Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177 (2018-2025) reliability
Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177?
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Key figure
15% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 161,204 tests of A-Class models registered 2018-2025.
About 1 in 12 petrol A-Class cars registered in 2022 (8.7%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 3,554 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 40 A-Class W177/V177 MOTs (2.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 28,387 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 15 A-Class W177/V177 MOTs (6.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 28,387 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
W177/V177 fail rate by age
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 7 years old.
How the A-Class W177/V177 compares
At each age below, see how the A-Class W177/V177 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 182,274 tests across 17 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
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 pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 W177/V177.
- 1
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 15.5% for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177, both built around 2018.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Lexus CT
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.1%
- Dangerous
- 4.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.2%
Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 15.5% for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177, both built around 2018.
3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Toyota Prius
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 11.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94.4%
Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 15.5% for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177, both built around 2018.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
17,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 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.
Recall context
100 recalls in all49 of the 100 A-Class W177/V177 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 Critical
- 47 more
Top concerns
- A designed perforation in the dashboard may not match the current specification. The airbag could be damaged as it open
- Driver's airbag gas generator housing failure during deployment
- SRPC2601 - interior door handle release
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on A-Class W177/V177 cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,618 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol A-Class tests (not specific to W177/V177).
How A-Class W177/V177 cars have aged
How A-Class W177/V177 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as W177/V177 cars age
How each part holds up as W177/V177 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2% | 4% | 4% | 11% |
| Brakes | 6% | 11% | 12% | 14% |
| Emissions | 5% | 4% | 5% | 6% |
| Tyres | 12% | 22% | 28% | 37% |
| Lighting | 1% | 10% | 10% | 8% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | 1% | No figure | No figure |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 477 to 2,289 cars at each age.
W177/V177 variants compared
A-Class W177/V177 variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each A-Class W177/V177 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- A-CLASS14.6%14,075 tests
Diesel
- A-CLASS16.3%14,049 tests
Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz A-Class models of this age
This list covers every Mercedes-Benz A-Class built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W177/V177 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 121.1%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 213.1%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 310.7%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 48.2%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 55.0%Advisory
Brake disc worn, but not excessively
Based on 48,174 tests
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177/V177 (2018-2025) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 28,387 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.