Used car guide

2015 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the petrol Mercedes-Benz ML first registered in 2015 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 194 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 194 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

194MOTs of 2015 petrol cars, done in 2023–2025
84%pass first time (all 2015 cars: 74%)
7,800typical miles a year
22%had tyres flagged

Common 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

  • Tyres
    22% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    9% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • 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.

  • Suspension
    4% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% 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.

Known faults on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol

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 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML petrol

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

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz ML?

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 ML compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019129Suspension 21%
2018237Suspension 26%
2017280Suspension 29%
201411,497Tyres 28%
201312,563Tyres 27%
20126,841Tyres 26%
20117,714Tyres 28%
20107,801Brakes 31%
20095,953Brakes 36%
20086,706Brakes 40%
20076,424Brakes 39%
20065,377Brakes 39%
20052,996Suspension 48%
20044,031Suspension 54%
20032,950Suspension 51%
20022,655Suspension 48%
20011,495Suspension 47%
20001,247Brakes 49%
1999611Suspension 50%
1998–Too few tests

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 ML cars first registered in 2015. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score