Mercedes Benz Gls (2018)
2018 Mercedes Benz Gls
CarHunch analysed 645 real MOT records for the 2018 Mercedes Benz Gls. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a significantly stronger MOT performer than the UK average, with a 90.4% first-time pass rate against the national 80%, though the 25.7% of cars that have experienced dangerous defects is a notable concern—well above the typical threshold—so budget for potential safety-critical repairs. The diesel-only lineup (568 of 645 vehicles) maintains that 90% pass rate consistently, suggesting the powertrain is fundamentally sound across the board. These cars are averaging 44,818 miles at test, right on par for a six-year-old model, and typically need just 0.58 failures corrected per MOT visit, indicating generally solid build quality. Before committing to purchase, have a pre-buy inspection focus on brake components and suspension geometry, as these are the systems most frequently flagged as dangerous defects on this model.
What to check before buying a 2018 Mercedes Benz Gls
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 25.7% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mercedes Benz Gls
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (88%) | 568 | 90.1% | 0.6 |
| Petrol (12%) | 77 | 93.3% | 0.43 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2018 Mercedes Benz Gls vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2018 Mercedes Benz Gls vehicles fall between 31,759 and 54,216 miles.
2018 Mercedes Benz Gls — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 534 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 89% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2018 Mercedes Benz Gls
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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32.2%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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31.8%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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30.7%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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30.4%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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15.8%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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14.7%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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12.9%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
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10%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2018. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mercedes Benz Gls?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.