Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz X (2017)

186 real MOT outcomes analysed • 85.1% first-time pass rate

2017 Mercedes Benz X

CarHunch analysed 186 real MOT records for the 2017 Mercedes Benz X. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz X passes its first MOT 5 percentage points above the UK average at 85%, which is a solid result—but nearly a quarter of these vehicles (24.2%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a genuine buyer concern worth investigating on any example you're considering. These trucks are running at a median of just over 56,000 miles, right on track for their age, yet they're averaging 1.06 failures and 5.4 advisories per test, suggesting routine wear issues rather than systemic problems.

The median Carhunch score of 50 reflects a mixed picture: this is a capable commercial vehicle that generally holds together, but you'll want a pre-purchase inspection to check suspension, brakes, and emissions systems specifically, as these tend to be where failures cluster. Budget for annual servicing and don't skip the detailed history check—the dangerous defect rate means knowing exactly what was flagged and whether it's been properly remedied.

We have limited data for the 2017 Mercedes Benz X — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
85.1%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
24.2%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.06
Over 6.1 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
56k
Middle half: 40k–72k
For context

These stats describe 186 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 186 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 27.8%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 21.7%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Parking brake efficiency below requirements · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 17.8%
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction · Oil leak, but not excessive · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
Lighting 11.2%
Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault · Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources · Offside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2017.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 186 Mercedes Benz X cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2017 Mercedes Benz X

Based on MOT data from 186 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 24.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Mileage Distribution

Most 2017 Mercedes Benz X vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

56,261
typical
40,196
low mileage
71,955
high mileage

Half of all 2017 Mercedes Benz X vehicles fall between 40,196 and 71,955 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 40,196 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
40,196–71,955 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2017 Mercedes Benz Xs sit.
Over 97,139 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2017 Mercedes Benz X — Still on the Road

Almost all 2017 Mercedes Benz Xs are still on the road.

Strong survival — 149 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 90% of the peak.

130 149 2020 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2020–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

6.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.06
Avg failures per vehicle
5.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Mercedes Benz X: All X years → Which year to buy? →
2018 2019 2020

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Compare with another model

See how the 2017 Mercedes Benz X stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?