Used car guide

2016 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Mercedes-Benz GL first registered in 2016 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 598 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

598MOTs of 2016 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
85%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 77%)
9,000typical miles a year
30%had tyres flagged

Common 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    30% 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
    14% 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
    6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Driveshafts and joints
    5% 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
    4% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

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

Every year of the Mercedes-Benz GL compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019151Tyres 28%
20151,897Tyres 26%
20141,597Tyres 27%
20131,509Tyres 25%
2012285Brakes 26%
2011805Brakes 30%
2010584Brakes 33%
2009531Brakes 32%
2008728Brakes 43%
20071,375Brakes 40%
2006289Brakes 36%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz GL cars first registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score