2006 Mercedes-Benz A: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Mercedes-Benz As, from 116 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 116 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Mercedes-Benz As than on all cars registered in 2006.
- Rigid brake pipes2.3× usualMercedes-Benz A31.9% All 2006 cars14.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 2.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
By area
The share of 2006 Mercedes-Benz A MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes54% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres37% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Suspension34% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics34% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints23% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors18% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Poor reliability: suspension and electrical faultsAll engines
Faults were incredibly common, especially suspension and electrical ones, and the average repair bill was over £500.
At the viewing: Get a pre-purchase inspection, listen for suspension knocks and test every electrical item.
Source: What Car?: used Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2005-2012) reliability
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 734 | Tyres 13% |
| 2022 | 17,786 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 29,555 | Tyres 26% |
| 2020 | 35,472 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 42,686 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 925 | Tyres 32% |
| 2014 | 509 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 1,170 | Tyres 35% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Mercedes-Benz As registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score