At a Glance
The Mercedes-benz Gl-class has 8 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the X164 (2006-2012) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 49K 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 Gl-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 Gl-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 Gl-class owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Mercedes-benz Gl-class Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Mercedes-benz Gl-class MOT Failures
Every reason Mercedes-benz Gl-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 | 12.79% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 12.40% |
| 3 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 5.41% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.44% |
| 5 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 4.44% |
| 6 | Driveshaft fault | 4.06% |
| 7 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.74% |
| 8 | Position lamp not working | 3.63% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.51% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 3.34% |
| 11 | Front lamp not working | 3.20% |
| 12 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.02% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.28% |
| 14 | Headlamp fault | 2.22% |
| 15 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.18% |
| 16 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.81% |
| 17 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 1.77% |
| 18 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.77% |
| 19 | Airbag warning light on | 1.66% |
| 20 | Seat belt condition | 1.60% |
| 21 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 1.52% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.27% |
| 23 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.12% |
| 24 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.09% |
| 25 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.96% |
| 26 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.87% |
| 27 | Steering rack fault | 0.82% |
| 28 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.78% |
| 29 | ABS fault | 0.76% |
| 30 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.76% |
| 31 | Brake pedal fault | 0.75% |
| 32 | Rear lamp not working | 0.73% |
| 33 | Fog lamp not working | 0.64% |
| 34 | Engine oil leak | 0.63% |
| 35 | Suspension unit fault | 0.57% |
| 36 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.49% |
| 37 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.47% |
| 38 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.46% |
| 39 | Parking brake condition | 0.36% |
| 40 | Track rod end worn | 0.34% |
| 41 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.34% |
| 42 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.31% |
| 43 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.27% |
| 44 | Exhaust system fault | 0.27% |
| 45 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.25% |
| 46 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.23% |
| 47 | Brake lever fault | 0.21% |
| 48 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.19% |
| 49 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.19% |
| 50 | Propshaft fault | 0.18% |
| 51 | Passenger seat fault | 0.16% |
| 52 | Horn not working | 0.14% |
| 53 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.14% |
| 54 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.14% |
| 55 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 56 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.13% |
| 57 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 58 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.12% |
| 59 | Steering lock fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Drag link end worn | 0.08% |
| 61 | Driver seat fault | 0.08% |
| 62 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.07% |
| 63 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.06% |
| 64 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.06% |
| 65 | Front suspension fault | 0.06% |
| 66 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Exhaust leak | 0.05% |
| 68 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 69 | Universal joint worn | 0.05% |
| 70 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.05% |
| 72 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 73 | Rear suspension fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Transmission oil leak | 0.04% |
| 75 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
| 76 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Brake fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 78 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 79 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.03% |
| 80 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 81 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 82 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 84 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 85 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 87 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 91 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 92 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Chassis condition | 0.02% |
| 94 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 97 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 99 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 101 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 104 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 106 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Seat belt or padding damaged | 0.01% |
| 108 | Steering arm worn | 0.01% |
| 109 | Steering box fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Steering operation fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Steering shaft fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.01% |
| 113 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 114 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Battery loose or leaking | <0.01% |
| 116 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 124 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 133 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 136 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
Showing all 136 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mercedes-benz Gl-class MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mercedes-benz Gl-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 Gl-class problems?
Based on analysis of 49K Mercedes-benz Gl-class MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 8 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Indicator fault". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Mercedes-benz Gl-class generation has the most problems?
The Mercedes-benz Gl-class X164 (2006-2012) (2006–2012) has the highest number of identified common problems (7). 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 Gl-class?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mercedes-benz Gl-class owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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