2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLEs, from 5,324 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLEs than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Transmission oil leaks6× usualMercedes-Benz GLE3% All 2016 cars0.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 0.6% here, against 6.1% of all 2016 cars. Shock absorbers: 1% here, against 4.3% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Brakes15% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks5% 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 mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension5% 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.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,531 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 4,547 | Tyres 29% |
| 2020 | 4,837 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 3,419 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 5,697 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 4,467 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 1,260 | Tyres 25% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLEs registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score