Last updated: 2026-10-10

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years to Avoid

7 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 57/100

Skip the 2018 and 2024 model years. The 2018 has shifters that stick in Park and a long recall list, and the 2024 has reports of sudden acceleration at parking speed. Buy a 2022 instead, which has far fewer complaints and recalls.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 48/1002024 50/100
Buy
2022 65/100
Model average
57/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz A-Class average of 57/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201848/100Mixed1052Power Train (10)
2202450/100Mixed721Electrical System (5)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

48
MixedReliability score: 48 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Shifter trouble leads the 2018 complaints. Owners say the car will not leave Park or go from Drive into Reverse, and restarting the engine is the usual fix. Others report slipping into neutral while driving and a harsh 3rd-to-2nd downshift. The year also has 10 recalls, one fire report, and brakes that wear out early.

10 recalls52 complaintsEst. repair:

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 →
50
MixedReliability score: 50 out of 100, rated Mixed

2024 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Sudden acceleration at parking-lot speed is the worst pattern in 2024, and it appears in all 3 crash reports. Drivers describe surges over curbs with no chimes or automatic braking. Frozen screens and lights shutting off show up around 8,000 to 9,600 miles. Complaints per car sold are the highest of any year. Some reports name other Mercedes models.

7 recalls21 complaintsEst. repair:

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?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

35 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2024, 2020

2019: Screens go black, sometimes after a software update, leaving drivers without a speedometer or fuel gauge.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2024, 2018

2019: Open recall notices with no available fix make up most of these complaints.

POWER TRAIN

17 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2024

2018: The shifter refuses to leave Park, or will not go from Drive into Reverse or Neutral, even with the brake pressed firmly.

STEERING

9 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: The car swerves or zigzags on its own, on the highway or while pulling out of a parking lot, with no warning light.

SERVICE BRAKES

7 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2024

2018: Brakes wear out early.

ENGINE

7 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020

2019: Check engine lights return even after dealers replace valves and update software.

Best Mercedes-Benz A-Class Year to Buy Instead

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Owners filed only 2 complaints on the 2022, one about suspension and one unclassified, and it has a single recall. The 2018 and 2024 years carry far more, including stuck shifters and sudden acceleration. The 2022 has been on the road long enough for problems to surface. The 2026 has not, so it is too new to judge.

Score: 65/100 (Good)1 recalls2 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mercedes-Benz A-Class Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mercedes-Benz A-Class years should I avoid?
Avoid 2018 and 2024. Both sit well below the model's own average. The 2018 has stuck shifters, 10 recalls, and early brake wear. The 2024 has sudden acceleration reports at parking speed and the highest complaint rate per car sold of any year.
Which A-Class years have transmission problems?
The 2018 has the clearest shifter problem, with 10 power train complaints about the car not leaving Park or slipping into neutral. The 2024 has harsh 3rd-to-4th shifting that a dealer reproduced, but those reports name other Mercedes models. The 2019 to 2021 years also show some power train complaints.
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz A-Class a bad year?
It is one of the two weakest. Owners report sudden acceleration at parking speed, including crash reports, plus frozen screens and lights going out. Some of those reports name other Mercedes models, so not every complaint is about the A-Class itself, but the pattern is serious enough to skip.
Is the 2022 A-Class a safe used buy?
It is the best-supported choice. The 2022 has 2 owner complaints and 1 recall, far below the weak years. It has been on the road long enough that this low count is meaningful. Still, check recall status and service history on any specific car.
Should I buy a 2026 A-Class instead?
The 2026 has no complaints or recalls on record, but it is too new for that to mean much. Problems build up with time on the road. The 2022 has a proven record and is the safer used choice.

How we score every Mercedes-Benz A-Class model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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