Known APK problem
Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204: brake lines
On the Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204 the APK inspector finds brake lines problems 3.5× as often as on cars of the same age: at 16+ years 4.7%, against about 1.3% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Rusty or leaking brake lines. An A-problem at the APK because braking is at risk.
How to check it at the viewing
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Ask the seller: Have the brake lines ever been (partly) replaced?
By age
Share of inspected Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | C-Klasse W204 | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 – 15 years | A | 2.6% | 0.6% | 4.4× |
| 16+ years | A | 4.7% | 1.3% | 3.5× |
| 16+ years | B | 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.2× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 16+ years
| Model | Brake lines | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204 | 4.7% | 3.5× |
| Peugeot 308 I | 1.1% | 1.0× |
| SEAT Altea | 0.3% | 0.2× |
| Toyota Auris I | 1.4% | 1.1× |
| Suzuki SX4 I | 0.6% | 0.5× |
| SEAT Leon II | 0.3% | 0.2× |
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204s of the same age.
All weak spots of the Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204 · Brake lines: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204 often have brake lines problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 16+ years the inspector found a brake lines defect on 4.7% of inspected Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204s, against about 1.3% of all cars of the same age (3.5×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the brake lines on a used Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse W204?
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know