2012 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 76.4% of Mercedes-Benz MLs first used in 2012 passed their MOT first time, against 63.5% for all cars first used in 2012. Across 7,779 ML first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and tyres.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz MLs first used in 2012 (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 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MLs first used in 2012 against all cars first used in 2012 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the ML figure was 12.9 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2012 ML | All cars first used 2012 | ML first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 78.0% | 68.8% | 2,785 |
| 2022 | 79.3% | 67.4% | 2,708 |
| 2023 | 77.2% | 65.6% | 2,683 |
| 2024 | 77.3% | 64.3% | 2,591 |
| 2025 | 76.4% | 63.5% | 2,505 |
Common 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT failures
Share of the 1,788 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 24.6% | 439 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 13.9% | 248 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 8.8% | 158 |
| Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 8.7% | 156 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 6.4% | 114 |
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Common 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2012 MLs, as a share of all 7,779 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 17.1% | 1,330 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 7.4% | 575 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 7.2% | 560 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 6.5% | 503 |
| Brake discs: worn, but not excessively | 4.5% | 352 |
Questions about the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML?
In 2025, 76.4% of MLs first used in 2012 passed their MOT first time, against 63.5% for all cars first used in 2012. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2012 ML most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 31.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (27.7%) and tyres (24.6%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (24.6%).
How often does a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML fail its MOT?
In 2025, 23.6% of first tests on MLs first used in 2012 did not pass first time: 18.9% failed, and a further 4.6% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,788 of 7,779 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 17.1% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (7.4%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (7.2%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (6.5%) and “Brake discs: worn, but not excessively” (4.5%).
Is a 2012 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 78.0% in 2021 to 76.4% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2012
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2012 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2012 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2012 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2012 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2012 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2012 ML?
The numbers above cover every ML first used in 2012 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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