2006 · 18 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2006 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT pass rate and common faults

1,724 MOT tests in 2024. 67.1% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

120Well above average
Passed first time67.1%
Failed or needed repairs32.9%
Typical mileage at test132,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,724 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working5.6%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.5%
  3. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.4%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.6%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.3%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
    63 marked dangerous
  7. Stop lamp: not working1.9%
  8. Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated1.8%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics21.1%
  2. Brakes17.7%
  3. Suspension9.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks7.1%
  5. Tyres6.6%
  6. Steering4.0%
  7. Body & chassis3.5%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine28.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.3%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.3%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn8.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML?

In 2024, 67.1% of 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,724 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; coil spring: fractured or broken; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 120, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).