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Mercedes-Benz X-Class reliability by build year

Coverage 2018-20201 named generationPickupDIESEL

We've only got 1,018 MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz X-Class models built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz X-Class built around 2018: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Mercedes-Benz X-Class models built around 2018 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Check a Mercedes-Benz X-Class by number plate

Key figure

5.3% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz X-Class models built around 2018 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 2.7%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz X-Class models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class'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.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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

Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your X-Class's generation

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

X-Class Mk1

Mk1 (2018-2020)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESEL

18.4% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)

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

From 1,018 MOT tests at this ageView details →

By age

Mercedes-Benz X-Class fail rate by age

This chart combines every Mercedes-Benz X-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
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
22711.0%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
1,26015.0%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,07415.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,01818.4%

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 7 years old.

All generations of this model

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

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

All generations of this modelEnough 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

    15.0%
    Advisory: 276Fail: 29 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.3%
    Advisory: 108Fail: 18 (14% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    8.8%
    Advisory: 115Fail: 19 (14% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    7.9%
    Advisory: 117Fail: 2 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    One of the number plate lights not working

    6.6%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,018 MOT tests on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz X-Class models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz X-Class models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Tyres26%
  2. Brakes + Suspension21%
  3. Brakes + Other15%
  4. Lighting + Suspension14%

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

Across 301 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz X-Class cars built around 2018 (7 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

Not enough registration data to show this for the Mercedes-Benz X-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

11 recalls in all

All 11 Mercedes-Benz X-Class recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 11 recalls

Top concerns

  • On affected vehicles due to a potential error in the press-fitting process during production a leak at the radial shaft
  • On certain vehicles the glass of the canopy rear window could break
  • The return pipe of the oil cooler could chafe on the front axle cross member.

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

Like-for-like

Other pickups to compare

Other pickups to compare

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi L200

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.7%
    Dangerous
    4.6%

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

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,845 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Isuzu D-Max

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.4%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

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

    5,626 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Volkswagen Amarok

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5%
    Dangerous
    5.9%

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

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,173 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Hilux

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5%
    Dangerous
    4.1%

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

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,632 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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mercedes-Benz X-Class across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. It has among the highest fail rates of the 15 Mercedes-Benz models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 1,018 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 X-Class ever sold: 4,579 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 1,018 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.