2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT pass rate and common faults

2,276 MOT tests in 2024. 77.5% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

121Well above average
Passed first time77.5%
Failed or needed repairs22.5%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,276 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken5.2%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    92 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.9%
    46 marked dangerous
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    33 marked dangerous
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working1.1%
  9. Door condition: cannot be opened from outside the vehicle1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.9%
  2. Suspension7.2%
  3. Tyres6.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks5.4%
  5. Brakes3.7%
  6. Body & chassis3.5%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.5%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.3%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.0%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.2%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn4.0%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML?

In 2024, 77.5% of 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,276 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 121, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).