2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Transmission oil leaks5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GLE

  2.5% All 2015 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Brakes
  15% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  5% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  5% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Known faults on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Air suspension leaks and compressor failure

  Cars with air suspension

  Air suspension can suffer expensive problems. A 'Please wait, car is rising' message at start-up can mean a leak, which can burn out the compressor.

  At the viewing: Watch for suspension messages at start-up, and feel whether the ride changes between Comfort and Sport.

  Source: What Car?: used Mercedes GLE (2015-2019) reliability

• Off-road damage

  All engines

  Scrapes or old mud underneath can mean off-road use and damaged parts.

  At the viewing: Look underneath, or have it inspected.

  Source: What Car?: used Mercedes GLE (2015-2019) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel

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

1. Has the air suspension had any work?
2. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?