2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLEs, from 4,547 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLEs than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Ball joint6.3× usualMercedes-Benz GLE3.8% All 2021 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Steering rack inner joints20× usualMercedes-Benz GLE2% All 2021 cars0.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Brake discs: 2.4% here, against 7.1% of all 2021 cars.
By area
The share of 2021 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.
- Brakes7% 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.
- 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Steering2% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,531 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 4,837 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 3,419 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 5,697 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 4,467 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 5,324 | Tyres 29% |
| 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLEs registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score