2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 68.6% of Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. Across 47,528 A-Class first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and tyres.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars first used in 2013 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, A-Class cars first used in 2013 against all cars first used in 2013 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the A-Class figure was 2.8 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2013 A-Class | All cars first used 2013 | A-Class first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 75.9% | 72.1% | 16,364 |
| 2022 | 73.4% | 70.3% | 16,171 |
| 2023 | 70.5% | 68.3% | 16,096 |
| 2024 | 70.3% | 66.8% | 15,926 |
| 2025 | 68.6% | 65.8% | 15,506 |
Common 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT failures
Share of the 14,349 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 18.3% | 2,621 |
| Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 14.1% | 2,017 |
| SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault | 11.1% | 1,591 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 9.4% | 1,345 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 7.7% | 1,100 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for an A-Class in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Common 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2013 A-Class cars, as a share of all 47,528 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 18.6% | 8,838 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 10.1% | 4,788 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 8.4% | 4,013 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 7.5% | 3,586 |
| Brake discs: worn, but not excessively | 4.3% | 2,041 |
Questions about the 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
In 2025, 68.6% of A-Class cars first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2013 A-Class most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 40.9% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (27.5%) and tyres (26.7%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (18.3%).
How often does a 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class fail its MOT?
In 2025, 31.4% of first tests on A-Class cars first used in 2013 did not pass first time: 26.1% failed, and a further 5.3% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 14,349 of 47,528 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 18.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (10.1%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (8.4%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (7.5%) and “Brake discs: worn, but not excessively” (4.3%).
Is a 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 75.9% in 2021 to 68.6% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2013
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2013 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2013 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics · 2013 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics
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