At a Glance
The Mercedes-benz G-class has 1 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the W463 (1990-2018) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 20K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mercedes-benz G-class common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mercedes-benz G-class generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mercedes-benz G-class owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Mercedes-benz G-class Generations
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Most Common Mercedes-benz G-class MOT Failures
Every reason Mercedes-benz G-class vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 7.87% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.42% |
| 3 | Track rod end worn | 5.45% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.77% |
| 5 | Exhaust system fault | 3.65% |
| 6 | Drag link end worn | 3.62% |
| 7 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.59% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.52% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 3.23% |
| 10 | Indicator fault | 3.21% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 3.02% |
| 12 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.73% |
| 13 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.65% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.53% |
| 15 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.48% |
| 16 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.36% |
| 17 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.24% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.19% |
| 19 | Rear fog lamp not working | 2.19% |
| 20 | Fog lamp not working | 2.07% |
| 21 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.00% |
| 22 | Headlamp fault | 1.96% |
| 23 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.81% |
| 24 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.76% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.55% |
| 26 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.26% |
| 27 | Airbag warning light on | 1.25% |
| 28 | Front lamp not working | 1.23% |
| 29 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.06% |
| 30 | Rear lamp not working | 0.82% |
| 31 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.79% |
| 32 | ABS fault | 0.72% |
| 33 | Seat belt condition | 0.72% |
| 34 | Horn not working | 0.68% |
| 35 | Front suspension fault | 0.65% |
| 36 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.63% |
| 37 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.63% |
| 38 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.56% |
| 39 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.53% |
| 40 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.51% |
| 41 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.50% |
| 42 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.50% |
| 43 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.48% |
| 44 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.39% |
| 45 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.39% |
| 46 | Steering box fault | 0.38% |
| 47 | Chassis condition | 0.36% |
| 48 | Parking brake condition | 0.36% |
| 49 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.32% |
| 50 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.31% |
| 51 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.27% |
| 52 | Steering lock fault | 0.24% |
| 53 | Engine oil leak | 0.22% |
| 54 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.22% |
| 55 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.20% |
| 56 | Electrical switch fault | 0.19% |
| 57 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.19% |
| 58 | Brake lever fault | 0.17% |
| 59 | Driveshaft fault | 0.17% |
| 60 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.17% |
| 61 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.17% |
| 62 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.17% |
| 63 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 64 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.15% |
| 65 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.15% |
| 66 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.15% |
| 67 | Propshaft fault | 0.15% |
| 68 | Steering damper fault | 0.14% |
| 69 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.12% |
| 70 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 71 | Front passenger door fault | 0.12% |
| 72 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.12% |
| 73 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.10% |
| 74 | Driver seat fault | 0.10% |
| 75 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.10% |
| 76 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 77 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.10% |
| 78 | Rear suspension fault | 0.10% |
| 79 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.09% |
| 80 | Brake fluid leak | 0.09% |
| 81 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.09% |
| 82 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.07% |
| 83 | Driver door fault | 0.07% |
| 84 | Exhaust leak | 0.07% |
| 85 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.07% |
| 86 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.07% |
| 87 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.07% |
| 88 | Transmission oil leak | 0.07% |
| 89 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 90 | Passenger seat fault | 0.05% |
| 91 | Power steering pump fault | 0.05% |
| 92 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 93 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.03% |
| 94 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 95 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Power steering ram fault | 0.03% |
| 99 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 101 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Steering rack fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 104 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 105 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 107 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 108 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.02% |
| 112 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.02% |
| 113 | Brake valve fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 115 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.02% |
| 118 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 119 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.02% |
| 120 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.02% |
| 121 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 122 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 123 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.02% |
| 124 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 125 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.02% |
| 126 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
Showing all 126 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mercedes-benz G-class MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mercedes-benz G-class, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mercedes-benz G-class problems?
Based on analysis of 20K Mercedes-benz G-class MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 1 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Compression ignition emissions above threshold". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mercedes-benz G-class generation has the most problems?
The Mercedes-benz G-class W463 (1990-2018) (1990–2018) has the highest number of identified common problems (1). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mercedes-benz G-class?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mercedes-benz G-class owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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