Summary
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a medium-sized hatchback and saloon model. The current generation was launched in the middle of 2018 and has quickly become one of the best-selling cars in the UK.
A saloon version joined the range in the middle of 2019, which was not offered in previous generations. There is also a pair of hot-hatch performance models available – the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and the even-faster Mercedes-AMG A 45.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has received generally good scores from most UK media sources, with most rating the entry-level models slightly higher and performance-oriented titles slightly lower. Scores for the hatchback and saloon models are very similar, which is not surprising.
A facelifted A-Class range arrived in the UK in late 2022. It consists of minor visual and trim updates, as well as improvements to the car’s infotainment system.
As of December 2024, the A-Class has a very good New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 78%. It scores top marks for its low CO2 emissions (helped by the plug-in hybrid version), while running costs, safety rating and media review scores are also good. Reliability is better than average, but of significant concern to potential buyers will be the staggering number of recalls that this generation of A-Class has had.
A-Class highlights
- Superb interior trim
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Great build quality and refinement
- Plenty of space in the front
- Wide range of variants to choose from
A-Class lowlights
- Rather rigid ride quality
- Rivals have more powerful engines
- Cramped in the rear
- Alternatives have more boot space
- Concerning number of vehicle recalls
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch and four-door saloon
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £30,720 on-road
Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Winter 2022/23
Next update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
“For the image-conscious and tech-focused buyer, there may not be a better car on sale today.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a premium hatch that is full of quality, with great on-board technology and a range of frugal engines.”
Author: Ellis Hyde, Dean Gibson
Read review
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The A 200 is the one to go for in the revised Mercedes-Benz A-Class range, with claimed emissions and economy that match the entry-level A 180’s, but also a much-needed boost in performance.” (Dean Gibson)
Read review
Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid A 250 e AMG Line Premium
Score: 8 / 10
“The numbers alone make the A 250 e hugely appealing as a company car, while the fuel savings and fantastic interior will be just as tempting for private buyers. We hope that the quality issues our test car suffered were an isolated thing, but we would prefer a slightly more forgiving ride. Even so, this PHEV remains one of the highlights of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class range.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“Thanks to its beautiful interior and conventional three-box body, the A-Class Saloon feels like a proper mini Mercedes.”
Read review
Model reviewed: A 180 SE
Score: 8 / 10
“Quality is excellent; the doors shut with that characteristic Mercedes thud, and the dash is covered in squashy plastics.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 9 / 10
“Mercedes’ posh Golf alternative gets an update, the already impressive onboard tech in the A-Class is now even better than before.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes A-Class has become one of the most desirable small family cars in Britain. And with sharp looks and a beautiful interior, this latest version is giving rivals like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 plenty to think about.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 250e
Score: 8 / 10
“The current Mercedes-Benz A-Class was always a good car, but these changes certainly freshen
it up. It’s also disappointing that you can’t have the A250e as a hatch anymore and it’s more expensive than rivals.” (Martyn Collins)
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic A 250e AMG Line Premium
Score: 9 / 10
“With 218hp in total, and the electric motor’s readily available torque, the A 250e accelerates very strongly when required, making for safe overtaking. The A-Class probably has the edge over its premium rivals in cabin design at the moment, too.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid automatic A250e AMG Line hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s usuable electric range with the A250e, so much so that most people really could commute entirely on electric power alone and charge up while the car is at home overnight or at the office during the day.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“As a first step onto a manufacturer’s ladder of cars, the new Mercedes-Benz A-class is a pretty darn good one. Mercedes has addressed many concerns surrounding the – hugely popular – previous generation model and bequeathed the 2018 car with an onslaught of clever tech and high-end interior design, not to mention improved driving manners.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“You might think you don’t need a premium compact saloon. But drive the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and you could well find yourself coming up with reasons why that’s exactly what you need. It’s very good.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 250 e plug-in hybrid 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“When it comes to a plug-in hybrid with the ability to give you low running costs, there are few better options than the Mercedes A 250 e.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual A 180d hatchback
Score: 9 / 10
“The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has set a benchmark for the next generation of premium hatchbacks, and one that may prove tough to crack for impending competitors. The latest tech fitted to it is seriously impressive, especially when you consider that you can’t even get some of it on cars twice the price.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Hi-tech, well built, stylish and as comfortable and luxurious as it should be: the Mercedes A-Class is a great premium hatchback.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review
Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes A-Class saloon is full of the latest technology, but with a more conservative and slippery shape than the hatchback”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Saloon range
“The Mercedes A-Class Saloon offers more space than the CLA and a brilliant infotainment system, but its price is a bit steep.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes A-Class is one of the most upmarket, high-tech small cars on sale, but some more old-fashioned alternatives are more affordable and better to drive.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid A250e AMG Line
“Undeniable leadership in terms of PHEV benefit-in-kind, and the A-Class’s other strengths of looks and cabin design and quality are present. The powertrain isn’t always the slickest though, and the small boot will be an issue for some.”
