2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs, from 5,779 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs than on all cars registered in 2010.
- Rigid brake pipes3.8× usualMercedes-Benz A-Class25.9% All 2010 cars6.8%Rough price £100–£400
At 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.
- Side repeaters4.6× usualMercedes-Benz A-Class6.4% All 2010 cars1.4%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Shock absorbers1.6× usualMercedes-Benz A-Class12.6% All 2010 cars7.8%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Washers1.9× usualMercedes-Benz A-Class6.4% All 2010 cars3.4%Rough price £15–£60
At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
- Horn4.8× usualMercedes-Benz A-Class2.4% All 2010 cars0.5%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 1.3% here, against 11% of all 2010 cars. Engine oil leaks: 1.5% here, against 10.2% of all 2010 cars.
By area
The share of 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes42% 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.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Lights and electrics27% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension26% 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 mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints7% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8,517 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 40,350 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 40,581 | Tyres 34% |
| 2016 | 37,860 | Tyres 34% |
| 2015 | 26,503 | Tyres 34% |
| 2014 | 22,674 | Tyres 35% |
| 2013 | 14,296 | Tyres 34% |
| 2012 | 5,032 | Brakes 34% |
| 2011 | 5,181 | Brakes 39% |
| 2009 | 6,427 | Brakes 49% |
| 2008 | 6,075 | Brakes 49% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score