Used car guide

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Petrol 69% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 64%) Stands out: rigid brake pipes 2.7×, side repeaters 4.8×, washers 1.7× 8,557 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 67% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 64%) Stands out: rigid brake pipes 3.3×, side repeaters 4.3×, engine warning light 1.9× 6,870 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Oil leak and engine recalls

    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

  • Driveshaft recall

    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

    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

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023738Tyres 13%
202218,713Tyres 23%
202160,031Tyres 25%
2020252Tyres 27%
201925,714Tyres 29%
2018119,754Tyres 32%
2017120,922Tyres 34%
2016113,202Tyres 33%
201579,796Tyres 34%
201468,784Tyres 34%
201343,599Tyres 33%
201116,093Brakes 37%
201018,296Brakes 41%
200920,571Brakes 47%
200819,943Brakes 47%
200717,982Brakes 45%
200613,121Brakes 47%
20058,721Brakes 41%
20043,765Brakes 52%
20033,911Brakes 53%
20022,845Brakes 51%
20011,837Brakes 49%
2000729Suspension 51%
1999496Suspension 53%
1998–Too few tests