2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class · 2,711 MOT tests
2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability
2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 44.6% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 22 A-Class years (2,711 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- 44.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 83,001
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,711
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 20.3% of tests fail here (37% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 54% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.3%
- Suspension20.3%
- Brakes15.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.2%
- Tyres7.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.9%
- Body, chassis and structure6.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.86%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.68%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Stop lamp not working 4.68%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 4.43%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.58%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.58%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (27%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.43%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.29%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (9.18%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.63%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (8.34%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz A-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz A-Class, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 44.6% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 22 A-Class years (2,711 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.86% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.68% of tests), stop lamp not working (4.68% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Mercedes-Benz A-Class shows 83,001 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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