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Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability

B · Good

MOT pass rates and common problems from 2.4 million MOT tests of cars first registered 1999–2023.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
77.9%pass first time
+1.8 ptsvs typical car
Beats 62%of cars
2.4MMOT tests

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class passes its MOT first time on 77.9% of tests, 1.8 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (76.2%). That puts it ahead of 62% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2021 A-Class does best (beats 79% of cars) and the 2006 worst (beats 56%).

Of its engines, the 2.0 Petrol does best (beats 75%) and the 1.5 Petrol worst (beats 55%).

Better than average on suspension, body & structure, steering.

Watch these weak spots

Seat belts & airbags2.3×as often as a typical car
Airbag warning light4.4×as often as a typical car
Engine warning light1.5×as often as a typical car
Indicator side repeaters2.2×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

50%60%70%80%90%3456789101112131415161718192088%85%81%74%69%64%59%56%56%
Mercedes-Benz A-ClassTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

1999
Beats 23%
2000
Beats 27%
2001
Beats 39%
2002
Beats 35%
2003
Beats 40%
2004
Beats 37%
2005
Beats 58%
2006
Beats 56%
2007
Beats 57%
2008
Beats 58%
2009
Beats 62%
2010
Beats 60%
2011
Beats 61%
2012
Beats 56%
2013
Beats 73%
2014
Beats 66%
2015
Beats 63%
2016
Beats 64%
2017
Beats 58%
2018
Beats 63%
2019
Beats 65%
2020
Beats 71%
2021
Beats 79%
2022
Beats 84%
2023
Beats 96%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Diesel2012–2020743,58079.1%Beats 57%C
1.6 Petrol1999–2018365,99278.7%Beats 63%B
1.3 Petrol2018–2023319,04588.2%Beats 72%B
2.1 Diesel2013–2018294,01880.8%Beats 69%B
1.5 Petrol2005–2012175,84062.5%Beats 55%C
2.0 Diesel2005–2022162,91970.3%Beats 61%B
2.0 Petrol2005–2021128,64583.4%Beats 75%B
1.8 Diesel2012–201471,51275.1%Beats 74%B
1.7 Petrol2005–201247,01966.8%Beats 68%B
1.3 Hybrid2020–202243,29688.5%Beats 82%A
1.4 Petrol1999–200443,14151.7%Beats 35%D
1.7 Diesel2001–201233,50359.9%Beats 51%C
1.9 Petrol2001–20022,33855.0%Beats 48%C

