Comparison · family hatchbacks

Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Peugeot 308: which is more reliable?

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class does better at the MOT, with a score of 102 against 91 for the Peugeot 308, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 480,034 real MOT tests in 2024.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

102About average
MOT tests349,986

Peugeot 308

91Well below average
MOT tests130,048

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testMercedes-Benz A-ClassPeugeot 308
3–5 years
102About average
99About average
6–9 years
101About average
94Below average
10–14 years
104Above average
89Well below average
15+ years
102Above average
85Well below average

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearMercedes-Benz A-ClassPeugeot 308
202189.9%88.4%
202089.1%86.3%
201985.9%83.5%
201883.6%77.9%
201780.2%75.1%
201677.8%71.2%
201574.1%68.5%
201470.9%63.2%
201370.3%57.2%
201267.2%57.0%
201165.7%57.6%
201062.8%52.3%
200961.4%49.9%
200858.9%48.6%
200758.2%48.4%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaMercedes-Benz A-ClassPeugeot 308
Lights & electrics7.119.6
Suspension5.314.2
Brakes5.612.3
Tyres8.09.2
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.95.0
Emissions & leaks2.36.3
Body & chassis1.36.5
Steering0.23.5

Mercedes-Benz A-Class: top failures

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.9%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.3%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%

Peugeot 308: top failures

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.2%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.5%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.0%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.4%
  6. Stop lamp: not working1.9%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class or the Peugeot 308?

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class does better at the MOT, with a score of 102 against 91 for the Peugeot 308, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Peugeot 308 can be compared?

Both were tested for 15 registration years (2007–2021). The Mercedes-Benz A-Class had the higher pass rate in 15 of them and the Peugeot 308 in 0.

What fails most on each?

Mercedes-Benz A-Class: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; coil spring: fractured or broken. Peugeot 308: coil spring: fractured or broken; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt.