Used car guide

2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class first registered in 2018: we looked at the 763 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

763MOTs of 2018 cars, done in 2023–2025
88%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 83%)
6,400typical miles a year
16%had tyres flagged

Common 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    16% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Suspension
    8% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    8% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    6% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Steering
    2% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022452Tyres 16%
20211,041Tyres 18%
20201,163Tyres 14%
20191,419Tyres 16%
2017690Tyres 17%
2016508Tyres 18%
2015436Brakes 17%
2014352Brakes 17%
2013318Brakes 17%
2012172Brakes 20%
2011129Brakes 18%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz G-Class cars first registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score