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Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 (2004-2011) reliability

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 built around 2011: about average at the MOT

Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 models built around 2011 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

27% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 models built around 2011 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 models built around 2011 involves the brakes.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2004-2011HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 48,929 tests of A-Class models registered 2004-2011.

About 1 in 15 A-Class W169 MOTs (6.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2011 (14 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 7,211 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 A-Class W169 MOTs (5.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2011 (14 years old).

Based on 7,211 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

W169 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
3,07725.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7,21127.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
8,76828.7%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
8,48630.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
8,07030.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
6,07230.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,51131.1%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,94829.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
78633.3%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 21 years old.

How the A-Class W169 compares

At each age below, see how the A-Class W169 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 61,232 tests across 14 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
3,07725.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7,21127.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
8,76828.7%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
8,48630.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
8,07030.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
6,07230.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,51131.1%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,94829.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
78633.3%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the A-Class W169.

  1. 1

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    5.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 27.1% for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169, both built around 2011.

    2,401 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    37,931 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Renault Grand Modus

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    34%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,084 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Fiat 500

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    31.2%

    No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,859 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

93%of all Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

100 recalls in all

9 of the 100 A-Class W169 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 7 more

Top concerns

  • Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
  • Steering components may be insufficiently grounded
  • Update to improve emissions

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How A-Class W169 cars have aged

How A-Class W169 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%101214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (4,426 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (4,364 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (4,213 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (4,096 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (3,877 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (5,574 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (5,412 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (5,217 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (5,050 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (4,648 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (6,100 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (5,772 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (5,521 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (5,206 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (4,795 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (6,585 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (6,119 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (5,752 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (5,175 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (4,716 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (6,248 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (5,653 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (5,106 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (4,499 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (3,923 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (5,882 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (4,983 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (4,167 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (3,440 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (2,836 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (3,555 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (2,860 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (2,403 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (1,928 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (1,484 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.5% (2,491 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (1,858 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (1,464 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (1,103 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (786 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008
W169 variants compared

A-Class W169 variants built around 2011

The fail rate for each A-Class W169 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • A-CLASS26.2%4,642 tests

Diesel

  • A-CLASS28.8%2,405 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz A-Class models of this age

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz A-Class built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W169 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    24.9%
    Advisory: 2,551Fail: 286 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    17.4%
    Advisory: 1,719Fail: 99 (5% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    15.0%
    Advisory: 1,468Fail: 166 (10% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.3%
    Advisory: 1,131Fail: 21 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    9.1%
    Advisory: 598Fail: 180 (23% of the times it was found)

Based on 7,211 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W169 (2004-2011) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 7,211 14-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 48,929 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz A-Class models first registered between 2004-2011. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.