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Last updated: 2026-04-09

2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reliability Report
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class scores 48/100 ("Mixed"). With 10 recalls and 52 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
10
Complaints
52
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$908
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (10)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- SERVICE BRAKES (5)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is the last model year of the Third generation (W176).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2 years after the last refresh (2016).
- 3rd generation A-Class (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2013: Third generation (W176) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2016: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2018: This Model Year
2018 is the last model year of the Third generation (W176).
Should You Buy the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
A 48/100 score puts the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2018 is the last model year of the Third generation (W176).
Complaint volume sits above average at 52 owner complaints alongside 10 recalls. Issues in power train (10) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train (10) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which scored 7 points higher.
Pros
- +Low complaint frequency
- +Well-established generation
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (10 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class report several issues related to the... (6 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class With

2018 Audi A4
Reliability: 71/100

2018 BMW 3-Series
Reliability: 65/100

2018 Lexus IS
Reliability: 81/100

2018 Audi A5
Reliability: 77/100

2018 Tesla Model 3
Reliability: 46/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 10 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (10)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
Recall Overview
10
recalls on record
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has 10 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
52
complaintsSafety Incidents
7
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Recall Details
10 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STRUCTURE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence
A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2012-2014 ML550, 2012-2015 ML350, AMG ML63, 2015 ML250, ML400, 2016 GLE450, GLE300, 2016-2018 GLE350, GLE550, 2016-2019 GLE400, 2017-2019 AMG GLE43, and 2016-2020 AMG GLE63 vehicles. Water might accumulate in the spare tire wheel well and damage the fuel pump control unit, which could cause an engine stall while driving.
Consequence
An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a water drain plug, inspect for water intrusion, and replace the fuel pump control unit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010002 and 2023010003.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence
A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
10 recalls and a score of 48 — check any 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class before buying
With a below-average reliability score, a VIN check is especially important. Uncover hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that data alone can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Mercedes-Benz A-ClassRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$908
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| No Start Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| Purge Valve Replacement | $187 – $229 |
| AC Compressor Clutch Replacement | $1,321 – $1,452 |
| Air Conditioning Refrigerant Recover | $61 – $90 |
| Washer Fluid Level Sensor Replacement | $226 – $326 |
| Engine Mount Replacement | $2,560 – $3,400 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $198 – $291 |
| Ignition Coil Replacement | $237 – $294 |
| Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement | $639 – $704 |
| Pinion Seal Replacement | $209 – $259 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Inspect transmission for gear shifting issues, especially from Park to other gears
Check for water intrusion in the trunk and sunroof areas
Test brakes for immediate engagement and listen for squealing noises
Verify fuel pump operation and inspect for water damage in the spare tire area
Test infotainment system for freezing or rebooting issues
Inspect tires for abnormal wear and check tire pressure stability
Test low beam headlights for adequate illumination at night
2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Common Problems by Component
52 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class frequently report issues with the transmission, particularly difficulty shifting gears. Complaints commonly mention an inability to shift from Park to other gears, and from Drive to Reverse, often requiring the engine to be restarted to resolve the issue temporarily. These problems are noted to occur intermittently and seem to become more frequent over time, with some reports indicating recurrence for several years. One owner reports a crash related to the vehicle lunging forward unexpectedly while stopped. Additionally, some owners describe violent jerking when downshifting and unintended rolling when the vehicle is shut off in Drive. These issues are typically observed after several years of ownership or around 60,000 miles, suggesting potential concerns for used car buyers regarding reliability and safety.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class report several issues related to the electrical system. A recurring problem involves water intrusion, particularly through the sunroof, which has led to battery damage in some cases. Another common issue is with the vehicle's information monitor, which freezes and reboots, affecting navigation and other functions. Some complaints also highlight problems with the fuel pump and telematics system, with one report noting a crash due to unintended acceleration. These issues are reported at mileages ranging from approximately 49,000 to 81,000 miles, and some involve safety implications, such as potential stalling or unintended acceleration.
