Used car guide · 2005–2012

Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 did at the MOTs done during 2023–2025, compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 130,154 MOT tests.

2011best year: 67% pass first time, 5 points above all 2011 cars
2005weakest year: 58% pass first time, 1 points above all 2005 cars
Rigid brake pipesthe weak spot that shows up in 6 different years

Which Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

40%70%100%2005: 58% pass first time (all 2005 cars: 57%) 58% 20052006: 58% pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%) 58% 20062007: 58% pass first time (all 2007 cars: 57%) 58% 20072008: 59% pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%) 59% 20082009: 61% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%) 61% 20092010: 64% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 60%) 64% 20102011: 67% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 62%) 67% 20112012: 68% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 64%) 68% 2012*
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
200558%57% +1Drive shaft (CV) joints 2.5× usual8,721
200658%56% +2Rigid brake pipes 1.8× usual13,121
200758%57% +1Rigid brake pipes 2.2× usual17,982
200859%57% +2Rigid brake pipes 3× usual19,943
200961%59% +2Rigid brake pipes 3.9× usual20,571
201064%60% +4Rigid brake pipes 3.8× usual18,296
201167%62% +5Rigid brake pipes 3.7× usual16,093
2012*68%64% +4Rigid brake pipes 3× usual15,427

Common Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 MOT failures, year after year

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Rigid brake pipesup to 3.9× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006.

    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.

  • Flexible brake hosesup to 2.6× usual

    Stands out in 5 years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005.

    Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

  • Drive shaft (CV) jointsup to 2.5× usual

    Stands out in 5 years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Washersup to 2.4× usual

    Stands out in 5 years: 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

  • Corroded fuel pipesup to 7× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2011, 2006, 2005.

    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.

  • Side repeatersup to 5.3× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2011, 2010, 2009.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

What usually goes wrong with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169?

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • Poor reliability: suspension and electrical faults

    Faults were incredibly common, especially suspension and electrical ones, and the average repair bill was over £500.

    Check: Get a pre-purchase inspection, listen for suspension knocks and test every electrical item.

    Source: What Car?: used Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2005-2012) reliability

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

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