2018 Mercedes-Benz Citan: known problems and what to check
Too few Mercedes-Benz Citan cars first registered in 2018 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. Here’s what we do know about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Citan, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Citan
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- 1.2 TCe / DIG-T turbo petrol
Oil burning (1.2 TCe / DIG-T petrol)
The 1.2 turbo petrol shared by Renault and Nissan (TCe or DIG-T) can burn oil, and some owners have needed a replacement engine. Running low on oil makes it worse.
At the viewing: Check the oil level on the dipstick, look for blue smoke from the exhaust, and ask how often it needs topping up. It should be checked every 1,000–2,000 miles.
Source: Auto Express: used Renault Kadjar (2015 on) review, Car Mechanics: buying and owning the Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013-2021)
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Mercedes-Benz Citan
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- How often does it need oil between services, and has there been any engine work?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2018 car
- MOT history
Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.
- Service history
Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.
- Finance and write-offs
MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.
- Test drive
Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz Citan?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz Citan compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | – | Too few tests |
| 2020 | – | Too few tests |
| 2019 | – | Too few tests |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | – | Too few tests |
| 2013 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score