2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints6.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GLE

  5.5% All 2018 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 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
  28% 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
  14% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  5% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Lights and electrics
  2% 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 2018 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 2018 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.9× as often on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?