2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Class · 5,483 MOT tests
2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability
2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 45.7% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 22 A-Class years (5,483 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- 45.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 79,444
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,483
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: about average for its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.1% of tests fail here (61% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 58% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics24.4%
- Suspension16.9%
- Brakes13.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors10.6%
- Tyres7.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.3%
- Body, chassis and structure5.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Stop lamp not working 6.02%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Coil spring fractured or broken 6%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 4.54%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 4.47%
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 4.3%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Position lamp not working 4.03%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (29.27%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.26%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.82%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (9.5%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (7.99%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.77%)
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 2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 45.7% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 22 A-Class years (5,483 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT?
Most often stop lamp not working (6.02% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (6% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (4.54% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Mercedes-Benz A-Class shows 79,444 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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