2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class · 5,669 MOT tests
2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability
2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 45.2% of first MOT tests, 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 22 A-Class years (5,669 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- 45.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 80,145
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,669
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.5% of tests fail here (111% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 67% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.7%
- Suspension19.8%
- Brakes13.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors11%
- Tyres6.5%
- Body, chassis and structure5.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 7.09%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Stop lamp not working 6.07%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 4.5%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.22%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.95%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.67%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (30.89%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.81%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.31%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (10.13%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (9.05%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.88%)
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 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 45.2% of first MOT tests, 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 22 A-Class years (5,669 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (7.09% of tests), stop lamp not working (6.07% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (4.5% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class shows 80,145 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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