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

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz A-Class

  34.6% All 2001 cars

  17.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz A-Class

  17.3% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Steering rack inner joints3.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz A-Class

  12.6% 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.

• Sub-frame3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz A-Class

  12.2% All 2001 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, 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 diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  55% 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
  53% 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.

• Tyres
  43% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Steering
  17% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

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

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 2× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?