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MERCEDES A CLASS Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 13,553 MOT tests from 1,287 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every MERCEDES A CLASS has the same fault.

MERCEDES A CLASS's have a slightly over average reliability rating of 595/999. The score was calculated from the average of every MERCEDES A CLASS that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

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Check a Mercedes A Class before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Mercedes A Class side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
Petrol2020833/999Excellent103,180 miles1,464 vehicles
Diesel2018742/999Very good76,106 miles16,092 vehicles
Petrol2017784/999Very good84,600 miles7,106 vehicles
Petrol2015764/999Very good78,161 miles6,859 vehicles
Diesel2015720/999Very good77,595 miles20,905 vehicles
Diesel2014683/999Good77,046 miles18,742 vehicles
Petrol2014729/999Very good74,924 miles4,733 vehicles
Petrol2013693/999Good80,693 miles3,438 vehicles
Petrol2012590/999Above average79,743 miles1,590 vehicles
Diesel2012625/999Good77,817 miles8,972 vehicles
Petrol2009557/999Above average83,042 miles1,484 vehicles
Diesel2009479/999Average81,919 miles909 vehicles
Petrol2008511/999Above average94,129 miles2,036 vehicles
Petrol2003440/999Average94,194 miles3,095 vehicles
Diesel2003426/999Average84,048 miles1,027 vehicles
Petrol2002418/999Average99,172 miles3,569 vehicles
Diesel2001403/999Average82,150 miles1,153 vehicles
Petrol2001435/999Average79,169 miles4,589 vehicles
Petrol1999480/999Average77,061 miles879 vehicles

How reliable is the MERCEDES A CLASS?

Based on 13,553 MOT tests from 1,287 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

1,287

MOT tests

13,553

Pass rate

81.6%

Median mileage

82,553 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every MERCEDES A CLASS has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 713 out of 999.

Common MERCEDES A CLASS MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 2,386 advisory comments and 294 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 661 advisory comments and 107 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: REAR BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 584 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 255 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR BRAKE PIPE CORRODED, COVERED IN GREASE OR OTHER MATERIAL (1.1.11 (C))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 188 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURED OR BROKEN (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Engine warning lamp

VehicleScore MOT data includes 164 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an engine warning lamp that was on, or did not work, during the inspection.

What to inspect

Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Example MOT wording: ENGINE MIL INOPERATIVE OR INDICATES A MALFUNCTION (8.2.2.2 (G))

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 123 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING LAMP INDICATES A FAULT (7.1.6 (A))

Registration plate condition

VehicleScore MOT data includes 110 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a number plate that was deteriorated, insecure, or did not meet the plate rules.

What to inspect

Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Example MOT wording: REAR REGISTRATION PLATE DETERIORATED BUT NOT LIKELY TO BE MISREAD (0.1 (B))

MERCEDES A CLASS MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
20194929888.9%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2018197133386.4%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2017177146385.6%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2016180167483%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2015183186782.7%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2014188214481.2%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2013131145579.8%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
20121115883.5%Corrosion, Tyre wear
20112234780.7%Tyre wear, Corrosion
20102541575.9%Tyre wear, Corrosion
20092852376.9%Tyre wear, Corrosion
20082649081.4%Tyre wear, Corrosion
20071835778.7%Brake disc wear, Corrosion
2006714879.1%Brake disc wear, Corrosion
20051126776.8%Coil spring issues, Corrosion
2004715869.6%Corrosion, Tyre wear
2003514967.8%Corrosion, Tyre wear

What to check when buying a used MERCEDES A CLASS

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

  • Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

  • Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

  • Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

  • Engine warning lamp. Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

  • Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

  • Registration plate condition. Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Buying a MERCEDES A CLASS?

Common problems tell you what can affect MERCEDES A CLASSs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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