Thinking about buying a used Mercedes-Benz Vito (1999–2015) in New Zealand? We've documented 16 known faults for this model spanning engine, fluid leaks, transmission, and body & rust. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
16
Critical
$600–$3,500
6
The pre-facelift W638 Vito's OM611 2.2 CDI diesel engine is notorious for timing chain stretch and hydraulic tensioner failure. Chain slack causes rattling on cold start and can lead to chain jump and catastrophic valve damage. A known design weakness in the early CDI units with insufficient lubrication to the upper chain guide.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
The M112 2.4-litre petrol V6 fitted to early W639 Vito models has two well-documented failure points. First, the oil heat exchanger gasket seal fails from thermal degradation, producing persistent oil leaks from the exchanger housing on the side of the engine. Second, the crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer is prone to delamination of its rubber damping layer after approximately 80,000 km, causing the outer pulley ring to separate. Pulley failure produces vibration, accessory belt misalignment, and if allowed to progress, can damage the crankshaft position sensor and ancillary drive components.
Symptoms to notice
What to check
Ask the seller
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 16 documented faults for the Mercedes-Benz Vito, the recurring problem areas are engine, fluid leaks, and transmission. A Mercedes-Benz Vito with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
We've catalogued 16 known faults for the Mercedes-Benz Vito, covering engine, fluid leaks, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
Most single repairs on the Mercedes-Benz Vito fall between $600–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 16 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Yes. A Mercedes-Benz Vito inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.