Mercedes-Benz X-Class Mk1 (2018-2020) reliability
Mercedes-Benz X-Class Mk1 built around 2018: more fails still not passed 3 days later
Mercedes-Benz X-Class Mk1 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.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz X-Class Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
5.3% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz X-Class Mk1 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 Mk1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 4,412 tests of X-Class models registered 2018-2020.
About 1 in 20 X-Class Mk1 MOTs (5.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 853 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.0% and 7.0%. 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 X-Class Mk1 MOTs (4.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 853 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.4% and 6.2%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk1 fail rate by age
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.
How the X-Class Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the X-Class Mk1 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).
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 priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other pickups to compare
Other pickups, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the X-Class Mk1.
- 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 Mk1 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
9,845 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 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 Mk1 on these figures.
5,626 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
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 Mk1 on these figures.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
6,632 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Nissan Navara
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 7%
- Dangerous
- 4.6%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz X-Class Mk1 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
11,008 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.
Recall context
11 recalls in allAll 11 X-Class Mk1 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.
What has gone wrong on X-Class Mk1 cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 109 cars.
How X-Class Mk1 cars have aged
How X-Class Mk1 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.
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 3% | 2% | 2% |
| Brakes | 18% | 24% | 25% |
| Emissions | 3% | 8% | 14% |
| Tyres | 9% | 9% | 17% |
| Lighting | 3% | 16% | 14% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | No figure | 3% |
| Steering | No figure | No figure | 2% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 1% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 65 to 135 cars at each age.
Mk1 variants compared
Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz X-Class models of this age
This list covers every Mercedes-Benz X-Class built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 115.0%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 210.3%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 38.8%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 47.9%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 56.6%Minor
One of the number plate lights not working
Based on 1,018 tests
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz X-Class Mk1?
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 X-Class Mk1 (2018-2020) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 853 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.