Mercedes-Benz Citan reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mercedes-Benz Citan is a van. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 67 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 42 of 42, and 39.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is stop lamp (7.4% of tests).
Ranked 42 of 42 vans and pickups in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 20,255 Mercedes-Benz Citans aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 39.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mercedes-Benz Citan is 49% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 29.5% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
39.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
29.5%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
14,600
Typical age at test: 7 years
Mercedes-Benz Citan MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mercedes-Benz Citan MOT faults
- Stop lamp: not working7.4% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.7% of tests
- Position lamp: not working5.2% of tests
- Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps4.8% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.7% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.5% of tests
What the Mercedes-Benz Citan fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 21.4% | ▲ 2.3× as often |
| Brakes | 10.1% | ▲ 1.8× as often |
| Body and structure | 8.3% | ▲ 3.9× as often |
| Tyres | 8.1% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Visibility | 7.6% | ▲ 1.9× as often |
| Suspension | 6.4% | About average |
| Steering | 5.3% | ▲ 3.5× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.7% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.4% | ▼ 34% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 32% less often |
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Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mercedes-Benz Citan reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Mercedes-Benz Citan is 49% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 67 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz Citan?
The most common MOT fault is “Stop lamp: not working”, found in 7.4% of tests. It fails on body and structure and steering more often than similar cars.
›How many Mercedes-Benz Citans fail their MOT?
39.3% of Mercedes-Benz Citans aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 29.5% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz Citan combined (Open Government Licence v3.0). How we calculate the league.