Read review
Model reviewed: A220 4Matic saloon AMG Line
“Niche addition that has almost the same whole-life cost as the hatch and which is marginally more efficient. It’s also less practical, however.”
Read review
Model reviewed: A220d AMG Line
“Punchy engine that offers decent performance and efficiency as well as lower company car tax than any rival.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol automatic A200 AMG Line
Score: 8.1 / 10
“Strengths of residuals, efficiency, cabin design, quality and front-end styling all position the Mercedes-Benz A-Class very nicely in the premium lower medium sector.”
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Daily Mail
“There’s so much that is just right that this car could have been designed and engineered by Goldilocks.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Now in its fourth generation, the Mercedes-Benz A-class is unrecognisable from the car that kicked things off two decades ago.”
Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed:
“Better mostly because it’s more comfortable, but it takes a P11d in excess of £30,000 to make the A-Class feel premium. Rivals do this better for less.”
Read review
Model reviewed:
“A new chapter in the fleet market has been written with the A-Class, because it signals that Mercedes-Benz is now a major, major player.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Mercedes A-Class Saloon brings some sophistication to the A-Class line-up. It’s a good-looking car that will turn heads more than its more common hatchback relations and it’s a rival to cars like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A3 Saloon.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 9 / 10
“The A-Class has come a long way since the early days. First introduced in 1997 as an upright scaled-down MPV-type model that was roomy, if a little unusual, it would gradually morph over the years into a more conventional prestige hatchback that would form the entry-point into the Mercedes-Benz club.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s sophisticated and civilised on the road, it’s packed with technology, and the interior has proper wow-factor.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Saloon range
“Same engine line up as latest A-Class hatchback. Handsome small saloon.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The perfect premium saloon for those who feel a C-Class is too big”
Read review
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Impressive optional in-car tech, but prioritises style over substance”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Almost faultless inside and out – the Mercedes A-Class finally earns an A grade.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Score: 8 / 10
“A very decent car, but it’s the design and tech that set it apart.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid A 250e
Score: 4 / 10
“Expensive as a plug-in system is, this PHEV A-class makes a pretty good fist of saving fuel (as long as you plug it in) and feeling great to drive. What a shame the lack of traction and non-linear braking mar the whole experience.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 6 / 10
“Connectivity and interior layout takes priority over how it drives. For some, that’ll be perfect”
Read review
Model reviewed: 250 AMG Line
Score: 6 / 10
“Handsome thing it is too, resplendent here in AMG Line trim. Good proportions, a nice stance, not too big and unwieldy, compact. A good size.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic A 220d AMG Line
Score: 6 / 10
“It runs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, developing meaty numbers.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 91%
Vulnerable road users: 92%
Safety assist: 75%
More safety recognition
- Euro NCAP rated the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class as Best Small Family Car in 2018
- Thatcham Research rated the Mercedes-Benz A-Class as one of the ten safest new cars for 2019
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: A 200 AMG Line petrol
Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: February 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.2 / 10
Model tested: 1.5-litre diesel automatic A 180d
Overall score: 2.5 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.2 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3 / 10
Green NCAP has tested two versions of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class to date – one petrol and one diesel. The petrol scored a creditable three stars, which is one of the best results seen for a fossil-fuel car, while the diesel was not far behind on two-and-a-half stars.
