Mercedes R-Class

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 8 model years from 5,257 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

81%

Total Tests

5,257

Highest Pass Rate

2011 (92%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes R-Class

The Mercedes R-Class was MOT tested 5,257 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 8 model years (2006 to 2013), with an average pass rate of 81%. 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 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 1,578 tests. The 2007 model has the lowest at 74%. With a 18 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 R-Classs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2006) averages 130,199 miles, while the newest (2013) averages 103,868 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Mercedes brand average of 87%, the R-Class is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mercedes models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/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 2013 details

How reliable is the Mercedes R-Class?

vs average of all models-1% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average-6% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread18 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mercedes R-Class by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	82%	368	103,868 mi
2012	83%	622	108,424 mi
2011	92%	1,578	103,749 mi
2010	80%	474	125,353 mi
2009	76%	389	118,747 mi
2008	82%	563	118,299 mi
2007	74%	615	129,577 mi
2006	78%	648	130,199 mi

Questions about the Mercedes R-Class

Is the Mercedes R-Class reliable?

Across its 8 model years in our data (2006 to 2013), the Mercedes R-Class averages an 81% MOT pass rate, from 5,257 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2011 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.

Which year Mercedes R-Class has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 Mercedes R-Class has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 74%, a 18 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.