Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Registered from 2004 to 2020.
About this model
The Mercedes-Benz GLS, formerly Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, is a full-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2006. In each of its generations it is a three-row, seven-passenger vehicle positioned above the GLE. The GLS is considered the flagship of the marque's SUV lineup, although the body-on-frame G-Class is more expensive and has been in production longer.
From the Wikipedia article Mercedes-Benz GLS, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2015 3.0 diesel. 79 of 631 tests failed, 13%.
Better than 67% of 2015 cars. The typical one fails 15%, across 894 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres and wheels | 54% | 43 |
| Exhaust and emissions | 15% | 12 |
| Lights and electrics | 15% | 12 |
| Body and structure | 11% | 9 |
| Brakes | 9% | 7 |
| Visibility | 9% | 7 |
The defects inspectors cite
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre seriously damaged
- Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
- Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Tyres and wheels — 54% of its failures
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre seriously damaged
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- Exhaust and emissions — 15% of its failures
- Brakes — 9% of its failures
- Lights and electrics — 15% of its failures
- Body and structure — 11% of its failures
- Visibility — 9% of its failures
- Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
When it starts failing
At 100–120k miles this one fails 11% of its inspections, against the 20% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–40k miles | 11% | 10% | 45 | |
| 40–60k miles | 13% | 14% | 159 | |
| 60–80k miles | 9% | 17% | 187 | |
| 80–100k miles | 17% | 19% | 145 | |
| 100–120k miles | 11% | 20% | 55 |
591 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 60k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 3.0 diesel · 255 hp · 2456 kg · 3075 mm wheelbase · 7.6 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2014 | 3.0 diesel · 255 hp · 2455 kg · 3075 mm wheelbase · 7.7 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2013 | 3.0 diesel · 255 hp · 2445 kg · 3075 mm wheelbase · 7.6 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2012 | 3.0 diesel · 260 hp · 2507 kg · 3075 mm wheelbase · 9.0 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2011 | 3.0 diesel · 252 hp · 2458 kg · 3020 mm wheelbase · 9.0 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2010 | 3.0 diesel · 2492 kg · 3065 mm wheelbase · 9.4 L/100km (NEDC) |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/00185/23
The aluminium bolts of the steering box may break. This can lead to detachment of the steering box from the power block, creating a risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00830/22
Severe corrosion may lead to a leakage of the brake booster, thus reducing the braking force, leading to an increase in brake pedal force required to decelerate the vehicle, resulting in a possible increase in stopping distance. Moreover, due to severe corrosion, a particularly strong or severe braking manoeuvre may cause mechanical damage to the brake booster, preventing the vehicle from decelerating through the service brake and thus increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01236/20
The driver and passenger airbags of the company Takata in vehicles with ammonium nitrate gas generators without drying agents could, under certain climate conditions, lead over time to a chemical change in the fuel.In the event of an accident triggering the release of the driver or passenger airbag, this change could cause the gas generators to burst. If a gas generator ruptures, the airbag would then have no restraining function and loose parts from the gas generator could reach the vehicle interior. This would increase the risk of injury for passengers.
Recall of the product from end users
SR/03711/24
The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users