2005 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 60.4% of Mercedes-Benz MLs first used in 2005 passed their MOT first time, against 57.6% for all cars first used in 2005. Across 3,004 ML first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, brakes and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz MLs first used in 2005 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MLs first used in 2005 against all cars first used in 2005 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the ML figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2005 ML | All cars first used 2005 | ML first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 56.9% | 54.6% | 1,758 |
| 2022 | 59.5% | 55.7% | 1,536 |
| 2023 | 58.9% | 56.3% | 1,256 |
| 2024 | 59.3% | 56.5% | 982 |
| 2025 | 60.4% | 57.6% | 766 |
Common 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT failures
Share of the 1,219 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working | 14.6% | 178 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 14.3% | 174 |
| Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play | 12.4% | 151 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 11.1% | 135 |
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 8.4% | 103 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for an ML in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
Common 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2005 MLs, as a share of all 3,004 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 28.3% | 850 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 21.4% | 644 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 16.7% | 503 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 10.3% | 308 |
| Ball joint: has slight play | 8.6% | 258 |
Questions about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML?
In 2025, 60.4% of MLs first used in 2005 passed their MOT first time, against 57.6% for all cars first used in 2005. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2005 ML most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 51.7% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (34.4%) and suspension (34.1%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (14.6%).
How often does a 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML fail its MOT?
In 2025, 39.6% of first tests on MLs first used in 2005 did not pass first time: 30.9% failed, and a further 8.6% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,219 of 3,004 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 28.3% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (21.4%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (16.7%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (10.3%) and “Ball joint: has slight play” (8.6%).
Is a 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 56.9% in 2021 to 60.4% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2005
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2005 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2005 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2005 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2005 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2005 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2005 ML?
The numbers above cover every ML first used in 2005 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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