Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the entry-level Mercedes model. Regardless, this car still comes with sophisticated and luxurious features found in most high-end Mercedes models. But what are some of the common issues that Mercedes A-Class faces?
Mercedes A-Class comes with various features that interested buyers should know about. Some of these problems include engine misfire, oil leaks, first gear slipping, clunking noise when you turn right, failure to start, loss of power, and much more.
The good news is that most of these problems can be fixed easily and quickly. To prevent most of them from happening, you should observe scheduled maintenance services. On top of that, you should find out which Mercedes A-Class model years are prone to issues and which ones are more reliable.
Common issues with Mercedes A-Class
Oil leaks
This problem is common in almost all Mercedes models. If your Mercedes A-Class sits in one place for long, you will notice oil buildup. This is typical because of an O-ring that wasn’t installed properly or one that has cracked.
Engine misfire
Another common problem that Mercedes A-Class drivers experience is engine misfiring. The main cause of engine misfire is a failure with the coil pack. Sometimes, the engine management warning light might turn on as well. All you have to do is to replace the coil pack and the issue will be resolved.
First gear slipping
Despite an A-Class being a less sophisticated car than the E-Class or S-Class, it has a problem with first gear slipping. The first gear may occasionally slip into the second gear. This is normally caused by a damaged axle drum. Ensure to check which axle drum is damaged and replace it with a good one.
Clunking noise when you turn right
This problem is common in Mercedes A-Class models built before 2015. Most of the models with this issue produce a clunking sound when the driver turns right. Nonetheless, it is a sign that one of the bearings in the steering rack is damaged.
Loss of power
Most Mercedes A-Class models made in the year 2015 have this issue. You may be cruising down the highway, only for the car to lose power. This problem is usually connected to the camshaft fault, which is fragile in this particular model year.
Failure to start
Apart from losing power, some Mercedes A-Class models have a starting problem. The car will turn over but it will fail to start. This issue is linked to a faulty starter motor.
The defective engine control unit
This is one of the major Mercedes A-Class problems. It caused a recall and you will have to replace the ECU for it to go away. Typically, the ECU doesn’t turn on, or it turns on and then switches off.
Sticking boot catch
Another major problem that can be found in the Mercedes A-Class is boot catch sticking. The issue is typically caused by hitches with the boot lock. And the solution is very simple – replace the boot lock.
DPF Warning light
If you drive your Mercedes A-Class for short distances, then you may see the DPF Warning Light turning on often. This is a sign that the DPF is clogged and not performing optimally. To resolve this problem, you will have to clean the DPF or drive your car over a long distance to burn off the unwanted particles.
FAQ
What are the common problems with a used Mercedes A-Class?
Even though the problems that we’ve looked at above are common on all Mercedes A-Class, some problems are only common on used Mercedes A-Class. So, before you purchase a used Mercedes A-Class, it is important to know the problems that you will likely face.
Common problems on a used Mercedes A-Class include oil leak, failure to deploy front passenger airbag, loss of power or drive, dual-clutch gearbox failure, camshaft failure, the danger of fire, and brake booster failure. Note that most of these problems are common on used Mercedes A-Class built between 2013 and 2016.
Is Mercedes A-Class expensive to maintain?
As usual, Mercedes-Benz is among the most expensive cars to maintain. However, since the Mercedes A-Class comes with slightly cheaper parts than the E-Class or S-Class, it’s slightly cheaper to maintain. But when compared to mainstream cars like Toyota, this model is still expensive to maintain.
Are Mercedes A-Class reliable cars?
When it comes to reliability, Mercedes as a brand is among the least reliable cars on the market. However, some models perform exceptionally well in terms of reliability than others. Even though the title for the most reliable Mercedes model goes to the E-Class, the A-Class is not far off. This car is more reliable than the C-Class and CLS-Class.
How many miles does Mercedes A-Class last?
There is no specific answer for how many miles a Mercedes A-Class can cover. This is because several things play a part in the longevity of the vehicle. Even though Mercedes is not the most reliable Mercedes, some models can do over 200,000 miles with fewer issues, while others develop problems as early as 50,000 miles.
Other factors that will determine how long your Mercedes A-Class lasts are driving habits, maintenance, and model year. Note that some Mercedes A-Class model years have more problems than others. For instance, Mercedes A-Class manufactured between 2013 and 2016 have more problems than those made in 2017.
What are some of the common problems with Mercedes-Benz cars?
After looking at some of the common problems that face Mercedes A-Class models, it’s also important to find out what the common Mercedes problems are. These include rust, worn-out catalytic convertor, air suspension failure, low brake pressure, oil leaks, and engine misfires.
Summary
If you’re planning to buy a new or used Mercedes A-Class, it’s a fantastic idea to know what to expect from the car by identifying some of the common problems that you will face along the way. This luxurious car has several common issues such as oil leaks, first gear slipping, failure to start, engine misfire, and much more.
It is important to identify these issues in time so that they don’t end up causing major problems for you. What’s more, it is vital to identify which Mercedes A-Class model years have what problems before buying one. With this information, you can relax knowing what lies ahead and how to handle it.
