2008 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.

1,907 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) cars first used in 2008 had an MOT in 2025, at about 17 years old, and 68.1% passed first time. That is above the 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008.

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

Common failures

The share of 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) MOT failure items
2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) common failures
ItemValue
Coil spring: fractured or broken4.8%
Position lamp: not working4.7%
Stop lamp: not working4.6%
Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%
Service brake (roller test): efficiency below requirements2.1%
Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%

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 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) advisories
2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) common advisories
ItemValue
Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive28.1%
Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge20.9%
Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material18.2%
Pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement9.1%
Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened6.6%
Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened6.4%

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.

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) faults by area
2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) faults by area
ItemValue
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment16.3%
Brakes11.5%
Suspension7.8%
Tyres5.1%
Noise, emissions and leaks4.8%
Body, chassis, structure3.8%

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.

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) recorded mileage
2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (ML) mileage
CarsLowTypicalHigh
1,902107,200128,500 miles152,400

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.