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2013 Mercedes-Benz Vito

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Vito is a versatile van popular for both commercial and private use, offering a balance of practicality and Mercedes-Benz refinement. Engine options for the 2013 Vito typically include a range of diesel engines, such as the 2.1L CDI variants (Vito 110 CDI, 113 CDI, 116 CDI) and a 3.0L CDI V6 engine (Vito 122 CDI). Horsepower figures range from around 95 hp in the lower-powered versions to upwards of 224 hp in the V6. Torque figures vary similarly, with the V6 offering significantly more pulling power. Transmissions generally include a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic (depending on the engine). Owners often praise the Vito for its spaciousness, comfortable ride, and solid build quality. Common dislikes revolve around potential for electrical issues, and some find the base models lacking in features.

Engine

2.1L CDI Diesel

  • Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, excessive smoke, fuel leaking from the injectors, and potentially engine failure.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty injector(s). Clean or replace the fuel lines as necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per injector depending on labor and parts.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon starting or while idling, especially when the engine is cold. Can lead to catastrophic engine failure if left unaddressed.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+ depending on the extent of damage and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke, whistling noise from the turbo, engine warning light.
    • Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Check and clean the intercooler and associated piping.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+, depending on turbo type and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

3.0L CDI V6 Diesel

  • Oil Cooler Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, often difficult to pinpoint, leading to low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replace the oil cooler and associated gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+, due to the labor involved.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Swirl Flap Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine warning light, loss of power, rough running. The swirl flaps help improve combustion efficiency, and their failure can cause these symptoms.
    • Solution: Replace the swirl flap motor. Some owners choose to remove the swirl flaps entirely and remap the ECU, but this may not be legal in all regions.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, difficulty shifting, abnormal noises.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter. Flush the transmission and replace the filter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, erratic shifting behavior, getting stuck in a gear.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+, depending on the severity and if a new or rebuilt valve body is used.
    • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual

  • Clutch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, clutch pedal feels soft or sticks.
    • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one side, compressor running constantly, suspension warning light.
    • Solution: Replace the air springs (airbags), compressor, or ride height sensors. Check for leaks in the air lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per air spring, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Suspension Bushings
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises when driving over bumps, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the worn bushings. This may involve replacing control arms or other suspension components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ per corner, depending on the specific bushings and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Faulty Door Lock Actuators
    • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking properly, remote key not working, alarm issues.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, including lighting issues, wiper problems, and starting issues.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the SAM unit. This often requires reprogramming.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+, depending on the extent of the damage and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Glow Plug Failure (Diesel Engines)
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, especially in cold weather, engine warning light.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty glow plug(s) and glow plug relay.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sliding Door Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, sticking, noises.
    • Solution: Lubricate the tracks and rollers. Adjust the door alignment. Replace worn rollers or hinges.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the severity of the problem and parts required.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Air Conditioning Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Weak or no cold air, strange noises from the AC compressor, musty smell.
    • Solution: Recharge the AC system. Repair or replace the AC compressor, condenser, or evaporator. Clean the ventilation system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1500+, depending on the component and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface.
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ for a new dashboard, or a dashboard cover may be a cheaper temporary option.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Vito, while generally reliable, can suffer from various issues. Engine problems, particularly with injectors, timing chains, and turbochargers on the 2.1L diesel, and oil cooler leaks and swirl flap issues on the 3.0L V6, represent some of the most potentially expensive repairs. Transmission problems, both automatic and manual, can also be costly. Electrical issues with door locks and SAM units, along with suspension issues, can add to the ownership burden. Sliding door mechanisms can also be problematic. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and thoroughly inspect any used 2013 Vito before purchase, paying close attention to engine noises, transmission smoothness, and electrical functionality. Addressing these issues can range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission overhauls.

Mercedes-Benz, Vito
Mercedes-Benz Vito 2013
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