Mercedes-Benz A Class: Common Problems and Solutions (2023)

First Gear Slipping

Problem:

When in first gear, it occasionally slips into second.

Models affected:

Solution:

In most cases, this will be down to a faulty axle drum. You need to check which one is faulty, order a replacement from us, and then remove the damaged one. Replacing the axle drum can be tricky, but it should take less than twenty minutes.

Difficulty level

2

Part you need

Axle Drums/ABS

Part required

Axle Drums/ABS

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Car Won't Start

Problem:

The vehicle will turn over but won't start.

Models affected:

Solution:

Order a new starter motor from our Mercedes-Benz spare parts menu and replace the faulty one.

Difficulty level

4

Part you need

Starter Motor

Part required

Starter Motor

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Clunking Noise When You Turn Right

Problem:

Every time that you turn right, you can hear a clunking noise coming from the rear of the car.

Models affected:

Solution:

The steering rack in A-Classes built before 2015 was notoriously prone to failure. The clunking sound is an indication that one of the bearings in the steering rack is damaged. Not only will you have to replace the steering rack, but it will also have caused damage to the rear suspension, rear-wheel bearings, and the trailing arms. These are all available from our website and are very low-cost, easy fixes.

Difficulty level

1

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Seat Belt Rattle

Problem:

There's a rattling sound coming from the seatbelt.

Models affected:

Solution:

One of the more common faults in Mercedes built before 2013, there are a few possible solutions to try. The first is simply to try adjusting the seat itself. In some cases, this will resolve the problem immediately. Some drivers have found that applying some lubrication to the seat belt adjuster gets rid of the rattle, although this doesn't work as well if the weather is warm. Finally, Mercedes started using rattle-free seat adjusters in 2013, and you can order those today from us and replace the adjusters that are causing the problem.

Difficulty level

2

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DPF warning light

Problem:

The DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) can get clogged up on this car if you are only using it for short journeys, e.g. around town. This will result in the DPF warning light appearing on the dashboard.

Models affected:

Solution:

You can take the car out onto an open road and drive at around 2500 rpm for 5-10 miles in fourth gear to allow the DPF to get hot enough and burn off the unwanted particles. This should turn off the DPF warning light on the dashboard. If it does not, you may need to remove the DPF and clean it manually, and if this does not work you will need to replace the the DPF sensor. Watch the video below to see how to clean the DPF manually:

Difficulty level

1

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Misfiring/engine management warning light

Problem:

If you are having trouble with the engine misfiring and the engine management warning light appearing on the dashboard then this it is due to a failure with the coil pack. If an ignition coil has failed, this can confuse the ECU.

Models affected:

Solution:

You will need to fit a replacement coil pack to resolve this issue. If you have the correct tools then this might be something you can do yourself. Look for an ignition coil for your Mercedes A-Class on Breakeryard.com.

Difficulty level

2

Part you need

Coil Pack

Part required

Coil Pack

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Windscreen washer failure

Problem:

The A-Class has known issues with both the front and rear windscreen washers. If you are finding that the front windscreen washers are not working, it is because of an issue with the jets and hoses. The rear washer issue is caused by the hose coming loose.

Models affected:

Solution:

You will need to purchase replacement jets and hoses for the front washers to rectify this problem. The rear washer issue can be resolved by re-attaching the hose to the jet.

Difficulty level

3

Part you need

Washer Jets

Part required

Washer Jets

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Sticking boot catch

Problem:

The boot catch is known for sticking on the A-Class. If you are finding it difficult to open the rear hatch then it is due to a problem with the boot lock. Once you start to notice this niggle it might be sensible to sort it immediately, as if the boot lock fails and you can’t access the boot it could be very inconvenient.

Models affected:

Solution:

You will need to replace the boot lock to fix the problem. We can help you find a replacement boot lock at a very low price. Search for your Mercedes A-Class replacement boot lock by clicking here.

Difficulty level

3

Part you need

Part required

Boot Lock & Keys

Wobbly Seat Backrest

Problem:

The driver and passenger seats feel loose and wobbly.

Models affected:

Solution:

This only affects models that were built between June 2013 and July 2013, and only those fitted with AMG seats, but it can be very dangerous. Should the car get hit by a side impact, then the driver and the passenger will be at much more risk of injury, so it's not something that you can ignore. You'll have to replace them completely. However, you can find replacement seats using our parts finder tool very easily.

Difficulty level

3

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Oil Leaking

Problem:

You've noticed oil buildup when your A-Class has been sitting in one place for a while.

Models affected:

Solution:

This is down to a faulty O-ring, which has either cracked or wasn't installed correctly. Check the O-ring for any signs of damage. If it's worn or broken, then you need to order a replacement from us and replace it. If it's not damaged and it's just come loose, then slide it back into place and check it regularly. If you ignore this problem, then you'll end up using a lot more oil and may even cause internal damage to your car.

Difficulty level

1

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Going Into Limp-Home Mode

Problem:

The clutch slips, and then the A-Class automatically goes into Limp-Home mode.

Models affected:

Solution:

Only affecting an A-Class built between October 2015 and November 2015, this is down to a badly welded component inside the dual-clutch automatic gearbox. That poor weld leads to a crack or a complete failure. You'll need to order a new gearbox from BreakerYard and replace the damaged one. You should also check that your clutch wasn't damaged when the gearbox went faulty.

Difficulty level

4

Part you need

Gearbox Transmission

Part required

Gearbox Transmission

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Loss of Power

Problem:

You experience a sudden loss of power while driving.

Models affected:

Solution:

Cars built in 2015 are particularly vulnerable to a camshaft fault, which is very prone to sudden breakage. This will lead to an immediate loss of power. It can also cause a lot of damage to many of the internal components of the engine. You'll have to replace the camshaft immediately which we can deliver to you, but you should also check the engine for any further damage.

Difficulty level

3

Part you need

Camshaft

Part required

Camshaft

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Unstable Glass Roof

Problem:

The sliding roof is unsecured and moves slightly while driving.

Models affected:

Solution:

This doesn't affect many models of A-Class and tends to be a problem only for those built in October 2018. The roof hasn't been bonded effectively, and the only solution is to replace the entire sliding roof mechanism, which you can order today.

Difficulty level

2

Find a Part

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Glitchy Engine Control Unit

Problem:

Your ECU doesn't turn on, or it turns on for a while and then switches off.

Models affected:

Solution:

This caused a recall, and it's not a problem that will go away or fix itself. You'll need to order a completely new ECU and replace it. We can deliver your new ECU straight to your door.

Difficulty level

2

Part you need

ECU Engine

Part required

ECU Engine

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Reading these common Mercedes-Benz A Class problemsshould help you find out what is wrong with your Mercedes-Benz A Class– or just what to look out for in the future. We’ll also give suggestionson what to do if your Mercedes-Benz A Class does have one of theseissues.

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