2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

35,345 MOT tests in 2024. 89.1% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time89.1%
Failed or needed repairs10.9%
Typical mileage at test31,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 35,345 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
    878 marked dangerous
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    622 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    451 marked dangerous
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.5%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.4%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    189 marked dangerous
  8. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres5.8%
  2. Brakes2.3%
  3. Lights & electrics1.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.6%
  5. Suspension0.8%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.7%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.4%
  8. Wheels0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.5%
  4. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn2.5%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

In 2024, 89.1% of 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 35,345 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).