2014 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Engine warning light2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz ML

  3% All 2014 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.4% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 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
  16% 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.

• Suspension
  9% 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
  8% 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
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  4% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Known faults on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 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.

• Gearbox and electrical faults

  All engines

  Most reported problems are gearbox and non-engine electrics, which are expensive to repair. Engines are fairly bulletproof.

  At the viewing: Check smooth gear changes, and test the sat nav, electric seats and tailgate.

  Source: What Car?: used Mercedes M-Class (2012-2015) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel

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

1. Has the gearbox had any work?
2. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?