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Model reliability

Mercedes-Benz B-Class reliability

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 20.9% of 32,483 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

Up to 5 years old
12.6% failed their MOT
About average
From 4,529 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz B-Classs this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 56% more oftenTyre condition5% vs 3.2%Fix about £90
Fails 6× as oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)1.8% vs 0.3%Fix about £30
Advised 55% more oftenTyre condition13% vs 8.4%Fix about £90
6 to 10 years old
20.9% failed their MOT
About average
From 32,483 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz B-Classs this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 57% more oftenTyre condition5.5% vs 3.5%Fix about £90
Fails 3× as oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)3.2% vs 1%Fix about £30
Fails 2× as oftenAnti-roll bars2% vs 1%
Fails 3× as oftenSRS malfunction indicator lamp1% vs 0.3%Fix about £30
Over 10 years old
38.8% failed their MOT
About average
From 29,481 MOT tests of Mercedes-Benz B-Classs this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 39% more oftenSprings5.7% vs 4.1%Fix about £150
Fails 2× as oftenDirection indicators5.3% vs 2.3%
Fails 2× as oftenTransmission5.1% vs 2.6%
Fails 37% more oftenWashers4.8% vs 3.5%
Advised 2× as oftenRigid brake pipes17.9% vs 8.3%Fix about £120
Advised 2× as oftenTransmission6.2% vs 2.9%
Advised 67% more oftenDirection indicators4% vs 2.4%
Safety recalls

47 DVSA recalls for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2024/1666 May 2024Built 2018–2024SRPC2404 – Backup function of steering software

On affected vehicles the backup function of the steering software might not meet specifications. As a result the steering power support might be impaired and a loss of steerability cannot be ruled out.

Fix: Update the software of the electric steering on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 10,592 vehicles

R/2023/06213 Mar 2023Built 2015–2017Affected vehicles have an engine control unit software that deviates from the local legal requirements

Affected vehicles have an engine control unit software that deviates from the local legal requirements.�

Fix: Update the diesel engine control unit software.

Recalled models: B-CLASS · 2,593 vehicles

R/2021/40213 Dec 2021Built 2012–2013Update to the diesel engine control unit software to improve the emissions

As a result of a directive from Germany�s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) changes are required to certain specific calibration functions within the engine management systems of certain vehicles.

Fix: Conduct an update to the diesel engine control unit software.

Recalled models: B CLASS (246) · 31,414 vehicles

R/2021/39913 Dec 2021Built 2010–2012Update to improve emissions

As a result of a directive from Germany�s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) changes are required to certain specific calibration functions within the engine management systems of certain vehicles.

Fix: Conduct an update to the diesel engine control unit software.

Recalled models: B-CLASS · 6,014 vehicles

R/2021/37629 Nov 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: B CLASS/GLA/GLB · 50,390 vehicles

R/2021/20221 Jul 2021Built 2016–2017A bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications

A bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications.

Fix: Check the steering shaft on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.

Recalled models: B CLASS (246) · 13,707 vehicles

R/2021/11013 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: B CLASS(242) · 108,971 vehicles

R/2021/12011 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: B CLASS/GLA/GLB · 86,604 vehicles

R/2021/11110 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: B CLASS/GLA/GLB · 90,716 vehicles

R/2021/1345 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: B CLASS(242) · 162,581 vehicles

R/2021/1335 May 2021Built 2016–2021The emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: B CLASS/GLA/GLB · 106,665 vehicles

R/2021/1325 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: B CLASS (246) · 10,410 vehicles

R/2021/1315 May 2021Built 2016–2021The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Recalled models: B CLASS/GLA/GLB · 81,267 vehicles

R/2021/08230 Mar 2021Built 2016–2020The communication module may be deactivated

The communication module may be deactivated

Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 24 vehicles

R/2020/27727 Oct 2020Built 2019–2020An electrical contact inside the engine control unit may not meet the specification

An electrical contacting inside the engine control unit might not meet the specification

Fix: Replace the engine control unit on the affected vehicles

Recalled models: B CLASS · 37 vehicles

R/2020/26212 Oct 2020Built 2019–2020The oil supply line of the turbocharger may leak

The oil supply line of the turbocharger might leak

Fix: Check the oil supply line of the turbocharger on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary

Recalled models: B CLASS · 1,074 vehicles

R/2020/2366 Oct 2020Built 2017–2018THE EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM (eCall) DOES NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATION

On affected vehicles the software of the communication module for the emergency call system does not meet the specification

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system

Recalled models: B CLASS · 3,127 vehicles

R/2019/44621 Jul 2020Built 2015–2017The calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat may not meet the specification

The calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat might not meet the specification.

