Mercedes-Benz G-Class: MOT pass rate and reliability data

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class passes its MOT first time more often than the average UK car, by 7.8 percentage points. These figures come from the DVSA's full year of anonymised MOT results, covering 1,417 individual Mercedes-Benz G-Class tests. Nothing here is an estimate or a survey.

The numbers

First-time pass rate84.5%
UK national average76.7%
Difference+7.8 points
Tests analysed1,417
Average mileage at test54,126 miles
Average year of manufacture2014
Reliability rank1,275 of 2,005 models

What this means if you are buying one

A 84.5% first-time pass rate means roughly 16 in every 100 Mercedes-Benz G-Class presented for MOT fail on the first attempt. That is better than average, so a well-kept example is a reasonably safe used buy. The average Mercedes-Benz G-Class tested had covered 54,126 miles and was built around 2014.

What this means at salvage auction

Pass rate is a proxy for what a car costs to keep on the road. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class sits 7.8 points above the national average, ranked 1,275 of 2,005 models. On one bought as repairable salvage, the mechanical side is less likely to spring surprises, so your repair estimate should hold up reasonably well.

Before you bid: run the lot through the analyzer, check the car's own record, check the mileage, decode the VIN, and if it carries a marker use the write-off value calculator. Or compare it against another model.

Looking at a specific Mercedes-Benz G-Class rather than the model in general? The free check covers its MOT and mileage history, and the full HPI report confirms the insurance write-off category, outstanding finance and whether it is recorded stolen, from licensed data for 5 credits. Already own one that has been damaged? Work out whether fixing it beats selling it with the repair or scrap calculator, and see recorded closing bids for damaged Mercedes-Benz G-Class at UK salvage auction.

Most common MOT failures on a Mercedes-Benz G-Class

  1. Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements, 2% of tests (10.64x the national rate for this defect)
  2. Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, 1.6% of tests (2.17x the national rate for this defect)
  3. The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, 3.6% of tests (1.52x the national rate for this defect)
  4. A tyre seriously damaged, 2.9% of tests
  5. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, 2.4% of tests
  6. A tyre cords visible or damaged, 1.2% of tests
  7. Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen, 1.1% of tests
  8. A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, 0.9% of tests
  9. Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn, 0.9% of tests
  10. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 0.8% of tests

From 1,424 DVSA-tracked Mercedes-Benz G-Class tests, 2024. DVSA testers marked 3.57% of these flagged Mercedes-Benz G-Class defects as "dangerous", meaning the tester judged the car unsafe to drive away, against 5.11% nationally.

Most common MOT advisories on a Mercedes-Benz G-Class

An advisory doesn't fail the car - the tester flags it as worth watching, but it still passes. A different list from the failures above: what testers are noting on a Mercedes-Benz G-Class before it actually fails on it.

  1. A shock absorber bush excessively worn, 2.6% of tests (5.45x the national rate for this advisory)
  2. Lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements, 3.9% of tests (2.82x the national rate for this advisory)
  3. A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, 3% of tests (2.26x the national rate for this advisory), also fails
  4. A wheel bearing with excessive play, 1.1% of tests (1.62x the national rate for this advisory)
  5. Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, 7.2% of tests (1.3x the national rate for this advisory)
  6. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 11.9% of tests
  7. A tyre seriously damaged, 10.3% of tests, also fails
  8. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured, 7.4% of tests
  9. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm, 5.8% of tests
  10. Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn, 3.6% of tests, also fails

From 1,424 DVSA-tracked Mercedes-Benz G-Class tests, 2024.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class pass rate by model year

Pass rates fall steadily as cars age, so the model year matters as much as the model. First-time pass rate for each Mercedes-Benz G-Class year:

Mercedes-Benz G-Class by fuel type

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class's two most-tested fuel types split by 3.9 points: petrol passes first time 87% of the time (841 tests) against 83.1% for diesel (563 tests).

Other Mercedes-Benz models

Models with a similar pass rate

If this car is a salvage or write-off

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class MOT pass rate badge: 84.5%

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class most common MOT failure: Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements (2% of tests)

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All 2,005 models ranked by MOT pass rate