Large SUV · 1998–2021 cars
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliability
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class fails 17.8% of first MOT tests, 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 12,105 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 17.8%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 46% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 12,105
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 9,300
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class ages
Each point is the share of Mercedes-Benz GL-Classs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 14.7% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 16.6% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 16.5% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 13.5% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 14.7% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 19.8% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 20.2% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 24.2% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 24.8% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 22% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 25.2% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 28.8% | 43.4% |
By year
The best and worst Mercedes-Benz GL-Class years
2013 cars come out best and 2015 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 790 | 15.4% | 32% fewer fails | 60,424 |
| 2015 GL-Class | 2,223 | 15.2% | 40% fewer fails | 68,939 |
| 2014 GL-Class | 2,072 | 14.2% | 51% fewer fails | 80,878 |
| 2013 GL-Class | 1,939 | 15.8% | 52% fewer fails | 94,075 |
| 2012 | 360 | 17.8% | 50% fewer fails | 94,150 |
| 2011 GL-Class | 1,044 | 21.8% | 43% fewer fails | 106,301 |
| 2010 | 714 | 19.9% | 51% fewer fails | 114,776 |
| 2009 | 355 | 29.3% | 31% fewer fails | 117,847 |
| 2008 | 749 | 22.3% | 48% fewer fails | 117,899 |
| 2007 GL-Class | 1,053 | 26% | 42% fewer fails | 127,985 |
| 2006 | 274 | 24.5% | 45% fewer fails | 129,046 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Failures by area, against cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics5.7%58% below avg
- Tyres5.5%24% below avg
- Brakes3.9%50% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.6%29% below avg
- Suspension2.1%81% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure1.8%56% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.6%68% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags1%12% below avg
- Wheels0.6%19% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.81% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 2
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.21% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.11% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Position lamp not working 0.97% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.9% of tests
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
- 6
CV joint boot split or insecure 0.9% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 7
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 0.78% of tests
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
- 8
Stop lamp not working 0.76% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit12.56%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive5.68%
- Brake disc pitted or scored5.01%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy4.82%
- Brake pads wearing thin4.63%
- Shock absorber light oil misting2.64%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
- 1
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 2
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Mercedes-Benz GL-Class covers about 9,300 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel85.8%
- Petrol14.1%
- Hybrid0.1%
Most common colours
Black, Silver, White, Grey, Blue
Average engine size: 3.4 litres.
Compare
How the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Bentley Bentayga | 4.2% | 73% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Audi Q8 | 7.5% | 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 17.8% | 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 13.7% | 39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS | 11.1% | 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz R-Class | 27.2% | 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| SsangYong Rexton | 35.6% | 36% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every large suv ranked in the large suv reliability index, or all Mercedes-Benz models.
Questions
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class questions, answered
Is the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class reliable?
On MOT results, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is better than average: it fails 17.8% of first MOT tests, 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 4 of 30 large suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class are tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.81% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.21% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.11% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 5.7% of its tests.
Which Mercedes-Benz GL-Class year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2013 cars do best (52% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2015 cars do worst (40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class do a year?
A typical Mercedes-Benz GL-Class covers about 9,300 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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