These scores only apply to the specific engines and gearboxes shown above. You can’t draw any conclusions about other models in the range.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 46 mpg | C | 39 – 49 mpg | C – D |
| Diesel models | 55 mpg | B | 44 – 63 mpg | A – C |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 341 mpg | A | 217 – 404 mpg | A – A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 139 g/km | B | 132 – 165 g/km | A – C |
| Diesel models | 134 g/km | A | 117 – 146 g/km | A – B |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 19 g/km | A | 17 – 29 g/km | A – A |
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 50 miles | D | 40 – 53 miles | C – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 23 | B | 13 – 33 | A – C |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £250 | B |
| Year 2 | £619 | B |
| Year 3 | £1,128 | C |
| Year 4 | £1,305 | C |
| Year 5 | £1,749 | C |
| Overall | £5,051 | C |
Running costs for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are reasonable for the price of the vehicle, but more expensive than similarly-sized cars from other brands. This is based on data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption for petrol models is average, although diesels are better. The plug-in hybrid looks good on paper, but this is deceptive – every plug-in hybrid looks great in theory, but this is because of rubbish EU/UK government lab testing. You certainly won’t get 316 miles of driving from one gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and a bit of electricity…
The battery range of the plug-in hybrid is surprisingly good, at 50 miles according to the official tests. That’s better than most plug-in hybrids, but you’ll still need to charge it almost daily to get best use out of the electric motor and battery. By comparison, an equivalent mid-size full EV would get more than 200 miles out of its battery so most households would only need to charge it once a week.
Scheduled servicing costs are quite good for the first five years, so you shouldn’t have to fork out too much for your annual service.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 240
Average repair cost: £554.13
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has a better-than-average reliability score, according to warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. This score and data cover both the current A-Class and previous (pre-2018) models.
The average repair cost of more than £550 is rather average for a mid-sized car but considerably more than the cost of a used car warranty, which is worth bearing in mind.
The most commonly reported faults to date have been with the car’s braking and electrical systems, which have been relatively cheap to fix at less than £300. However, there have been a reasonable number of claims for engine and gearbox faults, which have an average repair bill of around £1,000 and £2,000 respectively.
What is more concerning, if you own an A-Class or are thinking about buying a used one, is that there have been (as of October 2024) an astonishing 44 separate recalls issued by the DVSA in the UK for the current-generation A-Class. See below for all the details.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Date: May 2024
Recall number: R/2024/166
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2018 to 02/2024
Number of vehicles affected: 182,895
Defect: The backup function of the steering software might not meet specifications. As a result the steering power support might be impaired and a loss of steerability cannot be ruled out.
Remedy: Update the software of the electric steering on the affected vehicles.
Date: July 2023
Recall number: R/2023/190
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2022 to 06/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 84
Defect: The equipped tyres might not meet the load requirements.
Remedy: Check and change the tyres if necessary.
Date: July 2023
Recall number: R/2023/185
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2019 to 07/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 4,148
Defect: The corrosion protection of the integral carrier of the front axle might not be sustained over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Remedy: Replace the front axle carrier.
Date: March 2022
Recall number: R/2022/062
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2019 to 11/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 17
Defect: The bolting on the brake caliper housing might not meet torque specifications.
Remedy: Check and, if necessary, rework the bolting of the brake caliper housings on the affected vehicles.
Date: March 2022
Recall number: R/2022/061
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2018 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 26
Defect: A particle in the fuel rail might lead to a leak between the fuel rail and the fuel injector.
Remedy: Replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors on the affected vehicles.
Date: January 2022
Recall number: R/2021/444
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2020 to 07/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 113
Defect: The power supply connection of the electric power steering might have been contaminated with melted adhesive.
Remedy: Check the connection on the affected vehicles and perform repair measures if necessary.
Date: January 2022
Recall number: R/2021/437
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2020 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 2,829
Defect: On certain vehicles with an additional door lock the locking pawl spring of the left side door locks might not be greased according to specifications.
Remedy: Conduct greasing of the locking pawl spring on the affected vehicles.
Date: January 2022
Recall number: R/2021/401
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 2
Defect: The corrosion protection of the high-voltage battery housing might not be ensured over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Remedy: Check the high-voltage battery of the affected vehicles and if necessary carry out rework measures.
Date: November 2021
Recall number: R/2021/376
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2016 to 01/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 50,390
Defect: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Date: July 2021
Recall number: R/2021/246
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2019 to 05/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 19
Defect: The bolting of a side crash sensor may not meet specifications.
Remedy: Check the bolting of the side crash sensor on the affected vehicles and rework it if necessary.
