Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 (2018–2025): what fails at MOT
Across 112,101 MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 (2018–2025) in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 12.6% failed — about 1 in 8. The parts that fail most are tyres (5.7% of tests), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (2.0%), brakes (1.9%), seat belts and airbags (1.9%) and lights and electrics (1.6%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the A-Class W177 has 7% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. The best Mercedes-Benz A-Class generation on MOT results is the A-Class W176 (2012–2018).
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
A-Class W177 (2018–2025)
MOT: 12.6% of 112,101 initial tests failed — 7% fewer failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyres | 5.7% |
| 2 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 2.0% |
| 3 | brakes | 1.9% |
| 4 | seat belts and airbags | 1.9% |
| 5 | lights and electrics | 1.6% |
Questions
What fails most on a Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is tyres: 5.7% of Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 (2018–2025) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on tyres. Next come wipers, windscreen and mirrors (2.0%) and brakes (1.9%).
How often does a Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 fail its MOT?
12.6% of Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 (2018–2025) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 8), counting initial tests only, across 112,101 tests.
Is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 (2018–2025) reliable?
On MOT results, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 has 7% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.