Should I buy a 2013–2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2013–2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1High Likelihood

Automatic gearbox jerking, clunking and reverse loss

Shunting in traffic, a thump selecting reverse, delayed take-up from rest, or a gearbox warning message.

How to check

Start from cold, select reverse, then creep forward and back several times in a quiet area.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,800

2High Likelihood

DPF blockage and failed regeneration

DPF or engine warning light, reduced power, cooling fan running after shutdown, frequent regens, or rising oil level.

How to check

Drive for 15-20 minutes at steady A-road speed after a cold start.

Estimated Repair Cost

£600

3High Likelihood

Airbag warning and passenger restraint faults

Airbag light staying on, passenger restraint warning, or warning messages with no obvious driving symptom.

How to check

Turn the ignition on and watch the warning lights through start-up.

Estimated Repair Cost

£450

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%0–20,000 miles: 8.1% (9,398 failed / 116,022 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 11.7% (51,823 failed / 443,249 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 15.4% (67,568 failed / 437,871 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 19.2% (58,457 failed / 304,625 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 21.9% (37,410 failed / 170,580 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 24.2% (19,584 failed / 81,063 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 24.9% (8,598 failed / 34,549 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 25.5% (3,465 failed / 13,599 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 26.5% (1,303 failed / 4,910 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 26.3% (452 failed / 1,717 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2013–2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176

Mercedes-Benz A-Class buying questions

Is a 2013–2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2013–2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2013–2018)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually