Mercedes-Benz Citan reliability
The Mercedes-Benz Citan fails its MOT more often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 39.8% of 13,182 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
18 DVSA recalls for the Mercedes-Benz Citan
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.
Replace clutch assembly
Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain Citan model vehicles the clutch pressure plate might not meet specifications.
Fix: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will replace the clutch on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: CITAN · 330 vehicles
Initialisation of Central Control Unit
Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain Citan/eCitan model vehicles the central control unit might not initialise.
Fix: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will update the software of the central gateway control unit on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: CITAN · 156 vehicles
A software version which is not compatible with the esp control unit could have been installed
On certain vehicles a software version which is not compatible with the ESP control unit could have been installed during a workshop visit.
Fix: Update the ESP control unit software on affected vehicles.
Recalled models: CITAN 415 · 11 vehicles
The fuel line could chafe against the air conditioning line
The fuel line could chafe against the air conditioning line due to an insufficient minimum distance.
Fix: Replace the existing fuel line with a fuel line reinforced with a protective sleeve on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: CITAN · 636 vehicles
On some vehicles with a rear-view camera the tailgate may be unlocked independently / automatically
On some vehicles with a rear-view camera the tailgate may be unlocked independently/automatically.
Fix: Seal the duct for the electrical wiring harness of reversing camera on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: CITAN · 6 vehicles
Certain threaded connections on the left/right wheel carrier on the rear axle may not have been implemented correctly
Threaded connections on the left/right wheel carrier on the rear axle of certain vehicles may not have been implemented correctly
Fix: Check the threaded connections and if necessary replace wheel carriers and/or brake caliper supports on the rear axle
Recalled models: CITAN · 433 vehicles
Due to a software error the eco start/stop function may not be present
The ECO start/stop function may not be present for certain vehicles.
Fix: Perform coding in the fuse and relay module control unit on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: CITAN · 284 vehicles
There is a failure to observe the information in the operator's manual concerning parking the vehicle
Incorrect operation of automatic gearbox may allow vehicle to roll away.
Fix: Update operator's manuals and apply an information label in the vicinity of the selector lever
Recalled models: CITAN · 65 vehicles
Software in the engine control unit needs updating
Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates.
Fix: Update the software of the engine control unit.
Recalled models: CITAN · 189 vehicles
Software in the engine control unit needs updating
Improve the vehicle emissions via software updates
Fix: Update the software of the engine control unit.
Recalled models: CITAN · 2,462 vehicles
Hole may appear in the heat shield connection at the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter housing
A fault in the welding process could cause a leak
Fix: Replace particulate filter/catalyst converter on affected vehicles
Recalled models: CITAN 415 · 7 vehicles
Seat belt securing bolts may not be correctly tightened.
The bolts securing the seat belts to the B- and C-pillars on the left side of the vehicle may possibly not have been tightened to specification.
Fix: On affected vehicles check bolts for tightness and if necessary tighten to correct torque.
Recalled models: CITAN · 15 vehicles
Loss of brake fluid
Unions on certain brake pipes may not have been tightened to the correct torque. This may allow fluid to escape and affect the braking efficiency.
Fix: On affected vehicles check pipe unions and brake fluid level. Tighten unions and adjust fluid level where necessary.
Recalled models: CITAN · 292 vehicles
Steering column may fracture
Certain Citan vehicles may have cracks on the steering column tube due to a manufacturing fault.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the steering column/power steering motor assembly.
Recalled models: CITAN · 44 vehicles
Seat belt may fail
The mounting screws of the belt guide brackets at both the left hand and right hand C-Pillars may not have been tightened correctly. Therefore the seat belt/s may not perform as intended increasing the risk of injury during a collision.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and correct the fixing for the mounting screw of the belt guide brackets.
Recalled models: CITAN · 8 vehicles
Passenger bench seat may fail
The bolt securing the passenger seat back rest may fracture. If this happens the back rest cushion may drop. In the event of a collision the seat belt may not fully restrain the passenger as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the mounting screws with additional sleeves.
Recalled models: CITAN · 60 vehicles
Braking may be affected
Due to a fitment error on the production line the possibility exists that on a limited number of vehicles the brake pipes may not have been installed into their correct ports on the ABS hydraulic unit. As a result under hard acceleration or emergency braking abnormal handling characteristics of the vehicle may occur. In extreme conditions this could result in a road wheel locking causing the vehicle to skid unexpectedly.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to check brake pipes are fitted correctly to the ABS unit. Where necessary the brake pipes will be replaced.
Recalled models: CITAN · 1,673 vehicles
Windowbag system may fail to deploy correctly
It has been identified that the side window airbags on the Citan Crewbus are possible working to the extremes of its operating tolerance. Therefore if the vehicle was to be involved in a collision then the airbags may not deploy correctly.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to improve the operation of the side window airbag system.
Recalled models: CITAN · 143 vehicles
Checking a Mercedes-Benz Citan 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.