Mercedes-Benz X: MOT pass rate and reliability data

The Mercedes-Benz X passes its MOT first time more often than the average UK car, by 5.6 percentage points. These figures come from the DVSA's full year of anonymised MOT results, covering 3,851 individual Mercedes-Benz X tests. Nothing here is an estimate or a survey.

The numbers

First-time pass rate82.3%
UK national average76.7%
Difference+5.6 points
Tests analysed3,851
Average mileage at test60,621 miles
Average year of manufacture2019
Reliability rank1,364 of 2,005 models

What this means if you are buying one

A 82.3% first-time pass rate means roughly 18 in every 100 Mercedes-Benz X 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 X tested had covered 60,621 miles and was built around 2019.

What this means at salvage auction

Pass rate is a proxy for what a car costs to keep on the road. The Mercedes-Benz X sits 5.6 points above the national average, ranked 1,364 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 X 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 X at UK salvage auction.

Most common MOT failures on a Mercedes-Benz X

  1. An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction, 2.9% of tests (7.11x the national rate for this defect)
  2. Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements, 0.8% of tests (4.22x the national rate for this defect)
  3. A tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative, 1% of tests (3.66x the national rate for this defect)
  4. Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction, 3.7% of tests (2.86x the national rate for this defect)
  5. Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement, 2.2% of tests (1.67x the national rate for this defect)
  6. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm, 3.2% of tests (1.49x the national rate for this defect)
  7. Parking brake inoperative on one side, 0.8% of tests (1.31x the national rate for this defect)
  8. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 2.2% of tests
  9. Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen, 2% of tests
  10. A tyre seriously damaged, 1.1% of tests

From 4,102 DVSA-tracked Mercedes-Benz X tests, 2024. DVSA testers marked 6.27% of these flagged Mercedes-Benz X 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 X

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 X before it actually fails on it.

  1. Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement, 0.5% of tests (2.13x the national rate for this advisory), also fails
  2. Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn, 5.5% of tests (1.72x the national rate for this advisory)
  3. Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, 0.5% of tests (1.28x the national rate for this advisory)
  4. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 22% of tests, also fails
  5. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm, 10.1% of tests, also fails
  6. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured, 7.6% of tests
  7. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 4.2% of tests
  8. A tyre seriously damaged, 3.9% of tests, also fails
  9. Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, 3.2% of tests
  10. Number plate inscription missing or illegible, 0.5% of tests

From 4,102 DVSA-tracked Mercedes-Benz X tests, 2024.

Mercedes-Benz X pass rate by model year

From its 2018 to its 2020 model year, the Mercedes-Benz X's first-time pass rate has risen 4 points, from 81.8% to 85.8%, the usual pattern: a newer model year is a younger car today, so it fails less. First-time pass rate for each Mercedes-Benz X year:

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 X MOT pass rate badge: 82.3%

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Mercedes-Benz X most common MOT failure: An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction (2.9% of tests)

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All 2,005 models ranked by MOT pass rate