Mercedes-Benz A-Class common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Poor reliability: suspension and electrical faults

  Cars registered 2005–2011 · All 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

• Oil leak and engine recalls

  Cars registered 2012–2018 · All engines

  Recalls covered engine oil leaks and a fault that could cause engine failure.

  At the viewing: Look for oil under the car and around the engine, and ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mercedes A-Class Mk3 reliability

• Many recalls (22 so far)

  Cars registered 2019–2025 · All engines

  This A-Class has had 22 recalls, including faulty crankshafts that needed a new engine, leaking turbos, suspension uprights, loose rear axle bolts, the emergency braking system and the panoramic roof.

  At the viewing: Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN, and get proof every recall has been done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes A-Class (Mk4, 2018 on) review

• Driveshaft recall

  Cars registered 2012–2018 · All engines

  A 2015 recall covered the driveshafts.

  At the viewing: Listen for clicking on full lock and feel for vibration when accelerating.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mercedes A-Class Mk3 reliability

• Electrical faults and rattles

  Cars registered 2012–2018 · All engines

  Electrical issues were the top owner complaint, and early cars had seatbelt and dashboard rattles.

  At the viewing: Test every electric function and listen for rattles over bumps.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mercedes A-Class Mk3 reliability

Common Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2025.

• Rigid brake pipes

  up to 3.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  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.

• Shock absorbers

  up to 2.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Side repeaters

  up to 4.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Engine warning light

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Link ball joint covers

  up to 7.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  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.

• Wheels

  up to 3.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz A-Class did best (66% passed first time, 5 points above all 2011 cars) and the 2017 did worst (78%, 0 points above all 2017 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. What has gone wrong and been fixed?
2. Has all the recall work been done?
3. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Mercedes dealer confirm from the VIN?
4. Has the driveshaft recall been done?
5. Have there been any electrical faults?
6. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class as on other cars the same age.)