Common Mercedes-Benz Faults

Mercedes-Benz has of course over many years made a name for itself for making robust cars. However, even Mercedes-Benz cars can have issues that lead to the company announcing a recall of the car. In most cases it will be a result of parts having worn, and usually this can be fixed with replacement parts.

Preventative measures can be taken to decrease wear and ultimately component failure. It is important to always follow the servicing stipulations for your Mercedes. This will include things like proper lubrication of the components on the car and equally ensuring service parts are changed at the mileage intervals listed.

Sprinter

Introduced as Mercedes' large van, the Sprinter was built in a number of varieties and axle lengths. An issue with the load sensing valve on the rear axle leading to a brake imbalance across the axle was one of the first identified. The resolution was of course to replace the valve on affected models during a recall action launched in December 2000. [R/2001/016 / Mercedes-Benz Ref. 1639] On some models built during 2009 it was found that an oil leak may occur at the bottom of the oil filler neck, which of course could lead to so much oil leaking away that the engine is not lubricated sufficiently anymore. This lead to engine damage in some scenarios. By simply changing the oil filler neck the problem could be resolved [R/2010/127 / Mercedes-Benz C232]

CL-Class

As the coupé sister of the S-Class luxury saloon the CL-Class shares a number of recalls with it's sibling. In 2006 it was found that a number of CLs built during 2005 had a problem with the instrument cluster failing to illuminate. The company resolved the problem by simply replacing the instrument cluster. [R/2006/141 / Mercedes-Benz Ref. PO74]

C-Class

The C-Class was devised as the company's medium-sized saloon, and was also available as a small Coupé, the CLC. One of the first logged issues with the C202 model was found to be inadvertent opening of the bonnet after a minor impact. In those cases the bonnet's hook may be damaged after which the bonnet may open. [R/1996/017] As found on a number of the company's other models in 2012, fuel may leak due to an issue on the fuel filter's plug. A fuel smell may be come apparent, and fuel can leak on the road surface leading to reduced traction. Replacing the filter carried out an easy fix. [R/2011/172 / Ref. P182]

E-Class

The company's large saloon is the E-Class. One issue that was found not long after it's launch was that the wiring running underneath the footrest in the passenger footwell may chafe due to incorrect positioning of the harness resulting in damage. Mercedes recalled the affected cars and made sure to repair the issues. [R/1995/069]

M-Class

The M-Class is Mercedes' large luxury SUV introduced in the 1990s. Known faults of the model include loss of power steering due to a leak in the system that can occur due to a hose clamp that was too large for the actual hose. Whilst the problem was not immediate, models affected built in a period between 1998 and 2002 could lose power steering fluid gradually. Mercedes-Benz recalled the vehicles and fitted a modified clamp. [R/2003/060 / Mercedes-Benz Ref. 1872]

SL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz SL is the company's glamorous sports car. A known issue on a later generation of the model was an issue with the air bag on models built from September 1995 to December 1996. Corrosion may occur in humid conditions, which had resulted in sudden deployment of the air bags. Vehicles with this problem had their air bags replaced [R/2000/142 / Ref. 1844]

A-Class

The A-Class is Mercedes-Benz's small car. The first variants were the A140 and A160, which were well known for failing the 'elk test' held by a Swedish motoring magazine. Mercedes recalled all the models built up to that point and actually halted further production to resolve the issue with a modified suspension and electronic stability control. Mercedes-Benz of course learnt from the problem, newer generations did not suffer the same problems. In 2005 it was found that some later generation variants might suffer from a wiper fracture caused by a production fault. Mercedes-Benz was of course quick to acknowledge and recalled affected vehicles to fit a new wiper arm. [R/2005/140 / Mercedes Ref. P043]

B-Class

Mercedes-Benz B-Class was introduced to fill the market gap above the A-Class as a bigger hatchback. Known faults are limited however recalls were launched for a couple of issues. On models built between September 2014 and the same month of 2015 it was found that the car might cut out. Its so-called propulsion control unit may be providing the wrong information leading to the car's electric power train to cutting. Luckily, the problem could be resolved with a simple software upgrade. [R/2015/231 / SRPC1518]

Vito

The Vito is Mercedes-Benz' small van model. Whilst it was built as a rugged work van, the occasional recall for the model did occur. One of the earlier recalls was announced in 1998 for a selection of vehicles built between 1996 and 1998 on which it was found that the tyre tread might dislodge itself from the tyre's carcase. Where applicable the affected tyres were replaced with new ones. [R/1998/074]

S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the company's flagship luxury saloon for many years. Though, over the years the model has been subject to some recalls. In 2007 it was found that on earlier models built between 1999 and 2003 the brake line to the distributor for the front and rear axle may be affected by corrosion, which could lead to reduced braking capability. The company resolved the issue by replacing the pipe. R/2008/00 / [Mercedes-Benz Ref. P097]