Last updated: 2026-04-09
2 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years to Avoid
Years that score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz A-Class average of 57/100
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class years to avoid are 2018, 2024 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 48/100. The best Mercedes-Benz A-Class year to buy is 2022 65/100.
Verdict
The 2018, 2024 Mercedes-Benz A-Class score significantly below the model average of 57/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 48/100 due to power train (10) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 65/100.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years to Avoid
These model years score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz A-Class average of 57/100.
Why These Years Should Be Avoided
2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has mixed reliability. There are 10 recalls and 52 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (10), Electrical System (6), Vehicle Speed Control (4).
Top issues: Power Train (10), Electrical System (6), Vehicle Speed Control (4), Unknown Or Other (4), Steering (4), Service Brakes (4)
View full 2018reliability report →2024 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has mixed reliability. There are 7 recalls and 21 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Unknown Or Other (4), Seats (2).
Top issues: Electrical System (5), Unknown Or Other (4), Seats (2), Service Brakes (2), Power Train (2), Exterior Lighting (1)
View full 2024reliability report →What Are Common Mercedes-Benz A-Class Problems?
Top reported issues across all Mercedes-Benz A-Class model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
35 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
23 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
POWER TRAIN
17 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2020, 2021
STEERING
9 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2024
ENGINE
7 complaintsMost reported in 2019, 2020
Best Mercedes-Benz A-Class Year to Buy Instead
2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (1), Suspension (1).
Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car
Even the best Mercedes-Benz A-Class year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
All Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years by Generation
All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reliability Scores by Year
Fourth generation (W177) (2019–2023)
2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
1 recalls · 2 complaints
2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
9 recalls · 18 complaints
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
15 recalls · 11 complaints
2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
13 recalls · 42 complaints
Third generation (W176) (2013–2018)
Our data covers 2018–2026 model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Mercedes-Benz A-Class years should you avoid?
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How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz A-Class have?
Is a used Mercedes-Benz A-Class worth buying?
What are common Mercedes-Benz A-Class problems?
Is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable long-term?
Which Mercedes-Benz A-Class generation is most reliable?
Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class a good used buy?
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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