2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

905 MOT tests in 2024. 53.7% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

92Below average
Passed first time53.7%
Failed or needed repairs46.3%
Typical mileage at test79,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 905 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken7.4%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.1%
  3. Stop lamp: not working4.8%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.0%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.0%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.4%
  7. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.2%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.1%
  9. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics32.6%
  2. Suspension28.1%
  3. Brakes19.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.2%
  5. Tyres8.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks7.5%
  7. Body & chassis5.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded33.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.3%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible11.7%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak10.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: coil spring: fractured or broken. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

In 2024, 53.7% of 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 905 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; stop lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).