Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How every year of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 187,296 MOT tests.
Year by year
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012* | 67% | 63% +4 | Rigid brake pipes 3× usual | 5,032 |
| 2013 | 68% | 66% +2 | Link ball joint covers 4.8× usual | 14,296 |
| 2014 | 69% | 69% +0 | Link ball joint covers 6.7× usual | 22,674 |
| 2015 | 72% | 72% +0 | Link ball joint covers 7.2× usual | 26,503 |
| 2016 | 75% | 75% +0 | Link ball joint covers 7.6× usual | 37,860 |
| 2017 | 78% | 78% +0 | Link ball joint covers 5.4× usual | 40,581 |
| 2018* | 83% | 81% +2 | Nothing unusual | 40,350 |
Weak spots across the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.
- Link ball joint coversup to 7.6× usual
Stands out in 5 years: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Engine warning lightup to 2.6× usual
Stands out in 5 years: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Wheelsup to 2.2× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014.
Rough price £70–£150 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Airbag warning lightup to 9.7× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Ball joint dust coverup to 2.1× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Known faults
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
- Oil leak and engine recalls
Recalls covered engine oil leaks and a fault that could cause engine failure.
Check: Look for oil under the car and around the engine, and ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN.
- Driveshaft recall
A 2015 recall covered the driveshafts.
Check: Listen for clicking on full lock and feel for vibration when accelerating.
- Electrical faults and rattles
Electrical issues were the top owner complaint, and early cars had seatbelt and dashboard rattles.
Check: Test every electric function and listen for rattles over bumps.
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score
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