Reliability Guide
Common Mercedes-Benz Problems
Select a model below to discover known faults, common MOT failures, estimated repair costs, and buying tips.
Select a Mercedes-Benz Model
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe (C236)
2023 – 2026
3 documented issues
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214)
2023 – 2026
4 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz EQB (X243)
2022 – 2026
3 documented issues
Mercedes-Benz EQE (V295)
2022 – 2026
3 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz GLC Mk2 (X254)
2022 – 2026
3 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz EQS (V297)
2021 – 2026
3 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206)
2021 – 2025
4 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz GLA (H247)
2020 – 2025
4 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz CLA (C118)
2019 – 2025
4 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz GLE (V167)
2019 – 2025
3 documented issues 3 severe
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177)
2018 – 2025
4 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)
2016 – 2024
4 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz GLC (X253)
2015 – 2022
2 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205)
2014 – 2021
3 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz GLA (X156)
2014 – 2020
2 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)
2013 – 2020
2 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117)
2013 – 2019
3 documented issues
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176)
2012 – 2018
2 documented issues
Mercedes-Benz GLE (W166)
2011 – 2019
3 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246)
2011 – 2018
3 documented issues
Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218)
2010 – 2018
3 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212)
2009 – 2016
4 documented issues 2 severe
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204)
2007 – 2014
3 documented issues 2 severe
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)
2005 – 2013
3 documented issues 2 severe
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W169)
2005 – 2012
3 documented issues 2 severe
Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W245)
2005 – 2011
3 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171)
2004 – 2011
2 documented issues 1 severe
Mercedes-Benz CLS (C219)
2004 – 2010
3 documented issues 2 severe
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211)
2002 – 2009
3 documented issues 2 severe
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203)
2000 – 2007
3 documented issues 3 severe
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W168)
1998 – 2005
3 documented issues 2 severe
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220)
1998 – 2005
3 documented issues 3 severe
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210)
1995 – 2002
2 documented issues 1 severe
Brand-wide Mercedes-Benz Problem Patterns
Rear Subframe Corrosion: W204 C-Class and W212 E-Class suffer severe rust on the rear subframe, which is an automatic MOT failure.
NOx Sensors & AdBlue: Modern diesels (OM651/OM654) are plagued by sensor failures and AdBlue heater faults, often requiring pair replacement (£1,000+).
48V Mild-Hybrid Failures: Newer models with "EQ Boost" (W206, W214, V167) can suffer battery or starter-generator failures that prevent the car from starting.
Airmatic & Air Body Control: Air suspension leaks are common on E, S, and GLE models, with compressors burning out if leaks are ignored.
M271 Petrol Timing Chain: The 1.8 Kompressor/CGI engine chain can stretch and jump, destroying the engine if cold-start rattles are ignored.
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