2015 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 1.5L Diesel · L21 XBY

Degradation of the braking system and front suspension linkages defines the recent mechanical history of this vehicle. While it achieved a pass on 20 March 2026, this followed a failure on the same day due to major defects with the nearside and offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers. A recurring pattern of advisories for worn, pitted, and scored brake discs on both the front and rear axles indicates a long-term decline in the condition of the braking surfaces that has persisted across multiple testing cycles. The recorded mileage of 144,373 miles is high for an eleven-year-old vehicle, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 13,125 miles. This usage profile indicates significant wear on all primary consumables, suspension bushings, and drivetrain components. Such high mileage increases the likelihood of fatigue in rubber components and structural wear on the chassis compared to vehicles with lower annual usage. Attention should be directed toward the braking system and wheel alignment. The repeated flagging of pitted and scored discs, combined with multiple advisories for tyres worn on the edges, suggests a requirement for a comprehensive brake overhaul and a professional alignment check. During a test drive, feel for any pedal judder or steering wheel vibration under braking, which would be consistent with the recorded disc surface deterioration. The recent failure of the anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers, following a previous minor defect for the same component in 2025, highlights a specific vulnerability in the front suspension. Listen for knocking or clicking sounds when driving over speed bumps or during low-speed manoeuvring. Additionally, the 2025 advisory regarding a worn engine auxiliary belt should be investigated by listening for high-pitched squealing or chirping from the engine bay during startup or under load.