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Mercedes-Benz GL reliability by build year

Coverage 2006-20152 named generationsSUVDIESEL

We've only got 656 MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz GL models built around 2015 (10 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz GL built around 2015: fails its MOT less often than average

Mercedes-Benz GL models built around 2015 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Check a Mercedes-Benz GL by number plate

Key figure

13% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz GL models built around 2015 ended in a fail (retests included), against 23% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz GL models built around 2015 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

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

Brake pads

High priority

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

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your GL's generation

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

GL X166 (2nd gen)

X166 (2nd gen) (2013-2015)

Excellent
DIESELPETROL

13.4% fail rate, built around 2015 (10 years old)

Likely between 11.0% and 16.2%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 22.8%)

From 656 MOT tests at this ageView details →
X

X164 (1st gen) (2006-2012)

Excellent
DIESEL

17.9% fail rate, built around 2012 (13 years old)

Likely between 13.6% and 23.3%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 27.7%)

From 240 MOT tests at this ageView details →

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 GL.

See every build year for the Mercedes-Benz GL

Side-by-side

Mercedes-Benz GL 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
X166 (2nd gen) (2013-2015)
Excellent
Excellent13.4%likely between 11.0% and 16.2%built around 2015 (10 years old)from 656 MOT tests at this age
X164 (1st gen) (2006-2012)
Excellent
Excellent17.9%likely between 13.6% and 23.3%built around 2012 (13 years old)from 240 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the GL, 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 GL fail rate by age

This chart combines every Mercedes-Benz GL 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
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
57013.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
65613.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
63713.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
27313.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
24017.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
25517.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
17419.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
18019.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
43320.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
22719.8%

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 17 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 10-year-old Mercedes-Benz GL models

These issues come from 10-year-old Mercedes-Benz GL models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much 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

    20.6%
    Advisory: 217Fail: 13 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.2%
    Advisory: 69Fail: 11 (14% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    7.9%
    Advisory: 71Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    7.9%
    Advisory: 54Fail: 2 (4% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Drive shaft joint cover badly deteriorated

    6.1%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 656 MOT tests on 10-year-old Mercedes-Benz GL models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 10-year-old Mercedes-Benz GL models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Brakes + Tyres33%
  2. Other + Tyres13%
  3. Brakes + Fuel & oil13%
  4. Brakes + Drivetrain12%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 163 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz GL cars built around 2015 (10 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

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

88%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

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.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

16 recalls in all

5 of the 16 Mercedes-Benz GL recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Oil foam may develop in the active curve system oil reservoir
  • On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
  • The function of the brake booster might be affected due to advanced corrosion in the joint area of its housing.

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

    Land Rover Discovery

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.1%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz GL on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    10,509 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 1.7%, against 3.8% for the Mercedes-Benz GL.

    2,671 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    MINI Countryman

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.1%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 2.5%, against 3.8% for the Mercedes-Benz GL.

    13,231 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    Suzuki Vitara

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.9%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 2.2%, against 3.8% for the Mercedes-Benz GL.

    3,556 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

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 2015 (10 years old), the Mercedes-Benz GL across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 656 10-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 GL ever sold: 3,645 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2015 (10 years old): 656 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.