Van · 2013–2021 cars
Mercedes-Benz Citan reliability
The Mercedes-Benz Citan fails 37.2% of first MOT tests, 52% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 64,728 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Mercedes-Benz Citan before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 37.2%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 52% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 64,728
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 14,000
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Mercedes-Benz Citan ages
Each point is the share of Mercedes-Benz Citans of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Mercedes-Benz Citan | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 30.6% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 32.8% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 34.6% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 36.8% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 39.2% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 41.8% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 42.9% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 42.9% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 45.8% | 34.6% |
By year
The best and worst Mercedes-Benz Citan years
2013 cars come out best and 2020 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 298 | 31.5% | 102% more fails | 46,280 |
| 2020 Citan | 2,102 | 31.4% | 83% more fails | 54,359 |
| 2019 Citan | 5,514 | 30.6% | 63% more fails | 67,463 |
| 2018 Citan | 12,416 | 34.4% | 76% more fails | 69,496 |
| 2017 Citan | 11,421 | 35.3% | 59% more fails | 80,396 |
| 2016 Citan | 11,608 | 38.5% | 54% more fails | 89,553 |
| 2015 Citan | 8,410 | 38.8% | 40% more fails | 97,140 |
| 2014 Citan | 7,746 | 42.4% | 36% more fails | 109,828 |
| 2013 Citan | 5,213 | 44.4% | 28% more fails | 116,650 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Mercedes-Benz Citan
Its weak spot is body, chassis and structure: 291% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.1%128% above avg
- Brakes9.7%84% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.9%100% above avg
- Tyres7.8%18% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure7.1%291% above avg
- Suspension5.7%4% below avg
- Steering4.3%257% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2%19% below avg
- Wheels0.5%13% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Stop lamp not working 6.25% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 2
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.07% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.99% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Position lamp not working 3.98% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.84% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 6
Registration plate lamp not working 3.84% of tests
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
- 7
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 3.34% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 8
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.29% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Mercedes-Benz Citan's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit18.27%
- Brake pads wearing thin10.18%
- Brake disc pitted or scored9.66%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy7.45%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking3.67%
- Brake discs showing some wear3.09%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Mercedes-Benz Citan
- 1
Stop lamp not working
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 2
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Mercedes-Benz Citan covers about 14,000 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel98.5%
- Petrol1.5%
Most common colours
White, Silver, Black, Grey, Blue
Average engine size: 1.5 litres.
Compare
How the Mercedes-Benz Citan compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Hiace | 35.4% | 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 29.2% | 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Master | 34.9% | about average for its age |
| Citroën Nemo | 41.5% | 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot Bipper | 41.8% | 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Transit Courier | 29.5% | 37% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz Citan | 37.2% | 52% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every van ranked in the van reliability index, or all Mercedes-Benz models.
Questions
Mercedes-Benz Citan questions, answered
Is the Mercedes-Benz Citan reliable?
On MOT results, the Mercedes-Benz Citan is well below average: it fails 37.2% of first MOT tests, 52% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 39 of 40 van models in our index.
What fails most on a Mercedes-Benz Citan MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz Citan are stop lamp not working (6.25% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (5.07% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.99% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 20.1% of its tests.
Which Mercedes-Benz Citan year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2013 cars do best (28% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2020 cars do worst (83% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Mercedes-Benz Citan do a year?
A typical Mercedes-Benz Citan covers about 14,000 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz Citan before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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