Used car guide

2017 Mercedes-Benz ML: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Mercedes-Benz ML first registered in 2017: we looked at the 280 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 280 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

280MOTs of 2017 cars, done in 2023–2025
64%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%)
32,400typical miles a year
29%had suspension flagged

Common 2017 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    29% 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.

  • Brakes
    22% 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.

  • Tyres
    19% 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
    10% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    9% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    6% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Mercedes-Benz ML

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

  1. 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%
20159,479Tyres 28%
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 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score