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Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) (2012-2018) reliability

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) right now?

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

Key figure

12% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE)
excellent reliability2012-2018SUVPETROL / DIESEL / HYBRID ELECTRIC

Based on 18,945 tests of GLE models registered 2012-2018.

About 1 in 30 GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) MOTs (3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 6,247 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) MOTs (5.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 6,247 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,18311.3%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
6,24712.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,72212.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,38311.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
41011.5%

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 8 years old.

How the GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) compares

At each age below, see how the GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 182,274 tests across 17 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,18311.3%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
6,24712.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,72212.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,38311.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
41011.5%

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 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.

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 GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE).

  1. 1

    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 12.3% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE), both built around 2018.

    1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    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 12.3% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE), both built around 2018.

    4,706 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    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 12.3% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE), both built around 2018.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    2.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Lower fail rate: 8.7%, against 12.3% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE), both built around 2018.

    4,936 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.

How many are still registered

77%of all Mercedes-Benz GLE cars first registered in 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% · Fewer than 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

93 recalls in all

34 of the 93 GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 33 more

Top concerns

  • Oil foam may develop in the active curve system oil reservoir
  • Installation of A/C drain hoses
  • The bolting of the 48V ground connection under the passenger seat might be fastened with an insufficient torque

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

How GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) cars have aged

How GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) 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.

0%10%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (5,932 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (5,114 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (4,705 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (4,438 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (4,234 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.1% (3,759 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.1% (3,496 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (3,302 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (3,240 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.4% (3,084 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 9.9% (3,969 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (3,852 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (3,603 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (3,562 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (3,434 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 8.8% (613 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (502 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (478 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (433 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (405 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) variants compared

GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • GLE12.8%5,608 tests

Petrol

  • GLE8.0%538 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

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

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz GLE built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) on its own.

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

    22.2%
    Advisory: 2,231Fail: 169 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    8.1%
    Advisory: 606Fail: 54 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Minor

    Drive shaft joint cover badly deteriorated

    5.7%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.3%
    Advisory: 265Fail: 206 (44% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, but not excessively

    5.1%
    Advisory: 490Fail: 12 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 6,247 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mercedes-Benz GLE W166/C292 (M-Class/GLE) (2012-2018) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 6,247 7-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 18,945 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz GLE models first registered between 2012-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.