Recalls: Mercedes-Benz W169 A-Class
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mercedes-Benz W169 A-Class
Mercedes-Benz W169 A-Class: backrest omitted restraint anchorage bracket
In January 2006, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W169 A-Class vehicles due to the split rear seat backrest not being fitted with a third child restraint anchorage bracket, contravening the Australian Design Rules (PRA 2006/8301).
2005-10 model year Mercedes-Benz W169 A-Class: Takata airbag recall
In February 2019, recall campaign RC2469 was issued for 2005-10 model year Mercedes-Benz W169 A-Class vehicles. These vehicles had Takata driver’s airbags and propellant wafers inside these airbags could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture and metal fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion and into the vehicle’s cabin. These metal fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16775.
Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz W169 A-Class
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz W169 A-Class
- For Mercedes-Benz W169 A-Class models with turbo-diesel engines, frequent gear changing can cause the clutch spline to dry out and require regular greasing.
- Turbo-diesel engines used for repeated short runs from cold may experience glow plugs that corrode into the cylinder head due to condensation.
- For models with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), there have been reports of CVT valve bodies failing after six years and 110,000km.
- For some models, the weld seals for the hatchback could fail and lead to corrosion.
