Mercedes-Benz ML reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mercedes-Benz ML is a large suv. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 142 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 72 of 442, and 27.7% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is coil spring (4.8% of tests).
Ranked 72 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 9 of 24 large SUVs
In 2024, 29,499 Mercedes-Benz MLs aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 27.7% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mercedes-Benz ML is 30% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
27.7%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,500
Typical age at test: 13 years
Mercedes-Benz ML MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mercedes-Benz ML MOT faults
- Coil spring: fractured or broken4.8% of tests
- Position lamp: not working3.0% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working2.6% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.5% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7% of tests
What the Mercedes-Benz ML fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 11.7% | ▼ 33% less often |
| Brakes | 7.9% | ▼ 24% less often |
| Suspension | 7.2% | ▼ 52% less often |
| Tyres | 5.7% | ▼ 27% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 4.2% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Body and structure | 3.0% | ▼ 50% less often |
| Visibility | 2.7% | ▼ 55% less often |
| Steering | 1.5% | ▼ 58% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.2% | ▼ 29% less often |
| Wheels | 0.7% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz ML do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz ML ranges from 17.1 to 48.7mpg across the 81 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2015). A typical petrol version manages 23.9mpg and a typical diesel 39.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz ML?
Any Mercedes-Benz ML first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz ML registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMercedes-Benz ML specs and running costs
Official figures for 81 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2015.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
17.1–48.7 mpg
CO2
154–392 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 17" rear wheelsA7 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| ML ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 19'' rear wheelsA7 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 45.6 mpg | 163g | £275 |
| ML ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 20'' rear wheelsA7 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 45.6 mpg | 163g | £275 |
| ML ML 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 17'' rear wheelsA7 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 179g | £360 |
| ML ML 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 18" & 19" rear wheelsA7 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 39.2 mpg | 189g | £410 |
| ML ML 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 20" & 21" rear wheelsA7 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 38.2 mpg | 194g | £410 |
| ML ML 63 AMG with 20'' & 21'' rear wheelsA7 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 23.9 mpg | 276g | £790 |
| ML ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 18" & 19" rear wheelsA7 · listed 2014 | Diesel | 44.8 mpg | 165g | £275 |
| ML ML 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 17" rear wheelsA7 · listed 2014 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 179g | £360 |
| ML ML 63 AMG with 20" & 21" rear wheelsAutomatic · listed 2014 | Petrol | 23.9 mpg | 276g | £790 |
| ML ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 17" rear wheelslisted 2013 | Diesel | 47.1 mpg | 158g | £275 |
| ML ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 18" and 19" rear wheelslisted 2013 | Diesel | 44.8 mpg | 165g | £275 |
| ML ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 20" and 21" rear wheelslisted 2013 | Diesel | 43.5 mpg | 170g | £325 |
| ML ML 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 17" rear wheelslisted 2013 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 179g | £360 |
| ML ML 350 BLUETEC 4MATIC with 18" and 19" rear wheelslisted 2013 | Diesel | 39.2 mpg | 189g | £410 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 81 versions.
What a Mercedes-Benz ML costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 23.9mpg…
- diesel, typical official 39.2mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mercedes-Benz MLBuying a used Mercedes-Benz ML?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Mercedes-Benz ML with other large SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mercedes-Benz ML reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mercedes-Benz ML is 30% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 142 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz ML?
The most common MOT fault is “Coil spring: fractured or broken”, found in 4.8% of tests.
›What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz ML do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz ML ranges from 17.1 to 48.7mpg across the 81 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2015). A typical petrol version manages 23.9mpg and a typical diesel 39.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz ML?
Any Mercedes-Benz ML first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz ML registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £275 to £790 a year.
›How many Mercedes-Benz MLs fail their MOT?
27.7% of Mercedes-Benz MLs aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz ML combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.