Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W168) Problems by Year
The original high-roof Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W168) was a clever and space-efficient attempt to reinvent the small car, famous for its 'sandwich floor' safety design. Positioned as an entry-level premium hatchback, it introduced Mercedes ownership to a broader UK audience but suffered early reputational damage from the infamous 'elk test' rollovers. In the UK today, its incredibly cheap purchase price is offset by potentially ruinous repair bills due to its densely packed engine bay. Age now means that severe rust, snapped springs, and semi-automatic gearbox issues matter far more than the novelty factor, making it suitable only for brave bargain hunters or DIY mechanics.
Select a year below to see the specific problems affecting that model year, with estimated repair costs and severity ratings.
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Browse Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W168) in our Directory
View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for the Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W168).
View Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W168) DirectoryBuying Tips for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W168)
- ✓Inspect the semi-automatic gearbox (if fitted) closely; jerky shifts or 'F' displayed on the dash usually means an expensive ECU failure.
- ✓Check the rear trailing arm bearings for excessive play; clunking over bumps means they are worn, and replacement requires a specialized press tool.
- ✓Look carefully for rust around the wheel arches, door bottoms, and sills, as early Mercedes rustproofing was notoriously poor.
- ✓Test the power steering, as the electric pump is prone to failure and incredibly difficult to access due to the sandwich floor design.
- ✓Ensure the massive louvred fabric sunroof (if optioned) opens and closes smoothly without leaking, as replacement parts are almost impossible to find.
- ✓Listen for snapped coil springs, a very common issue on UK roads; check the ride height to ensure the car sits level on all four corners.