2017 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs, from 40,581 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs than on all cars registered in 2017.
- Link ball joint covers5.4× usualMercedes-Benz A-Class2.7% All 2017 cars0.5%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Wheels2.2× usualMercedes-Benz A-Class2.2% All 2017 cars1%Rough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Engine warning light1.7× usualMercedes-Benz A-Class2.2% All 2017 cars1.3%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 0.3% here, against 4.8% of all 2017 cars.
By area
The share of 2017 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres34% 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.
- Brakes22% 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.
- Suspension10% 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 electrics8% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8,517 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 40,350 | Tyres 32% |
| 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% |
| 2010 | 5,779 | Brakes 42% |
| 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score