ExhaustHigh
DPF and AdBlue faults on OM651 and OM654 diesels
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check AdBlue warnings and run to full temperature
- Typical repair
- DPF forced regen or replacement · £250–£1,600
Is the 2013–2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
3.2/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Mercedes-Benz E-Class rates 3.2 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 5 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around engine, exhaust and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 5
- Medium
- 2
- Low
- 1
Weak points cluster around engine, exhaust, suspension, electrical.
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Build the inspection planThe faults that decide it
SuspensionHigh
Air suspension (Airmatic) leaks and compressor failure
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check the car sits level after standing and cycle the modes
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
EngineHigh
Injector and turbo actuator faults on older diesels
- Typically appears
- 90,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for uneven idle and check for smoke
- Typical repair
- Turbocharger replacement · £750–£2,200
Engine / CoolingHigh
Coolant leaking into the vacuum system causing a hard brake pedal and coolant loss on OM654 diesels.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Remove the main vacuum line from the vacuum pump at the front of the engine and check the inside of the pipe for wet coolant residue.
- Typical repair
- Head gasket / cooling system repair · £900–£2,600
EngineHigh
Premature rocker arm and roller bearing wear causing a rhythmic metallic ticking noise on OM654 engines.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from cold, open the bonnet, and listen closely to the top acoustic cover for a distinct metallic tapping that increases directly with engine revs.
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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