2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE hybrid: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the hybrid Mercedes-Benz GLE first registered in 2018 (hybrid cars only): we looked at the 189 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 189 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE hybrid MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres28% 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.
- Brakes7% 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 joints6% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics2% 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 hybrid
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.
- Cars with air suspension
Air suspension leaks and compressor failure
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
- All engines
Off-road damage
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 hybrid
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the air suspension had any work?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GLE?
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 GLE compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 156 | Tyres 19% |
| 2022 | 3,688 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 9,432 | Tyres 29% |
| 2020 | 14,739 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 10,345 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 13,547 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 16,176 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 3,790 | Tyres 26% |
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 GLE cars first registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score