Mercedes-Benz Gla MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 78,888 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz Gla carried out in 2023. 14% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Glas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2014 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2014 models did best (82% passed, +10.1 points against the average for 9-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (89%, +2.6 points). Tested cars had covered 42,291 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 4.8% of tests (slightly below the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", on 1.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 78,888
- First-time pass rate
- 86%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +14.9 points
- Average mileage at test
- 42,291
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Gla?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Gla MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 438 | 95% | 91% | +3.7 points | 23,158 |
| 2020 | 9,317 | 91% | 88% | +3.7 points | 21,983 |
| 2019 | 16,932 | 89% | 86% | +2.6 points | 28,945 |
| 2018 | 16,404 | 88% | 84% | +3.3 points | 37,648 |
| 2017 | 12,845 | 86% | 82% | +3.9 points | 47,173 |
| 2016 | 10,615 | 83% | 79% | +4.1 points | 56,681 |
| 2015 | 8,863 | 81% | 75% | +5.9 points | 63,970 |
| 2014 | 3,473 | 82% | 72% | +10.1 points | 68,846 |
Why the Mercedes-Benz Gla fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Gla | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.8% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 2.4% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 2.3% | 4.8% |
| Suspension | 2.3% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 2.3% | 11.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.0% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 1.0% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
- 2less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
- 3has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
- 4fractured or broken1.2%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.0%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively0.9%
- 7provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
- 8ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.9%
- 9constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.8%
- 10has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
Common Gla MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Gla, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.2% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.8% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 5.0% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.0% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.6% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.5% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.3% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 1.4% |
| incorrect colour | Lights and electrics | 0.9% |
Tips to help your Gla pass
Based on where Glas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 2.4% of Gla tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Visibility · 2.3% of Gla tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Gla ULEZ compliant? See the Mercedes-Benz Gla ULEZ check, or view all Mercedes-Benz models.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 78,888 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Gla carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 78,888 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz Gla.
What is the Mercedes-Benz Gla MOT failure rate?
In our data, 14% of 78,888 first MOT attempts on the Mercedes-Benz Gla ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mercedes-Benz Gla fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (4.8% of tests), brakes (2.4% of tests), visibility (2.3% of tests).
Which Gla year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2014 cars performed best: 82% passed first time, +10.1 points against the average for 9-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 89% (+2.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Mercedes-Benz Gla covered at its MOT?
The average was 42,291 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 23,158 miles and 2014 cars 68,846.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mercedes-Benz Gla?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 14.2% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.8% of Glas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Gla's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 78,888 Glas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 81% to 95% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
Check any Gla's MOT history
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