2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

1,243 MOT tests in 2024. 55.8% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

98Below average
Passed first time55.8%
Failed or needed repairs44.2%
Typical mileage at test79,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,243 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken8.1%
  2. Stop lamp: not working5.7%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.3%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.9%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.8%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.5%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.7%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics29.3%
  2. Suspension25.9%
  3. Brakes16.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.1%
  5. Body & chassis7.7%
  6. Tyres6.2%
  7. Emissions & leaks4.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded34.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.7%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible10.1%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak9.7%

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 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

In 2024, 55.8% of 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,243 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; stop lamp: not working; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).