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Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (1st gen) (2006-2012) reliability

Not enough data

Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (1st gen) built around 2012: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (1st gen) models built around 2012 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (1st gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

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

2006-2012SUVDIESEL

Based on 1,509 tests of GL models registered 2006-2012.

X164 (1st gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
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.

How the GL X164 (1st gen) compares

At each age below, see how the GL X164 (1st gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 73,176 tests across 16 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

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.

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.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the GL X164 (1st gen).

  1. 1

    Mini (R60)

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (1st gen) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    7,400 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (1st gen) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,819 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Toyota RAV4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.6%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (1st gen) on these figures.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,478 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Land Rover Discovery

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.1%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (1st gen) on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    7,774 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

88%of all Mercedes-Benz GL cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

3 of the 16 GL X164 (1st gen) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 2 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.

How GL X164 (1st gen) cars have aged

How GL X164 (1st gen) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%20%911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (80 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (72 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (92 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (68 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (73 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (188 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (192 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (185 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (148 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (130 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.1% (134 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (128 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (118 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (107 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (93 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (166 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (144 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (131 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (124 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (109 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (310 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (273 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (249 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (209 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (184 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (369 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (293 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (257 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (222 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (163 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (63 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (61 tests, 2022 data)2006
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
X164 (1st gen) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz GL models of this age

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz GL built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the X164 (1st gen) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    22.9%
    Advisory: 57Fail: 1 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    17.9%
    Advisory: 69Fail: 3 (4% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    13.3%
    Advisory: 43Fail: 8 (16% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    8.8%
    Advisory: 27Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    7.5%
    Advisory: 22Fail: 1 (4% of the times it was found)

Based on 240 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (1st gen) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Mercedes-Benz GL X164 (1st gen) (2006-2012) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 240 13-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 1,509 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz GL models first registered between 2006-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.