Mercedes-Benz V-Class: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 2,716 Mercedes-Benz V-Class cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2014 and 2026.
In a sample of 398 cars, 61.6% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (17.8% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 29 recalls for this model; 24.6% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 17.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 13.1% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 12.8% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 9.5% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 9% |
| Tyre damaged | 5.8% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 5.8% |
| Electric parking brake control not working (properly) | 4.3% |
| Parking brake does not act on 2 wheels | 3.8% |
| Particulate filter not working properly, particle count too high | 3.5% |
Share of 398 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 24.1% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 10.6% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 7.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 3.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 2,716 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 24.6% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 37.9% |
| First registered | 2014 to 2026 |
All Mercedes-Benz V-Class passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-02-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 95 |
| 2022-06-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 2 |
| 2022-05-04 | electrical system | – | 361 |
| 2022-04-26 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1,267 |
| 2021-09-28 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 3 |
| 2021-07-27 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 1 |
| 2021-06-25 | brakes | serious | 49 |
| 2021-06-14 | bodywork | serious | 55 |
| 2021-03-26 | seats | serious | 34 |
| 2020-08-06 | seats | – | 0 |
| 2020-06-09 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 7 |
| 2020-04-07 | brakes | serious | 1 |
| 2020-03-19 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 1 |
| 2020-03-11 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 18 |
| 2020-03-04 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 6 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mercedes-Benz V-Class fail the APK?
In a sample of 398 cars first registered 2012–2021, 61.6% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz V-Class?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (17.8%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (13.1%), tyre pressure incorrect (12.8%).
Does the Mercedes-Benz V-Class have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 29 recalls. 24.6% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
C-Class · A-Class · B-Class · E-Class · CLA-Class · GLC-Class · GLA-Class · Sprinter · SLK-Class · EQA-Class · Vito · GLE-Class · EQB-Class · S-Class · ML-Class
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.