Used Mercedes-Benz Citan

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz Citan

From 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The source defines the first-generation Citan 415 as covering model years 2012–2021.[1]one sourceCitan 415
• For the Citan 420, the source documents the 1.5 DCI K9KU8 diesel and service-indicator resets for conventional-key and keyless vehicles.[2]one sourceCitan 420
• The Citan was built on the Renault Kangoo's technical basis.[3]one sourceCitan 415

Typical faults

• A Citan 415 at 58,900 km showed engine and service warning lights plus an anti-pollution-system fault message, although it continued to drive normally.[1]one sourceCitan 415

  58 900–58 900 km

• One Citan 415 at 208,766 km had intermittent steering-wheel vibration and a permanently illuminated yellow steering warning light.[1]one sourceCitan 415

  208 766–208 766 km

• A Citan 415 reportedly suffered a loud air-leak noise, drastic power loss and engine shutdown, then would start only briefly before stalling.[1]one sourceCitan 415
• Citans produced from September 2012 through May 2013 were recalled over incorrectly installed brake pipes that could impair ESP operation; the source reported no incidents.[3]one sourceCitan 415

  2012–2013

Which engine and version to take

• The 1.5 DCI K9KU8 is the specifically documented engine for the 420; when considering it, check that servicing was not overdue and the indicator was not merely reset.[2]one sourceCitan 420

What to check at the inspection

• For a 2012–2013 vehicle, verify documentation showing completion of the free brake-pipe recall repair.[3]one sourceCitan 415
• Check the engine, service and anti-pollution warnings at ignition and confirm that none appears during the test drive.[1]one sourceCitan 415
• During the test drive, check for steering-wheel vibration and a yellow steering-system warning light.[1]one sourceCitan 415
• Under acceleration, listen for a loud hissing noise from the engine bay and check for drastic power loss or stalling.[1]one sourceCitan 415
• On a 1.5 DCI Citan 420, inspect the service history and establish why and when the service indicator was reset.[2]one sourceCitan 420

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]dataspin.net — Mercedes CITAN (415 2012>2021) Problemi e soluzioni · press
2. [2]dataspin.net — Mercedes CITAN (420 2021>) Problemi e soluzioni · press
3. [3]whattruck.ro — Mercedes Citan are probleme cu sistemul de franare · press

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