2019 Mercedes-Benz X-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Mercedes-Benz X-Class?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz X-Class than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Number plate lights3.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz X-Class

  4.7% All 2019 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Engine warning light4.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz X-Class

  3.3% All 2019 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.8% of all 2019 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.

• Airbag warning light13× usual
  Mercedes-Benz X-Class

  2.6% All 2019 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.2% of all 2019 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints26× usual
  Mercedes-Benz X-Class

  2.6% All 2019 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Engine oil leaks3.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz X-Class

  2.2% All 2019 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2019 Mercedes-Benz X-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Mercedes-Benz X-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Brakes
  18% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  12% 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
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  5% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  3% 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 2019 Mercedes-Benz X-Class

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

1. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz X-Class as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz X-Class as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 13× as often on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz X-Class as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?