Fix: Replace the passenger seat cushion

Recalled models: B CLASS · 75 vehicles

R/2019/3278 Nov 2019Built 2012–2013The refrigerant in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements

The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements.

Fix: The air conditioning system will be adapted for the usage of the new refrigerant.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 624 vehicles

R/2019/3547 Nov 2019Built 2012–2013The refrigerant used in the air condition system does not meet legal requirements

The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements.

Fix: Adapt the air conditioning system for usage of the new refrigerant.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 1,407 vehicles

R/2019/3485 Nov 2019Built 2012–2013The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system may not meet legal requirements

The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements

Fix: The air conditioning system will be adapted for the usage of the new refrigerant.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 58 vehicles

R/2019/26918 Sept 2019Built 2017–2019The software of the radar control unit may not meet specification

; The software of the radar control unit might not meet the specification

Fix: Update the software of the radar sensor control unit on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 294 vehicles

R/2019/22110 Sept 2019Built 2012–2013Air condition system refridgerant does not meet requirements

The refrigerant used in the air condition system does not meet legal requirements.

Fix: The air conditioning system to be adapted for the usage of the new refrigerant (R1234yf).

Recalled models: B CLASS · 7,516 vehicles

R/2019/21730 Jul 2019Built 2018–2019The software of the transmission control unit might not meet specification.

Under certain circumstances it might not be possible to shift into Drive or Reverse mode.

Fix: Update the transmission control unit software of the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 1,209 vehicles

R/2019/10510 Apr 2019Built 2018–2019The driver might temporarily not be able to deactivate the high beam with the high beam lever.

The driver might temporarily not be able to deactivate the high beam with the high beam lever.

Fix: The software is to be updated on affected vehicles.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 957 vehicles

R/2019/0971 Apr 2019Built 2018The locknuts securing the airbag might be insufficiently tightened

One or more of the four locknuts securing the drivers airbag might be insufficiently tightened.

Fix: Replace the driver airbag of affected vehicles.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 3 vehicles

R/2018/34927 Feb 2019Built 2018The calibration of the front passenger seat occupant clasification system may not correspond to specifications

Incorrect calibration of the front passenger occupant classification system.

Fix: Replace the seat cushion of the front passenger seat.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 163 vehicles

R/2018/26819 Nov 2018Built 2017–2018Doors on left vehicle side (passenger side) remain permanently locked after the vehicle has been locked/unlocked with the remote control key

Possible inability to open the left hand door externally or internally.

Fix: Replace the affected door locks on the left side of the vehicle.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 5,030 vehicles

R/2018/13011 Jun 2018Built 2011–2017Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded

The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.

Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components

Recalled models: B CLASS · 78,608 vehicles

R/2018/09811 May 2018Built 2011–2017Steering components may be insufficiently grounded

It has been determined that the steering airbag electrical components are insufficiently grounded. Failure of the steering column module clock spring could result in an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag which may cause risk of injury to the driver and an increased risk of a potential collision.

Fix: On affected vehicles the manufacturer will fit a contact bridge to the outer race of the steering column top bearing which will provide correct grounding.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 74,329 vehicles

R/2018/0699 Apr 2018Built 2011–2017Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded

The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.

Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 67,027 vehicles

R/2017/28218 Dec 2017Built 2011–2017Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded

The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.

Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 46,093 vehicles

R/2017/17920 Jun 2017Built 2011–2013Vacuum line brake booster may break

The connection fitting of the vacuum line to the brake booster is not to specification and my not be durable. If the connection fails the brake booster will no longer be supplied with vacuum. After a few brake applications the driver will have to apply additional pressure to the brake pedal to gain the appropriate braking effect.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the vacuum line on the brake booster with a quality assured component.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 4,787 vehicles

R/2017/09620 Jun 2017Built 2014–2017Starting current limiter may overload

Where the car incurs severe engine damage resulting in the engine failing to turn over (engine seizure) and if the driver repeatedly attempts to start the engine despite the engine not cranking the very high electrical current could lead to overheating of the starting current limiter and the potential for a fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 74,444 vehicles

R/2017/17720 Jun 2017Built 2016–2017Airbag may not deploy correctly

The propellant mixing ratio in the igniters of the front passenger airbag assembly may not meet specification. If the airbag is required and activated it might not deploy or not completely deploy. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag assembly.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 1,034 vehicles

R/2016/15124 Jun 2016Risk of fire

A threaded connection in the Prefuse box may not be tightened to the correct specification. This may excessive resistance and create a heat source. This could cause a fire. Additionally vibration may cause power disruption which could affect the operation of steering power assistance ABS SRS and/or instrument failure..