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 2.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 4.8% of tests fail on suspension, against 6.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 6.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 8.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 6.9% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 4.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 5.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 6.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 8.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+1.7 ptsTyres: 6.9% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−0.8 ptsBrakes: 4.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 5.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+0.6 ptsSuspension: 4.8% of tests fail on suspension, against 6.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+1.2 ptsExhaust: 2.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust0.0 ptsSuspension: 4.8% of tests fail on suspension, against 6.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 4.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 5.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 6.9% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 6.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 8.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 2.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 6.7% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 8.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+1.7 ptsTyres: 6.9% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−0.8 ptsBrakes: 4.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 5.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+0.6 ptsSuspension: 4.8% of tests fail on suspension, against 6.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+1.2 ptsExhaust: 2.2% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 2.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust0.0 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Tyres: 6.9% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Tyres
6.9% vs 6.1%
Lights & electrics
6.7% vs 8.3%
Suspension
4.8% vs 6.0%
Brakes
4.5% vs 5.2%
Visibility
3.9% vs 4.2%
Emissions & leaks
2.2% vs 2.2%
Seat belts & airbags
1.6% vs 0.7%
Body & structure
1.3% vs 2.1%
Wheels
0.5% vs 0.3%
Steering
0.2% vs 1.2%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Engine warning light 1.5× typical
    The engine warning light should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, get the fault codes read before you buy.
  • Indicator side repeaters 2.2× typical
    Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid.
  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Windscreen washers
    Test the washers and wipers: a cheap fix, but a very common MOT fail.
  • Tyre tread depth
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k94%88%82%75%68%63%59%58%
Mercedes-Benz A-ClassTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Tyre damage & cracking4.3%3.4%1.2×
Headlight aim2.6%2.5%1.0×
Windscreen washers2.4%1.8%1.4×
Tyre tread depth2.4%2.3%1.0×
Coil springs2.1%1.8%1.2×
Brake pads2.0%1.9%1.0×
Airbag warning light1.3%0.3%4.4×
Engine warning light1.3%0.9%1.5×
Headlight bulbs & units1.3%1.5%0.9×
Windscreen wipers1.3%2.2%0.6×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A tyre seriously damaged27.1
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements25.6
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen24.0
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements23.5
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened21.3
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction17.1
A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm16.6
A tyre cords visible or damaged14.2
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class1 engine92.3% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.3 Petrol2,98292.3%Beats 96%A
2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class3 engines90.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.3 Petrol20,74591.4%Beats 87%A
1.3 Hybrid3,50987.3%Beats 70%B
2.0 Diesel1,62290.0%Beats 88%A
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class4 engines89.5% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.3 Petrol38,99090.4%Beats 82%A
2.0 Diesel21,07789.0%Beats 81%A
1.3 Hybrid16,87388.6%Beats 82%A
2.0 Petrol5,04886.7%Beats 36%D
2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class5 engines88.1% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.3 Petrol81,32288.6%Beats 70%B
1.3 Hybrid22,91488.5%Beats 83%A
1.5 Diesel15,51185.6%Beats 59%C
2.0 Diesel9,83087.9%Beats 81%A
2.0 Petrol6,89286.8%Beats 47%C
2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class4 engines86.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.3 Petrol115,28087.1%Beats 66%B
1.5 Diesel80,52285.0%Beats 64%B
2.0 Petrol36,37186.8%Beats 63%B
2.0 Diesel17,22885.9%Beats 73%B
2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class5 engines84.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Diesel93,90083.7%Beats 61%B
1.3 Petrol59,72687.1%Beats 74%B
1.6 Petrol53,11084.9%Beats 60%C
2.1 Diesel25,88783.6%Beats 60%B
2.0 Petrol8,25387.2%Beats 74%B
2017 Mercedes-Benz A-Class4 engines82.3% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Diesel122,20980.6%Beats 48%C
1.6 Petrol78,07984.7%Beats 65%B
2.1 Diesel69,35982.1%Beats 61%B
2.0 Petrol8,69186.3%Beats 77%B
