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Mercedes A Class car check

Find out if a A Class has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.

MOT failure rate
25.2%437 tests
Known problems
9across W169 to W177
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which A Class are you looking at?

Each A Class generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.

  1. CVT gearbox failure

    Safety risk W169

    The Autotronic CVT transmission in W169 A-Class models has a documented history of premature failure, leading Mercedes to abandon CVT technology in subsequent generations. The steel belt and pulley system suffers from inadequate lubrication and heat management, causing the belt to stretch or snap without warning. This results in complete loss of drive and typically requires full transmission replacement as repair is not economically viable. Mercedes initially claimed lifetime transmission fluid but later revised service requirements after widespread failures.

    What to check: Check maintenance history for CVT fluid changes - cars without documented 60k mile fluid services are high-risk. Look for transmission fluid leaks under the car, particularly around the bell housing area. Ask about any previous transmission repairs or warranty work. Check for unusual burning smel...

  2. Brake pipe corrosion

    Safety risk W176, W177

    MOT data shows A-Class models with 1.5-litre petrol engines fail brake pipe corrosion tests at 3.5 times the national fleet average, particularly affecting cars aged 8-12 years. The brake pipes run close to road salt spray areas and use steel construction that is vulnerable to UK winter road salt corrosion. This is a safety-critical issue that can result in brake system failure and MOT failure. The problem appears to be generation-specific rather than affecting all A-Class variants equally.

    What to check: Inspect all visible brake pipes under the car, particularly around the rear axle and areas exposed to road spray. Look for surface rust, pitting, or obvious corrosion. Check for any brake fluid staining on the ground under the car indicating active leaks. Examine brake pipe clips and mounting poi...

  3. Turbo failure

    Engine damage risk W169, W176

    Turbocharger failure affects both diesel OM640 engines in W169 and high-performance M133 engines in W176 models, though for different reasons. The OM640 diesel suffers from oil feed pipe restrictions and carbon buildup in the variable vane mechanism, while the M133 AMG engine experiences bearing failure due to extreme operating temperatures and aggressive driving cycles. Both scenarios result in loss of boost pressure, reduced performance, and potential engine damage if driven hard with a failing turbo.

    What to check: Check for blue or black smoke staining around the exhaust tailpipe - indicates oil burning from turbo seal failure. Inspect the air intake pipes for oil contamination which suggests turbo seal failure. Look for oil leaks around the turbo unit visible from above (remove engine cover if necessary)....

  4. Timing chain issues

    Engine damage risk W176

    The M270 1.6-litre turbocharged engine uses a timing chain system prone to premature stretch and tensioner failure. The chain tensioner hydraulic mechanism fails to maintain adequate tension, causing timing chain rattle particularly noticeable on cold starts. If left untreated, the chain can jump teeth or snap, resulting in valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine damage. This issue primarily affects early production engines and has been partly addressed in later revisions with updated tensioner designs.

    What to check: Check service history for regular oil changes using correct MB specification - poor maintenance accelerates chain wear. Ask the owner about any timing chain rattle on startup or any previous chain-related repairs. Look for any obvious oil leaks from the timing cover area.

  5. Clutch wear

    Wear item W176

    The A45 AMG with M133 engine suffers from premature clutch wear due to the high torque output (up to 500Nm in later models) and aggressive dual-clutch calibration. The AMG 7-speed DCT transmission subjects the clutch packs to extreme thermal stress, particularly during launch control use and track driving. Clutch pack failure typically manifests as slipping under full acceleration and requires transmission-out repair. This issue is exacerbated by enthusiastic driving and is particularly common on cars with documented track use.

    What to check: Ask about driving style and any track use - aggressive driving accelerates clutch wear significantly. Check if the car has been modified or remapped as this increases clutch stress. Look for any transmission warning lights or error messages in the instrument cluster. Ask about any previous DCT re...

  6. DPF issues

    Wear item W176, W177

    Diesel Particulate Filter blockage is common on A-Class diesels used primarily for urban driving. The DPF requires regular high-temperature regeneration cycles that only occur during sustained motorway driving. Cars used exclusively for short journeys cannot complete regeneration cycles, leading to progressive DPF blockage. The 1.5 OM607 and 2.1 OM651 engines both use similar DPF technology that requires active management by the driver to prevent expensive filter replacement.

    What to check: Check the service history for evidence of primarily urban use - short journey patterns increase DPF blockage risk. Ask about any previous DPF warning lights or forced regeneration procedures. Look for any obvious black soot deposits around the exhaust tailpipe. Check the dashboard for any active ...

  7. DCT clutch judder

    Wear item W176

    The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in W176 A-Class models develops judder during low-speed manoeuvres as the clutch plates wear and hydraulic actuators lose precision. This manifests as vibration and jerky engagement when pulling away from standstill or during parking manoeuvres. Early cars were affected by a software calibration issue that Mercedes addressed with updates, but mechanical wear eventually causes the same symptoms. Some cases were resolved under warranty with software updates and fluid changes.

    What to check: Check service history for any DCT software updates or fluid changes - early warranty fixes may have been applied. Ask about juddering or jerky behaviour during low-speed driving or parking. Look for any transmission warning lights or error codes in the system.

  8. Engine mount failure

    Wear item W169

    The W169 A-Class uses hydraulic engine mounts that deteriorate with age, causing excessive vibration and engine movement. The upper engine mount is particularly prone to failure, allowing visible engine rock during acceleration and causing vibration through the cabin at idle. This issue affects comfort rather than mechanical reliability, but failed mounts can stress other components and should be replaced to prevent secondary damage to exhaust systems and ancillary components.

    What to check: Open the bonnet and visually inspect the upper engine mount for cracking, oil leakage, or obvious deterioration of the rubber. Ask about vibration through the steering wheel or seats at idle. Look for any obvious engine movement when someone revs the engine while you watch from the side.

  9. Suspension bush wear

    Wear item W176, W177

    MOT data shows A-Class models with 1.5-litre petrol engines fail suspension component tests at 2.5 times the national fleet average, with the issue worsening in recent years. The front suspension arm bushes and anti-roll bar links are particularly affected, likely due to the car's urban use profile and road surface conditions. This primarily affects handling precision and MOT compliance rather than safety, but worn bushes can cause uneven tyre wear and poor handling characteristics.

    What to check: Visually inspect the front suspension arms for obvious bush deterioration, cracking, or displacement. Look particularly at the lower arm front bushes which are most commonly affected. Check for any knocking or rattling sounds when rocking the car side to side while stationary. Examine tyre wear p...

A Class MOT results

25.2%

of A Class MOT tests end in a fail, from 437 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. No specific defect data available

Check the A Class you’re buying

One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.

What the check includes

A Class questions

Is the Mercedes A Class reliable?

25.2% of A Class models fail their MOT based on 437 tests analysed. That’s below average for the class. There are 9 known problems to watch for, the most serious being cvt gearbox failure. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.

What are the main problems with a Mercedes A Class?

The most serious known issues are cvt gearbox failure, brake pipe corrosion, turbo failure. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific A Class has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Mercedes A Class has outstanding finance?

Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.

How do I check if a Mercedes A Class has been written off?

Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N A Class has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.

Can I check a Mercedes A Class for free?

You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.

Is a Mercedes A Class HPI check worth it?

HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known A Class faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.

More on the A Class

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.