Date: May 2021
Recall number: R/2021/134
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2016 to 01/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 663,406
Defect: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
Date: April 2021
Recall number: R/2021/084
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2019 to 08/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 7
Defect: The variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications.
Remedy: Replace the spark plugs on the affected vehicles.
Date: March 2021
Recall number: R/2021/083
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2017 to 03/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 36
Defect: The software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications.
Remedy: Carry out an update to the software of the communication module on affected vehicles.
Date: March 2021
Recall number: R/2021/082
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2016 to 07/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 24
Defect: The communication module may be deactivated.
Remedy: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and, if necessary, activate the communication module.
Date: February 2021
Recall number: R/2021/030
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2020 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 543
Defect: The ISOFIX bracket might be missing on the right rear seat.
Remedy: Check the ISOFIX bracket on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
Date: December 2020
Recall number: R/2020/339
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 02/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 543
Defect: The oil level in the dual clutch transmission might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Check the dual clutch transmission on the affected vehicles and correct the oil level.
Date: December 2020
Recall number: R/2020/336
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 02/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 129
Defect: The oil level in the dual clutch transmission might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Check the dual clutch transmission on the affected vehicles and correct the oil level or replace the dual clutch transmission if necessary.
Date: December 2020
Recall number: R/2020/332
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2019 to 06/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 70
Defect: The screw connection of the control unit box might not meet the specification.
Remedy: Check the screw connection on the affected vehicles and correct it if necessary.
Date: October 2020
Recall number: R/2020/277
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2019 to 01/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 37
Defect: An electrical contacting inside the engine control unit might not meet the specification.
Remedy: Replace the engine control unit on the affected vehicles.
Date: October 2020
Recall number: R/2020/262
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2019 to 06/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1,074
Defect: The oil supply line of the turbocharger might leak.
Remedy: Check the oil supply line of the turbocharger on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
Date: October 2020
Recall number: R/2020/237
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2019 to 11/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 30
Defect: The air conditioning system might erroneously be filled with the incorrect refrigerant.
Remedy: Replace the refrigerant in the air conditioning system on the affected vehicles.
Date: September 2020
Recall number: R/2020/221
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2018 to 02/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 20,536
Defect: Condensation water from the air conditioning might enter the passenger compartment.
Remedy: Check the installation of the air conditioning drain hose and correct it if necessary.
Date: September 2020
Recall number: R/2020/198
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 11
Defect: The bolts on the rear axle might not be tightened correctly.
Remedy: Check the tightening of the bolts on the rear axle on the affected vehicles and correct it if necessary.
Date: July 2020
Recall number: R/2020/134
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 134
Defect: The mounting of an argon gas line to generator of the inerter system might not meet specifications.
Remedy: Check the mounting of the gas line to the gas generator on the affected vehicles and rework it if necessary.
Date: January 2020
Recall number: R/2019/408
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: The glass panel of the sliding roof might not have been bonded properly.
Remedy: Replace the glass panel of the panoramic roof on the affected vehicles.
Date: January 2020
Recall number: R/2019/371
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2018 to 11/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 380
Defect: A weld seam on the height adjustment of the left front seat might be insufficiently welded.
Remedy: Replace the tilt adjuster of the left front seat on the affected vehicles.
Date: December 2019
Recall number: R/2019/340
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2018 to 07/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 605
Defect: Front seat belt may not be mounted correctly.
Remedy: Check the bolt connection on the front seat belt end fitting and repair if necessary.
Date: November 2019
Recall number: R/2019/337
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2018 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 2,345
Defect: Certain driver airbag modules might not be bolted onto the base plate.
Remedy: Check the driver airbag on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
Date: October 2019
Recall number: R/2019/282
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 246
Defect: The rear right wheel carrier might have been manufactured outside specification.
Remedy: Check the rear right wheel carrier on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
Date: September 2019
Recall number: R/2019/293
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2018 to 07/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 326
Defect: The protective tinplate underneath the spare wheel recess might tear.
Remedy: Replace the protectuve tinplate on the affected vehicles.
Date: September 2019
Recall number: R/2019/269
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2017 to 07/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 294
Defect: The software of the radar control unit might not meet the specification.
Remedy: Update the software of the radar sensor control unit on the affected vehicles.
Date: September 2019
Recall number: R/2019/253
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2019 to 03/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 35
Defect: The durability of the crankshaft might be impaired.
