2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz A-Class

  33.3% All 2001 cars

  17.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz A-Class

  16.6% All 2001 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Steering rack inner joints2.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz A-Class

  10% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Shock absorbers2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz A-Class

  12.4% All 2001 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.5% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Sub-frame2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz A-Class

  9.6% All 2001 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  49% 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
  48% 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 electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Steering
  15% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?