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.
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.
SRPC2404 – 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
Affected 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
Update 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
Update 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
The 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
A 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
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 · 106,665 vehicles
The 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
The 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
The 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
An 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
The 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
THE 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
Air 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
Doors 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
Electrical 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
Steering 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
Electrical 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
Electrical 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
Vacuum 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
Starting 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
Airbag 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
Risk 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
Rear 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
Risk 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
Vehicle 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
Engine 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
Front 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
Possibility 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
Oil 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
Rear 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
Transmission 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
Fuel 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
Seat 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
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.