Mercedes-Benz GL MOT pass rate and common problems
87.0% of 7,305 Mercedes-Benz GL MOT tests pass.
The GL has a pass rate of 87.0%, a little higher than the average across all Mercedes-Benz models (83.5%).
The Mercedes-Benz GL passes its MOT 87.0% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Mercedes-Benz GL?
This is the average across every Mercedes-Benz GL 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 96.6% at 3–6 years to 80.4% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (12) | 12 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 96.6% | 292 | 35,652 miles |
| 6–10 years | 89.1% | 2,330 | 80,806 miles |
| 10–15 years | 88.2% | 2,964 | 109,145 miles |
| 15+ years | 80.4% | 1,707 | 127,412 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mercedes-Benz GL
The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz GL fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 43.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 43.0% | Not working |
| Tyres | 35.6% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 30.2% | Excessively corroded |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 14.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Suspension | 12.2% | Has a serious fluid leak |
| Body, chassis, structure | 9.3% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Visibility | 8.6% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Steering | 4.9% | Gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 4.6% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 3.8% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz GL: what to check
These checks follow the Mercedes-Benz GL’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 GL comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 88.2% to 80.4%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 91.9% down to 85.7%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 43.0% of failed Mercedes-Benz GL MOTs. 15.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.0% at 3–6 years.
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 35.6% of failed Mercedes-Benz GL MOTs. 8.6% of tests at 6–10 years failed on tyres, against 1.0% at 3–6 years.
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 30.2% of failed Mercedes-Benz GL MOTs. 12.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 3.1% at 3–6 years.
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. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 14.8% of failed Mercedes-Benz GL MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 3.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
5. Suspension
Recorded in 12.2% of failed Mercedes-Benz GL MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 4.7% 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 Viano — 74.6% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz Eqa — 91.6% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz 300 — 81.3% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz 190 — 77.5% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz CL — 84.0% pass rate
- Mercedes-Benz GLS — 91.1% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz GL?
- 87.0% of Mercedes-Benz GL MOT tests pass, based on 7,305 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz GL?
- The most common reason the Mercedes-Benz GL fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 43.0% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz GL?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mercedes-Benz GL are lights and electrics; tyres; brakes. 15.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.0% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Mercedes-Benz GL?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; tyres; brakes; exhaust, emissions and leaks; 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 GL'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.