Mercedes ML

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 72,675 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

80%

Total Tests

72,675

Highest Pass Rate

2015 (89%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes ML

The Mercedes ML was MOT tested 72,675 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (1998 to 2015), with an average pass rate of 80%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 89% from 6,912 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 73%. With a 16 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes MLs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1998) averages 119,333 miles, while the newest (2015) averages 79,271 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Mercedes brand average of 87%, the ML is 7 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mercedes models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3498cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2015 details

How reliable is the Mercedes ML?

vs average of all models-2% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average-7% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread16 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mercedes ML by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2015	89%	6,912	79,271 mi
2014	88%	8,494	86,775 mi
2013	88%	9,487	96,900 mi
2012	86%	5,231	100,705 mi
2011	82%	6,382	109,233 mi
2010	82%	6,104	116,332 mi
2009	81%	4,923	121,081 mi
2008	82%	5,355	127,187 mi
2007	81%	5,024	130,037 mi
2006	80%	3,946	131,218 mi
2005	75%	2,047	126,634 mi
2004	73%	2,584	130,231 mi
2003	74%	1,905	129,634 mi
2002	77%	1,756	132,786 mi
2001	77%	1,002	134,405 mi
2000	73%	850	136,667 mi
1999	74%	615	133,164 mi
1998	72%	58	119,333 mi

Questions about the Mercedes ML

Is the Mercedes ML reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (1998 to 2015), the Mercedes ML averages an 80% MOT pass rate, from 72,675 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2015 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 89%.

Which year Mercedes ML has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 Mercedes ML has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 73%, a 16 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.