Generations
W415 — First Generation
2012–2021
1.2 TCe, 1.5 dCi
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Mercedes Benz Citan problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Dangerous
Brake pipe corrosion
The Citan uses steel brake pipes that are particularly susceptible to corrosion compared to the national fleet average. MOT data shows this model fails brake pipe inspections at 6.4 times the fleet average rate, with failures appearing from very low mileages. The issue affects pipes running along the vehicle's underside where they are exposed to road salt and moisture. This is a critical safety defect that can result in complete brake system failure.
What happens if ignoredComplete brake system failure can occur if corroded pipes rupture, resulting in total loss of braking ability. This presents an immediate danger to vehicle occupants and other road users. Typical repair involves replacing affected brake pipe sections and bleeding the entire system. The vehicle should not be driven if brake pipe corrosion is suspected.
Independent garage
£200–£400
Specialist
£300–£500
Main dealer
£400–£700
Parts only
£50–£150
Major
Steering ball joint wear
Steering ball joints on the Citan develop excessive wear at 8.3 times the national fleet average rate, with failures documented from very low mileages. The issue appears to be related to the commercial vehicle's loading characteristics and suspension geometry. Ball joint failure can result in sudden loss of steering control, making this a significant safety concern. The problem affects track rod ends and other steering linkage components.
What happens if ignoredSeverely worn ball joints can separate completely, causing immediate loss of steering control and potential wheel collapse. This presents a serious safety risk at any speed. Repair involves replacing the affected track rod ends or ball joint assemblies. The vehicle should not be driven if significant ball joint wear is detected.
Independent garage
£150–£300
Specialist
£200–£400
Main dealer
£300–£500
Parts only
£40–£120
Major
CV joint boot failure
The Citan suffers CV joint boot failures at up to 12.7 times the national fleet average rate, the highest failure rate recorded for this model. The rubber or plastic boots that protect the constant velocity joints split or tear, allowing dirt and water ingress that rapidly destroys the CV joint itself. This appears to be due to poor boot material quality or design inadequacy for commercial vehicle use patterns. Once contaminated, the CV joint will fail within a few thousand miles.
What happens if ignoredA split CV joint boot allows contamination that will destroy the CV joint within a few thousand miles. Complete CV joint failure results in loss of drive to that wheel and potential damage to the gearbox differential. Early boot replacement costs £100-200 per side, but delayed repair requiring full CV joint replacement costs £300-500 per side.
Independent garage
£100–£200
Specialist
£150–£250
Main dealer
£200–£350
Parts only
£25–£80
Minor
Brake pedal anti-slip provision failure
The brake pedal rubber grip surface becomes worn smooth or detaches at 12.2 times the national fleet average rate. This is likely due to the commercial use patterns of Citan vehicles, where drivers frequently operate the vehicle in work boots that accelerate pedal wear. While not affecting braking performance, it presents a safety concern if the driver's foot slips off a smooth pedal during emergency braking, particularly in wet conditions.
What happens if ignoredA slippery brake pedal surface increases the risk of foot slippage during emergency braking, potentially extending stopping distances. This is particularly hazardous in wet conditions or when wearing smooth footwear. The repair involves replacing the pedal rubber or covering, which is inexpensive but important for safety.
Independent garage
£20–£40
Specialist
£25–£50
Main dealer
£40–£80
Parts only
£5–£20
1 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems.
MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Mercedes Benz Citan fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Service brake control not releasing correctly a...
Brakes · 60-80k miles
MOT failure rate: 114x the fleet average
Sample: 13,727 tests
Wheel damage
Bodywork · 100-120k miles
MOT failure rate: 27x the fleet average
Sample: 6,122 tests
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case o...
Lights & Electrics · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 27x the fleet average
Sample: 10,930 tests
Lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a m...
Lights & Electrics · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 21x the fleet average
Sample: 8,154 tests
Transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot...
Bodywork · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 13x the fleet average
Sample: 10,930 tests
Stop lamps all missing or inoperative
Lights & Electrics · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 11x the fleet average
Sample: 7,323 tests
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Related
Mercedes Benz Citan reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Mercedes Benz Citan?
The Mercedes Benz Citan has 5 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most serious are: Brake pipe corrosion.
Is the Mercedes Benz Citan reliable?
The Mercedes Benz Citan has 1 dangerous and 2 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.
How much does it cost to fix Mercedes Benz Citan problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Brake pipe corrosion) costs £200–£400 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.