Used car guide

2019 Mercedes-Benz A: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2019 Mercedes-Benz As, from 42,686 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

42,686MOT tests in 2025
85%pass first time (all 2019 cars: 84%)
7,600typical miles a year
3.2×the usual rate for ball joint

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2019 Mercedes-Benz As than on all cars registered in 2019.

  • Ball joint3.2× usual
    Mercedes-Benz A
    3.2% All 2019 cars
    1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

By area

The share of 2019 Mercedes-Benz A MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    30% 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.

  • Brakes
    17% 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.

  • Suspension
    5% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    5% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    2% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2023734Tyres 13%
202217,786Tyres 24%
202129,555Tyres 26%
202035,472Tyres 29%
2018925Tyres 32%
2014509Tyres 33%
20131,170Tyres 35%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2019 Mercedes-Benz As registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score