2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) MOT pass rate and common faults

MOT tests in 2025, published 22 Jun 2026. DVSA publishes a new year each summer.

1,393 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) cars first used in 2006 had an MOT in 2025, at about 19 years old, and 67.2% passed first time. That is above the 57.0% for all cars first used in 2006.

The year is when the car was first used, as on its V5C log book, not the model year.

Common failures

The share of 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) cars tested that failed on, or had fixed at the station, each item. Worth checking before the MOT or before you buy.

Most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) MOT failure items
2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) common failures
ItemValue
Position lamp: not working4.4%
Stop lamp: not working3.4%
Coil spring: fractured or broken3.2%
Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.2%
Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.3%
Service brake (roller test): efficiency below requirements2.1%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Common advisories

Things the tester noticed that were not bad enough to fail. They often turn into failures later. What advisories mean for the next MOT.

Most common 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) advisories
2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) common advisories
ItemValue
Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive30.9%
Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge20.5%
Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material18.4%
Pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement10.6%
Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil7.8%
Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened7.2%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Where the faults are

The share of cars tested with at least one failure or fix in each part of the car.

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) faults by area
2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) faults by area
ItemValue
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment14.4%
Brakes11.6%
Suspension7.3%
Noise, emissions and leaks6.4%
Body, chassis, structure4.9%
Tyres4.7%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Typical mileage

Recorded mileage at the MOT. A car well above this range has done more work than most; one far below is worth a closer look at its MOT history.

2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) recorded mileage
2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) mileage
CarsLowTypicalHigh
1,387108,200134,000 miles156,800

The middle half of cars fall between the low and high figures. Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Other Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) years

Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) first-time pass rate by year first used
YearTestsPassed first timeAll cars that year
20153,14081.6%71.9%
20143,78979.7%68.6%
20134,08779.7%65.8%
20122,50576.4%63.5%
20112,43270.1%61.2%
20102,42468.1%59.3%
20091,78767.0%58.3%
20081,90768.1%57.2%
20071,72967.6%57.4%
20061,39367.2%57.0%

Checking one car?

These figures describe groups of cars. A vehicle history report shows the full MOT history, mileage, outstanding finance, write-offs and stolen records for one registration.

Figures from the DVSA anonymised MOT testing data for MOT tests in 2025, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Analysis by Motoring Insider. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we work out these figures.