Fix: On affected vehicles check threaded connection and where necessary replace fuse box.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 1 vehicles

R/2016/0919 May 2016Built 2012–2016Rear bench seat may lift up from the rear in a collision & attached seat belts may not be anchored correctly

On 'B' Class models fitted with 'Easy Vario' rear seat option a bolt securing the seat bench to the body may have been omitted during production. This may allow the seat bench to lift during a frontal collision. Seat belt effectiveness may also be compromised.

Fix: On affected vehicles check for presence and tightness of retaining screws. Fit new screws where necessary and tighten all screws to specification.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 146 vehicles

R/2015/25921 Jan 2016Built 2015Risk of fire

The high pressure fuel lines have not been manufactured to the correct specification which over time can lead to crack formation and fuel leaking. Fuel escaping in the presence of an ignition source could lead to fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the high pressure fuel lines.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 1,327 vehicles

R/2015/2311 Dec 2015Built 2014–2015Vehicle may cut out

In rare cases the propulsion control unit may send an incorrect message. This may cause the electric power train to shut down. Power can be restored by the normal start sequence.

Fix: Update software on affected vehicles.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 243 vehicles

R/2015/21019 Nov 2015Built 2015Engine may fail

The camshaft could break and damage the engine due to it not being manufactured to the correct specification. If the condition occurs it will lead to a sudden loss of drive thereby increasing the risk of a collision.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the exhaust camshaft.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 395 vehicles

R/2015/14512 Aug 2015Built 2014Front passenger airbag may not deploy

Certain fuses in the passenger's footwell may not have been fitted correctly. This may adversely affect the instrument cluster windscreen wipers and the passenger seat occupancy recognition system. In certain conditions this may cause the passenger's air bag not to deploy in an accident.

Fix: On affected vehicles check fuses and if necessary replace fuse box.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 1,028 vehicles

R/2015/09914 Jul 2015Built 2011–2013Possibility of loss of drive

The drive shaft and the hub of the outer joint may separate. In very rare cases it cannot be excluded that the vehicle stops. The steering and braking system remain fully available to the driver.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the snap ring both sides together with the respective outboard boots on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 3,890 vehicles

R/2014/18216 Jan 2015Built 2014Oil may leak

On certain diesel engines the 'O' ring may not have been produced to the correct specification. This may allow oil to leak and contaminate the environment. If excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the chain tensioner sealing ring.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 61,672 vehicles

R/2013/06925 Jul 2013Built 2012Rear back-rest may fail

It is possible that vehicles fitted with the Easy Vario seat system may have a seat back-rest lock that is not to specification. This could in the event of extreme loading (a rear end collision) result in the lock failing and the seat back-rest folding forward possibly causing injury to the occupant.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check and if required replace the rear back-rest lock.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 100 vehicles

R/2012/06318 May 2012Built 2011Transmission may not operate correctly

A frictional connection (clutch within the gearbox) may go out of tolerance and produce a chattering noise. This will be followed by a warning message appearing in the instrument cluster and symptoms similar to a slipping clutch.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the thrust link belt of the continuously variable transmission. Where necessary the transmission will be replaced.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 51 vehicles

R/2010/12330 Sept 2010Fuel may leak

It is possible on some fuel tanks that the vent pipe is not to specification. This can lead to a small leak into the charcoal canister and if not rectified can over a period of time result in a fuel leak.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and replace the fuel tank.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 147 vehicles

R/2008/12614 Oct 2008Seat belt buckle could detach.

Seat belt locking pawls may break in the event of an accident which in the most unfavourable circumstances may lead to the seat belt buckle detaching

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the seat belt batch number and replace the seat belt where necessary.

Recalled models: B CLASS · 194 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Mercedes-Benz B-Class before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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