Used car guide

2014 Mercedes-Benz GL: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLs, from 527 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

527MOT tests in 2025
85%pass first time (all 2014 cars: 69%)
8,500typical miles a year
2.4×the usual rate for drive shaft (cv) joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLs than on all cars registered in 2014.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.4× usual
    Mercedes-Benz GL
    6.6% All 2014 cars
    2.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.5% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

By area

The share of 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    26% 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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    7% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    7% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Suspension
    6% 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.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GL?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2015633Tyres 28%
2013502Tyres 25%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLs registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score