Used car guide

2003 Mercedes-Benz ML: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Mercedes-Benz MLs, from 755 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

755MOT tests in 2025
60%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
5,900typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Mercedes-Benz MLs than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Engine oil leaks2× usual
    Mercedes-Benz ML
    32.2% All 2003 cars
    16.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Anti-roll bar bushes and joints7.2× usual
    Mercedes-Benz ML
    13% All 2003 cars
    1.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

    At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

  • Ball joint2.5× usual
    Mercedes-Benz ML
    15.8% All 2003 cars
    6.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Track rod ends2.2× usual
    Mercedes-Benz ML
    14% All 2003 cars
    6.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Steering rack inner joints3× usual
    Mercedes-Benz ML
    10.5% All 2003 cars
    3.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Exhaust system: 3.8% here, against 9.7% of all 2003 cars.

By area

The share of 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    54% 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.

  • Brakes
    45% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    43% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    36% 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.

  • 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.

  • Steering
    16% 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20153,138Tyres 28%
20143,787Tyres 28%
20134,070Tyres 27%
20122,218Tyres 27%
20112,383Tyres 29%
20102,340Brakes 31%
20091,745Brakes 38%
20081,886Brakes 38%
20071,710Brakes 39%
20061,376Brakes 38%
2005771Suspension 49%
20041,006Suspension 55%
2002653Suspension 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Mercedes-Benz MLs registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score