2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class · 10,635 MOT tests
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Classs fail 20% of first MOT tests, 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 16 M-Class years (10,635 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz M-Classs: 27%)
- 20%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz M-Classs: 27%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 43% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 93,097
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,635
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 4.2% of tests fail here (20% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 74% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension6.2%
- Lights and electrics5.7%
- Tyres4.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.2%
- Body, chassis and structure2.6%
- Brakes2.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.31%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 2.36%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.46%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
CV joint boot split or insecure 1.2%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.02%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.99%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.64%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.28%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.25%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.17%) · Brake discs showing some wear (2.93%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.16%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz M-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz M-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz M-Class, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class reliable?
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Classs fail 20% of first MOT tests, 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 16 M-Class years (10,635 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.31% of tests), diesel engine warning light faulty (2.36% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.46% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class shows 93,097 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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