2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Problems: 4 Known Issues
2013 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Driver airbag may deploy without a crash — recall 2017-490, Timing chain rattle and stretch on the 1.6-litre M270 (owner reports) and Power steering control unit may corrode — recalls 2020-617 and 2021-507. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2013 · B 180 · M270 DE16 1.6L turbo
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All 4 Known Issues
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz B-Class problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class has 4 documented issues. Documented issues include: Driver airbag may deploy without a crash — recall 2017-490, Timing chain rattle and stretch on the 1.6-litre M270 (owner reports), Power steering control unit may corrode — recalls 2020-617 and 2021-507. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class reliable?
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Driver airbag may deploy without a crash — recall 2017-490 and Timing chain rattle and stretch on the 1.6-litre M270 (owner reports) and Power steering control unit may corrode — recalls 2020-617 and 2021-507. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2012-2018 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Driver airbag may deploy without a crash — recall 2017-490?
On certain vehicles, electrostatic discharge combined with a broken clock spring and insufficient grounding of the steering components could inadvertently deploy the driver's frontal airbag. An unintended deployment could startle the driver and cause a crash, and could cause mino… Severity: high.
What is the 2012-2018 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Timing chain rattle and stretch on the 1.6-litre M270 (owner reports)?
Owners of W246 B-Class cars with the 1.6-litre M270 petrol engine report a rattle at start-up and stretched timing chains. One B 180 was diagnosed by a Mercedes workshop with a stretched chain at 75,000 km, 2012 1.6-litre cars needed a new chain and sprockets (one also a camshaft… Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Power steering control unit may corrode — recalls 2020-617 and 2021-507?
On certain vehicles, the power steering control unit may corrode, letting moisture in so that it fails. That could cause a loss of power steering assist and a sudden increase in steering effort, especially at low speed, increasing the risk of a crash. It affects certain 2013-2019… Severity: high.
What is the 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric parking brake fault warning or one side not working (owner reports)?
W246 owners report a parking-brake malfunction warning, and in one case the electric parking brake worked on one side only. One owner found water in the left rear actuator motor and replaced both actuators, but the warning stayed until the parking-brake control module connectors… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.