Part of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 (2018–2024) guide: best and worst years compared.
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class first registered in 2021: we looked at the 60,031 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Brakes8% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension2% 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.
Known faults on the 2021 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.
- All engines
Many recalls (22 so far)
This A-Class has had 22 recalls, including faulty crankshafts that needed a new engine, leaking turbos, suspension uprights, loose rear axle bolts, the emergency braking system and the panoramic roof.
At the viewing: Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN, and get proof every recall has been done.
Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes A-Class (Mk4, 2018 on) review
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Mercedes dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 738 | Tyres 13% |
| 2022 | 18,713 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 252 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 25,714 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 119,754 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 120,922 | Tyres 34% |
| 2016 | 113,202 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 79,796 | Tyres 34% |
| 2014 | 68,784 | Tyres 34% |
| 2013 | 43,599 | Tyres 33% |
| 2012 | 15,427 | Brakes 32% |
| 2011 | 16,093 | Brakes 37% |
| 2010 | 18,296 | Brakes 41% |
| 2009 | 20,571 | Brakes 47% |
| 2008 | 19,943 | Brakes 47% |
| 2007 | 17,982 | Brakes 45% |
| 2006 | 13,121 | Brakes 47% |
| 2005 | 8,721 | Brakes 41% |
| 2004 | 3,765 | Brakes 52% |
| 2003 | 3,911 | Brakes 53% |
| 2002 | 2,845 | Brakes 51% |
| 2001 | 1,837 | Brakes 49% |
| 2000 | 729 | Suspension 51% |
| 1999 | 496 | Suspension 53% |
| 1998 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score