2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class · 18,778 MOT tests
2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 29.9% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 22 A-Class years (18,778 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- 29.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz A-Classs: 20.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 2% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 63,920
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 18,778
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: about average for its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 1.1% of tests fail here (51% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 31% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.7%
- Suspension8.4%
- Brakes7.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.6%
- Tyres4.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.6%
- Body, chassis and structure2.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.75%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Side repeater not working 3.61%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.28%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.75%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.68%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 1.62%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.23%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (9.61%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.37%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.39%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.45%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (2.06%)
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Classs fail 29.9% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 22 A-Class years (18,778 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.75% of tests), side repeater not working (3.61% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (2.28% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class shows 63,920 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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