Mercedes-Benz A-Class: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 70,803 Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1997 and 2026.
In a sample of 394 cars, 44.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (10.9% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 16.9% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.1% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 10.9% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9.9% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 8.9% |
| Tyre damaged | 6.9% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 3.6% |
| Airbag/seatbelt warning indicates a fault | 3.3% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 1.8% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 1.5% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 1.5% |
| Side indicator(s) not working (properly) | 1.5% |
Share of 394 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 13.7% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 6.9% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 70,803 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 16.9% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.1% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1997 to 2026 |
All Mercedes-Benz A-Class passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-15 | electrical system | serious | 2 |
| 2025-12-18 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 3 |
| 2025-04-10 | brakes | serious | 7 |
| 2025-03-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1 |
| 2024-12-16 | electrical system | serious | 2 |
| 2024-10-10 | electrical system | – | 139 |
| 2024-04-25 | steering | – | 8 |
| 2024-02-01 | bodywork | serious | 6 |
| 2023-07-06 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 44 |
| 2023-03-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 185 |
| 2022-03-29 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 3 |
| 2022-03-10 | brakes | serious | 5 |
| 2022-02-07 | steering | serious | 30 |
| 2022-02-03 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 1 |
| 2022-01-24 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2,061 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mercedes-Benz A-Class fail the APK?
In a sample of 394 cars first registered 2012–2021, 44.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (10.9%), tyre pressure incorrect (9.9%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (8.9%).
Does the Mercedes-Benz A-Class have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 16.9% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
C-Class · B-Class · E-Class · CLA-Class · GLC-Class · GLA-Class · Sprinter · SLK-Class · EQA-Class · Vito · GLE-Class · EQB-Class · S-Class · ML-Class · CLK-Class
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.