Home / Common Problems / Mercedes Benz A Class

Mercedes Benz A Class Problems & Known Issues

The most common Mercedes Benz A Class problems ranked by severity — what to watch for, what it costs to fix, and what happens if you ignore it.

Generations

W168 — First Generation
1997–2004
1.4 A140, 1.6 A160, 1.7 A170, 1.7 CDI
W169 — Second Generation
2004–2012
1.5 A150, 1.6 A160, 2.0 A200, 2.0 CDI
W176 — Third Generation
2012–2018
1.5 A150, 1.6 A160, 2.0 A200/A250, 1.8 CDI, 2.1 CDI

Top issues to watch for

The most serious Mercedes Benz A Class problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.

Dangerous
Brake flexible hose deterioration
W168, W169, W1761997–201820k–150k miles
A-Class models show severe brake hose deterioration at 153.5 times the fleet average failure rate, with over 33,000 MOT failures recorded across all variants. The flexible brake hoses connecting the rigid brake lines to the calipers suffer from internal delamination and external cracking, particularly where they flex during steering lock. This is a critical safety issue as hose failure results in complete brake circuit loss on the affected corner.
What happens if ignoredComplete brake hose failure results in total loss of braking on that wheel corner, creating dangerous braking imbalance and extended stopping distances. The car should not be driven if hose deterioration is suspected. Professional brake hose replacement on all four corners is typically required as they age together.
Independent garage
£150–£300
Specialist
£200–£350
Main dealer
£280–£450
Parts only
£80–£150
Major
DPF blockage and regeneration failure
W169, W1762004–201815k–150k miles
Mercedes diesel particulate filters on A-Class CDI models block frequently due to short urban journeys preventing proper regeneration cycles. The This affects all diesel variants but is particularly severe on the 1.7 CDI engine in the W169 generation. Blocked DPF triggers limp mode and eventually requires expensive replacement or professional cleaning.
What happens if ignoredA completely blocked DPF puts the car into limp mode with severely restricted performance. Professional DPF cleaning costs £200-400 but may not restore full function on heavily contaminated filters. Complete DPF replacement costs £1,200-2,000 plus fitting. The car remains driveable in limp mode for essential journeys only.
Independent garage
£200–£400
Specialist
£300–£500
Main dealer
£400–£700
Parts only
£800–£1,800
Major
Steering column bearing wear
W168, W1691997–201240k–120k miles
The steering column top bearing on W168 and W169 A-Class models develops excessive radial movement at 57.9 times the fleet average. This bearing supports the steering wheel end of the column and when worn creates dangerous free play in the steering. The problem is particularly pronounced on early W168 models where the bearing design was subsequently improved. Excessive play makes precise steering control difficult and creates an MOT failure.
What happens if ignoredSevere bearing wear creates dangerous steering instability and will result in MOT failure. The steering column assembly typically requires replacement as the bearing is not separately serviceable. Complete loss of steering control is possible if the bearing collapses entirely. The car should not be driven if significant play is detected.
Independent garage
£300–£500
Specialist
£400–£650
Main dealer
£600–£900
Parts only
£200–£400
Major
Front shock absorber failure
W168, W169, W1761997–201840k–150k miles
A-Class models experience shock absorber failure at 50.2 times the fleet average, with the problem worsening over time according to MOT data. The front shock absorbers lose damping effectiveness due to internal seal failure, causing oil leakage and complete loss of damping control. This affects ride quality severely and creates dangerous handling characteristics, particularly during braking and cornering where the car becomes unpredictable.
What happens if ignoredFailed shock absorbers create dangerous handling characteristics, particularly poor braking stability and unpredictable cornering behaviour. The car remains roadworthy for essential journeys but should not be driven enthusiastically. Shock absorbers are typically replaced in pairs to maintain handling balance.
Independent garage
£200–£400
Specialist
£300–£500
Main dealer
£450–£700
Parts only
£120–£280

1 more known issues tracked

Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.

Check a specific car →

Buying a Mercedes Benz A Class?

Check a specific car's service history to see if it's been looked after — franchised dealer records with dates, mileage, and work done.

Check service history

£6.99 · Full refund if no records found

Related

Mercedes Benz A Class reliability FAQs

What are the most common problems with the Mercedes Benz A Class?

The Mercedes Benz A Class has 5 known issues across 2 severity levels. The most serious are: Brake flexible hose deterioration.

Is the Mercedes Benz A Class reliable?

The Mercedes Benz A Class has 1 dangerous and 4 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.

How much does it cost to fix Mercedes Benz A Class problems?

Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Brake flexible hose deterioration) costs £150–£300 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.

Which Mercedes Benz A Class generation is most reliable?

The W168 (1997–2004) has the fewest dangerous issues (1). However, condition and service history matter more than generation — a well-maintained earlier car can be more reliable than a neglected newer one.