Remedy: Replace the engine on affected vehicles.
Date: July 2019
Recall number: R/2019/217
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2018 to 02/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 1,209
Defect: Under certain circumstances it might not be possible to shift into Drive or Reverse mode.
Remedy: Update the transmission control unit software of the affected vehicles.
Date: April 2019
Recall number: R/2019/108
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2016 to 08/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 69
Defect: The ECO Start-Stop function may be disabled and cause the vehicle to stall.
Remedy: The affected vehicles are to be recalled and the software updated.
Date: April 2019
Recall number: R/2019/105
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2018 to 02/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 957
Defect: The driver might temporarily not be able to deactivate the high beam with the high beam lever.
Remedy: The software is to be updated on affected vehicles.
Date: April 2019
Recall number: R/2019/097
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2018 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 3
Defect: One or more of the four locknuts securing the drivers airbag might be insufficiently tightened.
Remedy: Replace the driver airbag of affected vehicles.
Date: March 2019
Recall number: R/2019/093
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2018 to 11/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 2,476
Defect: Shock absorbers that are too long may have been installed. As a result the brake hoses may be under too much tension.
Remedy: The rear axle shock absorbers and rear axle brake hoses are to be checked and replaced if necessary.
Date: March 2019
Recall number: R/2019/076
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2018 to 06/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 41
Defect: The flat conductor of the starter wiring harness might not have been routed according to specifications.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the flat conductor will be checked and replaced if necessary.
Date: February 2019
Recall number: R/2019/021
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2018 to 08/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 2
Defect: On the front passenger airbag deployment the airbag could be damaged as it opens.
Remedy: The affected vehicles are to be recalled and the dashboard replaced.
Date: January 2019
Recall number: R/2019/003
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2018 to 08/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 7
Defect: The locks of the right and/or left seat backrest may not be able to lock.
Remedy: The seat backrest locks will be checked and replaced if necessary.
Date: October 2018
Recall number: R/2018/250
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2017 to 08/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 449
Defect: Multi beam LED Headlamp control units may not correspond with the specifications.
Remedy: Recode the control units of the headlamps and LED matrix on the left & right.
Date: August 2018
Recall number: R/2018/168
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2018 to 03/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 421
Defect: Driver’s airbags with potentially faulty gas generator housing material may have been installed. If the material of the gas generator housing fails during airbag deployment in the event of a crash the airbag system would possibly no longer have a restraint effect. In addition separating parts could enter the passenger compartment. This could lead to an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: On affected vehicles, replace the driver’s airbag.
Date: August 2018
Recall number: R/2018/168
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2018 to 03/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 421
Defect: Driver’s airbags with potentially faulty gas generator housing material may have been installed. If the material of the gas generator housing fails during airbag deployment in the event of a crash the airbag system would possibly no longer have a restraint effect. In addition separating parts could enter the passenger compartment. This could lead to an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: On affected vehicles, replace the driver’s airbag.
Date: June 2018
Recall number: R/2018/167
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2017 to 03/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 2
Defect: The A-Class 177 might have some missing welding points in the area of both front side members. It is possible that due to a deviation in the internal production process a couple of welding points could not have been set.
Remedy: If these welding points are not present the structural behaviour would be impaired in the event of a crash. In this case an increased risk of injury for the passengers cannot be excluded. As a precautionary measure recall the affected vehicles and check the welding points and rework if necessary.
As of December 2024, there have been a staggering 44 separate DVSA vehicle safety recalls on this generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class range, addressing various different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Mercedes-Benz dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used A-Class, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has received
2021
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Plug-in Hybrid (A 250e)
2020
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Company Car (A 250e)
- Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for New Drivers
- Business Car Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid (A 250e)
2019
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Luxury Car
- Company Car Today Awards – Car of the Year + Premium Lower Medium Car of the Year
- Carwow Awards – Game-changer
2018
- Euro NCAP Best Cars of 2018 – Best Small Family Car
- BusinessCar Awards – Best Premium Compact Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Audi A3 | BMW 1 Series | Citroën C4 | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | Renault Megane | SEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz A-Class at The Car Expert
Buy a Mercedes-Benz A-Class
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Mercedes-Benz A-Class, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
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Lease a Mercedes-Benz A-Class
If you’re looking to lease a new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Mercedes-Benz A-Class
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Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
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