesel2012–201565,47682.0%Beats 96%A
2.7 Diesel2000–200554,07554.1%Beats 61%B
3.5 Diesel2009–201212,75370.9%Beats 86%A
3.2 Petrol1999–200211,26656.0%Beats 61%B
3.7 Petrol2003–20046,38254.7%Beats 59%C
4.0 Diesel2007–20083,31071.6%Beats 96%A
5.5 Petrol2014–20141,31087.3%Beats 99%A
5.0 Petrol2002–20021,24758.0%Beats 68%B
3.5 Petrol2006–20061,22270.3%Beats 94%A
4.3 Petrol2000–20001,17656.7%Beats 61%B
6.2 Petrol2007–20071,00477.4%Beats 99%A

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 3.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 5.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 8.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 14.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 13.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 18.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 5.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 9.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 13.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 18.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+4.1 ptsTyres: 5.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+2.2 ptsBrakes: 9.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+1.5 ptsSuspension: 8.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 14.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+6.0 ptsExhaust: 3.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 5.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+1.2 ptsSuspension: 8.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 14.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 9.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 5.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 13.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 18.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 3.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 5.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 13.9% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 18.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+4.1 ptsTyres: 5.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+2.2 ptsBrakes: 9.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+1.5 ptsSuspension: 8.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 14.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+6.0 ptsExhaust: 3.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 5.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+1.2 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Exhaust: 3.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 5.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics
13.9% vs 18.0%
Brakes
9.2% vs 10.7%
Suspension
8.3% vs 14.3%
Tyres
5.6% vs 7.8%
Emissions & leaks
3.8% vs 5.0%
Visibility
3.2% vs 6.2%
Steering
3.1% vs 3.2%
Body & structure
2.8% vs 5.8%
Seat belts & airbags
1.4% vs 1.9%
Wheels
0.6% vs 0.5%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Indicator side repeaters 2.0× typical
    Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid.
  • Coil springs
    Look behind each wheel for a snapped coil (often the bottom one) and listen for clunks over bumps.
  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Headlight bulbs & units
    Check dipped and main beam on both sides.
  • Tyre tread depth
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k88%86%82%77%70%64%62%61%
Mercedes-Benz ML-ClassTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Coil springs4.4%3.4%1.3×
Brake lights3.4%3.5%1.0×
Sidelights3.3%4.7%0.7×
Tyre damage & cracking3.2%3.9%0.8×
Headlight aim2.9%4.8%0.6×
Headlight bulbs & units2.4%3.3%0.7×
Brake pipes2.2%1.6%1.4×
Tyre tread depth2.1%3.5%0.6×
Brake pads2.0%2.4%0.8×
Track rod ends1.8%2.2%0.8×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened43.6
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning30.1
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements29.2
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning25.3
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements21.5
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn21.1
Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded20.1
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement18.7
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines84.6% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel15,85884.2%Beats 94%A
3.0 Diesel11,75285.1%Beats 96%A
2014 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class3 engines83.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel18,76082.3%Beats 95%A
3.0 Diesel14,21483.6%Beats 97%A
5.5 Petrol1,31087.3%Beats 99%A
2013 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines82.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.1 Diesel21,72881.7%Beats 98%A
3.0 Diesel15,09483.5%Beats 99%A
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class3 engines78.9% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel12,39079.2%Beats 96%A
2.1 Diesel9,13078.4%Beats 96%A
3.5 Diesel1,13880.1%Beats 98%A
2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines72.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel19,99572.4%Beats 86%A
3.5 Diesel3,88874.0%Beats 91%A
2010 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines68.6% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel18,75468.7%Beats 83%A
3.5 Diesel5,72068.2%Beats 80%A
2009 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines66.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel17,37766.8%Beats 82%A
3.5 Diesel2,00767.5%Beats 83%A
2008 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines66.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel21,60366.5%Beats 85%A
4.0 Diesel1,48671.6%Beats 96%A
2007 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class3 engines67.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel20,91166.2%Beats 86%A
4.0 Diesel1,82471.6%Beats 96%A
6.2 Petrol1,00477.4%Beats 99%A
2006 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines66.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.0 Diesel19,42465.8%Beats 88%A
3.5 Petrol1,22270.3%Beats 94%A
2005 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines56.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.7 Diesel8,22053.1%Beats 55%C
3.0 Diesel2,64164.9%Beats 87%A
2004 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines54.2% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.7 Diesel15,54153.9%Beats 60%B
3.7 Petrol3,39855.7%Beats 61%B
2003 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines53.5% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.7 Diesel11,62653.5%Beats 60%B
3.7 Petrol2,98453.7%Beats 57%C
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class3 engines55.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.7 Diesel9,80855.0%Beats 64%B
3.2 Petrol3,01557.2%Beats 66%B
5.0 Petrol1,24758.0%Beats 68%B
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class2 engines55.2% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.7 Diesel6,04455.1%Beats 64%B
3.2 Petrol1,78655.5%Beats 62%B
2000 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class3 engines55.8% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.2 Petrol3,34054.9%Beats 56%C
2.7 Diesel2,83656.5%Beats 65%B
4.3 Petrol1,17656.7%Beats 61%B
1999 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class1 engine56.3% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
3.2 Petrol3,12556.3%Beats 59%C

FAQ

What is the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class MOT pass rate?

70.3% of MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class were passed first time, based on 333,376 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1999–2015. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 61.1% of the time.

Is the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class reliable?

On MOT results it rates A (excellent): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 84% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Mercedes-Benz ML-Class year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2013 ML-Class does best for its age and mileage: it beats 98% of cars on UK roads. The 2010 does worst: it beats 82%.

Which Mercedes-Benz ML-Class engine is best?

Across all years, the 2.1 Diesel does best: it beats 96% of cars on UK roads. The 2.7 Diesel does worst: it beats 61%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class?

The most common failure items are coil springs, brake lights, sidelights. Compared with similar cars, indicator side repeaters comes up 2.0× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.