2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class4 engines81.1% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Diesel136,39179.2%Beats 55%C
2.1 Diesel90,07681.4%Beats 69%B
1.6 Petrol56,36584.3%Beats 75%B
2.0 Petrol16,03684.5%Beats 77%B
2015 Mercedes-Benz A-Class4 engines79.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Diesel137,03677.2%Beats 55%C
2.1 Diesel59,68479.9%Beats 72%B
1.6 Petrol28,84383.3%Beats 76%B
2.0 Petrol12,91084.8%Beats 88%A
2014 Mercedes-Benz A-Class5 engines76.2% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Diesel109,24874.3%Beats 60%C
2.1 Diesel41,15277.6%Beats 75%B
1.6 Petrol29,25179.4%Beats 71%B
1.8 Diesel21,09175.3%Beats 67%B
2.0 Petrol10,63483.1%Beats 92%A
2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class5 engines74.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.8 Diesel47,64275.3%Beats 78%B
1.5 Diesel46,89170.6%Beats 60%B
1.6 Petrol29,74678.1%Beats 78%B
2.0 Petrol8,81281.0%Beats 94%A
2.1 Diesel7,86075.9%Beats 82%A
2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class8 engines71.9% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol14,93272.9%Beats 57%C
2.0 Diesel13,11870.8%Beats 53%C
1.5 Petrol9,03471.6%Beats 50%C
1.7 Diesel3,62671.3%Beats 52%C
1.8 Diesel2,77971.5%Beats 69%B
1.5 Diesel1,87271.6%Beats 69%B
1.7 Petrol1,43374.2%Beats 55%C
2.0 Petrol1,05674.6%Beats 70%B
2011 Mercedes-Benz A-Class6 engines71.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol17,45471.5%Beats 59%C
2.0 Diesel13,18270.3%Beats 64%B
1.5 Petrol9,30170.4%Beats 56%C
1.7 Diesel3,95769.1%Beats 59%C
1.7 Petrol3,19473.9%Beats 67%B
2.0 Petrol2,22272.7%Beats 60%B
2010 Mercedes-Benz A-Class6 engines67.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol21,86767.9%Beats 58%C
2.0 Diesel14,60865.5%Beats 60%C
1.5 Petrol9,72367.2%Beats 57%C
1.7 Petrol3,97472.6%Beats 72%B
1.7 Diesel3,86266.9%Beats 63%B
2.0 Petrol3,29173.3%Beats 75%B
2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class6 engines65.5% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Petrol25,84365.1%Beats 60%C
2.0 Diesel16,41962.6%Beats 60%B
1.6 Petrol12,12166.9%Beats 60%B
1.7 Petrol5,49970.2%Beats 73%B
1.7 Diesel3,43764.4%Beats 62%B
2.0 Petrol1,97373.3%Beats 83%A
2008 Mercedes-Benz A-Class4 engines62.1% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Petrol41,37561.6%Beats 54%C
2.0 Diesel14,73261.2%Beats 60%C
1.7 Petrol7,29667.4%Beats 69%B
1.7 Diesel2,32361.1%Beats 60%C
2007 Mercedes-Benz A-Class5 engines61.0% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Petrol37,32860.6%Beats 54%C
2.0 Diesel14,85959.9%Beats 59%C
1.7 Petrol8,30265.2%Beats 66%B
1.7 Diesel2,45458.3%Beats 51%C
2.0 Petrol1,11365.9%Beats 67%B
2006 Mercedes-Benz A-Class5 engines58.8% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Petrol26,81858.7%Beats 53%C
2.0 Diesel16,05856.3%Beats 53%C
1.7 Petrol8,71663.1%Beats 65%B
2.0 Petrol2,57661.5%Beats 60%B
1.7 Diesel1,43455.9%Beats 48%C
2005 Mercedes-Benz A-Class5 engines58.5% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.5 Petrol16,41859.1%Beats 57%C
2.0 Diesel10,18654.1%Beats 48%C
1.7 Petrol8,60563.0%Beats 69%B
2.0 Petrol2,76760.7%Beats 63%B
1.7 Diesel1,58351.4%Beats 35%D
2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Class3 engines52.3% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.4 Petrol13,65252.5%Beats 35%D
1.6 Petrol3,80652.8%Beats 36%D
1.7 Diesel2,82150.8%Beats 42%C
2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class3 engines52.4% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.4 Petrol12,59652.0%Beats 37%D
1.6 Petrol6,49553.2%Beats 40%C
1.7 Diesel3,51952.3%Beats 48%C
2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class4 engines50.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.4 Petrol8,52450.6%Beats 34%D
1.6 Petrol5,06751.1%Beats 33%D
1.7 Diesel2,48848.9%Beats 37%D
1.9 Petrol1,22455.1%Beats 46%C
2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class4 engines52.0% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.4 Petrol4,61250.6%Beats 34%D
1.6 Petrol4,44253.5%Beats 42%C
1.7 Diesel1,99950.3%Beats 43%C
1.9 Petrol1,11454.9%Beats 50%C
2000 Mercedes-Benz A-Class2 engines50.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol2,43749.9%Beats 23%D
1.4 Petrol2,10451.8%Beats 31%D
1999 Mercedes-Benz A-Class2 engines51.2% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Petrol1,97751.6%Beats 24%D
1.4 Petrol1,65350.8%Beats 20%D

FAQ

What is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT pass rate?

77.9% of MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class were passed first time, based on 2,430,848 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1999–2023. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 76.2% of the time.

Is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?

On MOT results it rates B (good): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 62% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Mercedes-Benz A-Class year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2021 A-Class does best for its age and mileage: it beats 79% of cars on UK roads. The 2006 does worst: it beats 56%.

Which Mercedes-Benz A-Class engine is best?

Across all years, the 2.0 Petrol does best: it beats 75% of cars on UK roads. The 1.5 Petrol does worst: it beats 55%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

The most common failure items are tyre damage & cracking, headlight aim, windscreen washers. Compared with similar cars, airbag warning light comes up 4.4× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.