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Mercedes-Benz G-Class reliability by build year

Coverage 2007-present2 named generationsSUVPETROL / DIESEL

We've only got 296 MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz G-Class models built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

Not enough data

Mercedes-Benz G-Class built around 2018: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Mercedes-Benz G-Class models built around 2018 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Check a Mercedes-Benz G-Class by number plate

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Steering track rods

Worth checking

On a flat surface, rock the steering wheel briefly with the engine off and listen for clunks.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Over the last three years, fail rates rose, then fell back. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your G-Class's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

G-Class W463 (new)

W463 (new) (2018-present)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESELPETROL

15.2% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Likely between 11.6% and 19.7%

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

From 296 MOT tests at this ageView details →
G-Class W463 (facelift)

W463 (facelift) (2007-2017)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESELPETROL

16.8% fail rate, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Likely between 12.2% and 22.7%

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 20.8%)

From 196 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Pre

Older models (before 2005)

PETROL

21.6% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Likely between 12.5% and 34.6%

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 51 MOT tests at this ageLimited data

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

See every build year for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Side-by-side

Mercedes-Benz G-Class generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
W463 (new) (2018-present)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate15.2%likely between 11.6% and 19.7%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 296 MOT tests at this age
W463 (facelift) (2007-2017)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate16.8%likely between 12.2% and 22.7%built around 2016 (9 years old)from 196 MOT tests at this age
Older models (before 2005)
No rating
No rating21.6%likely between 12.5% and 34.6%built before 2000 (over 25 years old)from 51 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the G-Class, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Mercedes-Benz G-Class fail rate by age

This chart combines every Mercedes-Benz G-Class ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
1508.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
29615.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
24512.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
19616.8%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
16018.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
11213.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
7522.7%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
5121.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 12 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz G-Class models

These issues come from 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz G-Class models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    7.1%
    Advisory: 31Fail: 3 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    5.7%
    Advisory: 31Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.7%
    Advisory: 26Fail: 1 (4% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Track rod end ball joint has slight play

    5.1%
    Advisory: 14Fail: 6 (30% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    4.7%
    Advisory: 19Fail: 1 (5% of the times it was found)

Based on 296 MOT tests on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz G-Class models, every generation combined.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

39 recalls in all

30 of the 39 Mercedes-Benz G-Class recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 Critical
  • 27 more

Top concerns

  • Front passenger airbag may be deactivated
  • Fire may occur
  • Injury may occur if the passenger airbag deploys

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs to compare

  1. 1

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 15.2% for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, both built around 2018.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 15.2% for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, both built around 2018.

    1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.5%, against 15.2% for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, both built around 2018.

    4,706 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Skoda Karoq

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    Lower fail rate: 10.3%, against 15.2% for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, both built around 2018.

    8,610 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mercedes-Benz G-Class across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 296 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Mercedes-Benz G-Class ever sold: 1,285 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 296 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.