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Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen) (2011-2015) reliability

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen) built around 2015: fails its MOT less often than average

Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen) models built around 2015 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen) right now?

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

Key figure

16% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen) 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 ML W166 (3rd gen) models built around 2015 involves the tyres.

Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen)
excellent reliability2011-2015SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 19,257 tests of ML models registered 2011-2015.

About 1 in 20 ML W166 (3rd gen) MOTs (4.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 4,331 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 ML W166 (3rd gen) MOTs (5.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).

Based on 4,331 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

W166 (3rd gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,34015.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
4,33116.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
4,71517.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
4,44717.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,78521.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,63924.2%

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 14 years old.

How the ML W166 (3rd gen) compares

At each age below, see how the ML W166 (3rd gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 139,470 tests across 18 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2015 (10 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,34015.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
4,33116.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
4,71517.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
4,44717.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,78521.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
1,63924.2%

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 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.

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 ML W166 (3rd gen).

  1. 1

    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%

    Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 16.3% for the Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen), both built around 2015.

    2,671 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    3.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 16.3% for the Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen), both built around 2015.

    1,622 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    Honda CR-V

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    4.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 2.0%, against 4.6% for the Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen).

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,667 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    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 ML W166 (3rd gen) on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    10,509 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.

How many are still registered

88%of all Mercedes-Benz ML 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

26 recalls in all

13 of the 26 ML W166 (3rd gen) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 12 more

Top concerns

  • Front passenger airbag may be deactivated
  • The driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time
  • Faulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification

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

How ML W166 (3rd gen) cars have aged

How ML W166 (3rd 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.

0%10%20%68101214Age at MOTBuilt around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (2,591 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (2,516 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (2,445 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (2,412 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (2,344 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (2,842 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (2,780 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (2,691 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (2,670 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (2,579 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (3,143 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (3,054 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (2,979 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (2,894 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (2,775 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (1,674 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (1,535 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (1,519 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (1,413 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (1,348 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (2,235 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (2,128 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (1,980 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (1,833 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (1,639 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012
W166 (3rd gen) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

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

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz ML built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W166 (3rd gen) 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

    21.5%
    Advisory: 1,456Fail: 120 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    7.5%
    Advisory: 360Fail: 52 (13% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    7.0%
    Advisory: 423Fail: 8 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.7%
    Advisory: 232Fail: 122 (34% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    4.5%
    Advisory: 192Fail: 4 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,331 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Mercedes-Benz ML W166 (3rd gen) (2011-2015) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 4,331 10-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 19,257 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz ML models first registered between 2011-2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.