Used car guide · 2018–2024

Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 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 225,202 MOT tests.

2021best year: 90% pass first time, 3 points above all 2021 cars
2020weakest year: 84% pass first time, 3 points below all 2020 cars

Which Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

70%85%100%2018: 84% pass first time (all 2018 cars: 83%) 84% 2018*2019: 85% pass first time (all 2019 cars: 85%) 85% 20192020: 84% pass first time (all 2020 cars: 87%) 84% 20202021: 90% pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%) 90% 20212022: 91% pass first time (all 2022 cars: 89%) 91% 20222023: 95% pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%) 95% 2023
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
2018*84%83% +1Nothing unusual119,754
201985%85% +0Airbag warning light 14× usual25,714
202084%87% -3Nothing unusual252
202190%87% +3Nothing unusual60,031
202291%89% +2Anti-roll bar link joints 10.5× usual18,713
202395%92% +3Nothing unusual738

What usually goes wrong with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177?

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

  • 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.

    Check: 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

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?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots, and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.