2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 3.0L Hybrid electric · LL11 ART

A clear pattern emerges from the MOT history of this 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE around the steering and front axle components, with the steering rack inner joint flagged on the offside front at consecutive tests. The vehicle failed its September 2023 examination primarily on items unrelated to that advisory, including an ineffective offside front wiper and a deep cut in the offside rear tyre that exposed the ply or cords, alongside a nail in the nearside rear tyre. By the time it returned the following day for a retest, those major defects had been resolved and the car passed, with the inner joint advisory carried forward. Since that 2023 retest, the vehicle has returned clean passes at both the September 2024 test and the most recent September 2025 examination, where the only item recorded was a minor windscreen chip not affecting the driver's view. The underlying mechanical theme therefore remains the steering rack rather than any structural or brake-related deterioration. With 44,618 miles accumulated over six years, this GLE is averaging roughly 7,400 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a large premium SUV of this age. The mileage progression between tests is steady rather than erratic, and there are no extended gaps in the MOT record that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, nor any sudden jumps that would indicate heavy motorway use or towing between examinations. This consistent, moderate level of annual mileage is generally favourable for the longevity of suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs and the complex drivetrain components fitted to this model, while still being sufficient to keep seals, joints and fluids working through their intended duty cycles. The combination of consistent use and clean recent passes suggests the major serviceable wear items should still have useful life remaining, provided manufacturer schedules have been observed. The offside front steering rack inner joint advisory is the single component that warrants the closest physical scrutiny at a viewing, as it was identified twice during 2023 and, while not repeated in subsequent tests, has not been formally recorded as resolved either. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over cats' eyes or expansion joints, and feel for any vagueness or notchiness through the steering wheel as it passes through the straight-ahead position. With the wheels stationary and the engine off, rock each front wheel vertically and laterally to detect any slack that could indicate worn inner tie rod or rack mounting bushes, and turn the steering lock to lock while the engine is running to feel for any binding, juddering or uneven assistance that could point to deeper wear within the rack itself. It is also worth asking whether the inner joint has been inspected or rectified since 2023, as some operators choose to monitor such advisories rather than replace the rack until symptoms worsen. Given the deep tyre cut and the embedded nail recorded in late 2023, it is prudent to confirm that the current tyres are of matching specification and age on all four corners, as mixing compounds or replacing only one axle can affect the all-wheel drive system's behaviour and traction control calibration. During a road test, pay particular attention to any pulling under braking or vibration through the steering wheel, which on a vehicle of this weight can indicate warped front discs, especially if the car has seen any towing or frequent urban stop-start use. Finally, although no corrosion advisories appear in the MOT record, the underside of any six-year-old premium SUV deserves a visual check for signs of surface corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake pipe runs and the exhaust hangers, as these are areas where the first stages of deterioration typically appear before they ever show up on an MOT.