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class report several issues related to the service brakes. Complaints frequently mention premature brake pad wear, with one owner needing brake replacement after only 9,000 miles and another after 14,000 miles. Multiple owners describe symptoms such as brakes not engaging immediately, loud squealing noises, and brake pads going metal to metal without warning indicators. These problems often occur between 9,000 and 37,873 miles. Safety implications are noted, with one owner experiencing a delay in brake response that required evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision. This information is relevant for potential buyers considering the maintenance history and brake system reliability of this vehicle model.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class report issues related to unintended acceleration and challenges with vehicle speed control. Complaints frequently mention sudden acceleration incidents, often leading to crashes, with one report detailing severe vehicle damage and a driver injury when the car accelerated uncontrollably from a parked position. Another common issue involves the cruise control system, where the set speed cannot be cleared unless the vehicle is stopped and the engine is turned off, causing potential safety risks. These incidents occur at various mileage ranges, with one report at approximately 91,000 miles. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly the safety implications associated with unintended acceleration and cruise control malfunctions.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, primarily involving safety and operational failures. One significant pattern involves the loss of core safety and emergency communication systems, such as E-Call/SOS and crash notification, due to the discontinuation of backend support, leaving these functions inoperative. Another complaint details an incident where the vehicle caught fire during basic driving, with no prior issues or modifications noted. Additionally, a separate report describes a sudden engagement of the parking brake while driving, which stopped the vehicle abruptly and required extensive dealership intervention. These complaints highlight potential safety risks, including fire hazards and unexpected vehicle stoppages, which could be critical for prospective buyers to consider.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class report issues with the steering system, particularly involving sudden and uncontrollable swerving. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle unexpectedly veers or spins out of control, often without any preceding warning lights or discernible triggers. One incident resulted in a low-speed collision due to electric power steering failure, with a diagnostic revealing a steering rack short and communication issues with the electric power steering control unit. These issues are reported across different driving conditions and speeds, with one complaint noting the problem occurred at approximately 8,000 miles. The safety implications include potential loss of control and the risk of accidents, as evidenced by the reported crash.
FUEL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 frequently report issues related to water intrusion affecting the fuel system, specifically the fuel pump control unit. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to start or stalling unexpectedly while driving, sometimes at high speeds such as 70 MPH. These issues are often observed around 50,000 to 132,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control due to stalling. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and verify if recall repairs have been completed, as some owners report delays in part availability for necessary repairs.
TIRES (3 complaints)
TIRES
3 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class report issues primarily related to tire condition and pressure. A common symptom described is abnormal tire wear, with some owners noting critically low tread on multiple tires around 20,000 miles. Another frequently mentioned issue is tire pressure loss, with one owner experiencing a recurring drop from 38 PSI to 32 PSI, eventually leading to a sidewall bubble. There are also reports of a tire blowout occurring at approximately 35,040 miles. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, the described tire failures and pressure issues could pose safety risks. This information may be particularly relevant for used car buyers considering vehicles with similar mileage.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class exterior lighting, specifically with the low beam headlights. Complaints frequently mention inadequate illumination while driving at night, with some owners expressing difficulty seeing without using high beams. One owner notes that the dealership adjusted the bulb locations, but the problem persisted. The failure occurs at low mileage, around 20 miles in one instance. Safety implications include potential difficulty in detecting pedestrians or obstacles in poorly lit areas, although no crashes or injuries are reported.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class report issues with the airbag system, specifically non-deployment during a crash and warning lights indicating potential malfunctions. One complaint describes a crash where airbags did not deploy, resulting in an injury, while another mentions a persistent airbag warning light and a message indicating a front left airbag malfunction at approximately 46,000 miles. These reports suggest safety implications, particularly regarding the airbag system's reliability in critical situations. Used car buyers should be aware of these issues and consider having the airbag system inspected before purchase.
When Do 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Mercedes-Benz A-Class year is 2022 with a reliability score of 65/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2026 (64/100) and 2020 (59/100).
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years to Avoid
The worst Mercedes-Benz A-Class year is 2018 with a score of 48/100, primarily due to power train (10) issues. Also avoid 2024 (50/100).
2018
(Current Model)
2024
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reliability Score Trend
Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 57/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 58/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2026 | 64/100 | Good |
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reliability Compared to Other Years
2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reliability by Powertrain
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 0 | 1 | 0 | N/T |
| PHEV | 52 | 9 | 8 | N/T |
| Total | 52 | 10 | 8 |
NHTSA tracks complaints by vehicle configuration when that detail is available. Model-level reports that do not identify a specific powertrain are included in Total but not assigned to a row. A plus sign indicates a confirmed minimum; — means no complaints could be attributed to that specific powertrain. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
How many recalls does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have?
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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