Recalls: Mercedes-Benz W168 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 W168 A-Class
- In February 2001, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W168 A-Class vehicles to replace the brake master cylinder for vehicles delivered to customers between November 2000 and February 2001 – these vehicles had excessive brake pedal travel when engine bay temperatures were below freezing (PRA 2001/4650).
- In January 2005, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W168 A-Class vehicles manufactured from April 2002 to April 2003 for windscreen wipers that may not operate and fracture in ice or snow. This was due to a notching effect in the left or right side wiper arm which could cause it to weaken and potentially fracture when placed under high loads (PRA 2005/8137).
- In January 2006, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz W168 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).
Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz W168 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 W168 A-Class
- A rough idle when cold or hesitation when accelerating may be due to a malfunctioning mass air flow sensor (MAS).
- Noises from the steering column may be due to premature wear of the universal joints. However, power steering assistance could decrease over time due to internal wear of the power steering pumps; the pumps were also susceptible to failure.
- The fuel filler pipe could fracture, causing the rear of the car to fill with petrol if the fuel tank was over-filled.
- Premature wear and failures were reported for various suspension components such as the anti-roll bar links, control arm bushes and rear trailing arms.
- The ignition block (i.e. the coil and plug lead assembly) could fail as the plastic coating could split, allow moisture to enter and cause the transformer plates of the coil to corrode.
- For turbo-diesel models, the glow plugs were susceptible to failure and – upon removal – breakage.
