Comparison · family hatchbacks
Vauxhall Astra vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class: which is more reliable?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class does better at the MOT, with a score of 102 against 98 for the Vauxhall Astra, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 975,144 real MOT tests in 2024.
Vauxhall Astra
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
By age
MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).
| Age at test | Vauxhall Astra | Mercedes-Benz A-Class |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | 99About average | 102About average |
| 6–9 years | 98About average | 101About average |
| 10–14 years | 100About average | 104Above average |
| 15+ years | 94Below average | 102Above average |
Year by year
Share that passed first time, same registration year.
| Year | Vauxhall Astra | Mercedes-Benz A-Class |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 87.5% | 89.9% |
| 2020 | 86.3% | 89.1% |
| 2019 | 84.0% | 85.9% |
| 2018 | 80.8% | 83.6% |
| 2017 | 79.7% | 80.2% |
| 2016 | 76.5% | 77.8% |
| 2015 | 69.6% | 74.1% |
| 2014 | 67.4% | 70.9% |
| 2013 | 66.9% | 70.3% |
| 2012 | 65.2% | 67.2% |
| 2011 | 62.2% | 65.7% |
| 2010 | 59.4% | 62.8% |
| 2009 | 55.9% | 61.4% |
| 2008 | 54.6% | 58.9% |
| 2007 | 53.5% | 58.2% |
| 2006 | 51.8% | 57.0% |
| 2005 | 52.2% | 58.3% |
| 2004 | 53.9% | 55.9% |
| 2003 | 55.8% | 55.8% |
| 2002 | 53.1% | 53.7% |
| 2001 | 56.3% | 57.4% |
| 2000 | 56.3% | 53.0% |
| 1999 | 52.9% | 48.1% |
Problem areas
Failure items per 100 tests.
| Area | Vauxhall Astra | Mercedes-Benz A-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & electrics | 17.8 | 7.1 |
| Brakes | 13.9 | 5.6 |
| Suspension | 13.8 | 5.3 |
| Tyres | 8.9 | 8.0 |
| Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors) | 5.8 | 3.9 |
| Emissions & leaks | 7.0 | 2.3 |
| Body & chassis | 5.1 | 1.3 |
| Seat belts & airbags | 0.7 | 1.6 |
Vauxhall Astra: top failures
Mercedes-Benz A-Class: top failures
Questions
Which is more reliable, the Vauxhall Astra or the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class does better at the MOT, with a score of 102 against 98 for the Vauxhall Astra, comparing each with cars of the same age.
Which years of the Vauxhall Astra and Mercedes-Benz A-Class can be compared?
Both were tested for 23 registration years (1999–2021). The Vauxhall Astra had the higher pass rate in 2 of them and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class in 21.
What fails most on each?
Vauxhall Astra: coil spring: fractured or broken; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. Mercedes-Benz A-Class: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; coil spring: fractured or broken.