Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOT pass rate and common problems
92.7% of 9,320 Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOT tests pass.
The G-Class passes its MOT 92.7% of the time — well above the average across all Mercedes-Benz models, which sits at 83.5%.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class passes its MOT 92.7% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
This is the average across every Mercedes-Benz G-Class in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Mercedes-Benz’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 94.9% at 0–3 years to 81.6% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 94.9% | 859 | 22,477 miles |
| 3–6 years | 95.3% | 4,657 | 34,792 miles |
| 6–10 years | 90.2% | 2,294 | 49,128 miles |
| 10–15 years | 89.6% | 1,096 | 73,521 miles |
| 15+ years | 81.6% | 414 | 90,531 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz G-Class fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 39.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 39.9% | Not working |
| Tyres | 28.6% | Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords |
| Brakes | 21.7% | Excessively corroded |
| Identification of the vehicle | 14.4% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Suspension | 14.3% | Fractured or broken |
| Steering | 11.0% | Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.7% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 7.9% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 3.1% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.5% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz G-Class: what to check
These checks follow the Mercedes-Benz G-Class’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 89.6% to 81.6%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 87.6% down to 80.0%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 39.9% of failed Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 23.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Tyres
Recorded in 28.6% of failed Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 21.7% of failed Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 8.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Number plates and VIN
Recorded in 14.4% of failed Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOTs. 1.8% of tests at 6–10 years failed on number plates and vin, against 0.7% at 0–3 years.
Match the registration plates and the VIN (usually at the base of the windscreen and on a door pillar) to the V5C.
5. Suspension
Recorded in 14.3% of failed Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 5.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Mercedes-Benz service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Mercedes-Benz models
- Mercedes-Benz Eqc — 88.9% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz CLC — 65.4% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz GLB — 93.4% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz X-Class — 88.2% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Viano — 74.6% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Eqa — 91.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
- 92.7% of Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOT tests pass, based on 9,320 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
- The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz G-Class fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 39.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class are lights and electrics; tyres; brakes. Rare on young cars, but 23.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics.
- What should I check when buying a used Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; tyres; brakes; number plates and vin; suspension. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Mercedes-Benz service history guide for how to check and keep one.