2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class · 4,191 MOT tests
2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability
2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 47% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 22 A-Class years (4,191 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- 47%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 80,917
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,191
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- 2003 cars: 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.3% of tests fail here (70% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 61% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics23.4%
- Suspension20.7%
- Brakes12.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors10.3%
- Tyres7.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7%
- Body, chassis and structure5.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.73%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Stop lamp not working 6.28%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 4.29%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.91%
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 3.72%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.67%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (29.63%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.14%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.95%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (9.93%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (9.16%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.87%)
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 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 47% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 22 A-Class years (4,191 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (6.73% of tests), stop lamp not working (6.28% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (4.29% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Mercedes-Benz A-Class shows 80,917 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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