Credov's researched list of the 7 faults the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 is known for (2013–2015), 4 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Feel for the pedal to sink as the engine starts, listen for a vacuum hiss, and ask for the recall record.
Why it matters: Loss of power braking assistance is the hazard the notice describes, and the pedal check takes about 30 seconds.
What to look for: Look at the back of the engine near the gearbox for fresh oil, and ask for the tensioner seal recall record.
Why it matters: Oil loss from the tensioner can stall the engine and is a fire risk per the recall notice; loss of tensioner preload also accelerates chain wear on an engine whose chain replacement is labour-heavy.
What to look for: Ask for the gearbox clutch recall record, and feel for shudder, slipping or loss of drive under load.
Why it matters: Loss of drive from a clutch pack failure means a transmission-out repair on a dual clutch box.
What to look for: Check that no airbag warning message or red airbag light stays on after start-up, and ask for the recall record.
Why it matters: The notice describes the driver's airbag deploying without a collision, which could injure and distract the driver; a live airbag warning also needs resolving before the car is retailed.
What to look for: Ask for the driveshaft recall record, and look at the inner CV boots for tears or flung grease.
Why it matters: Loss of drive is the stated hazard, and early-build W176 stock is now cheap, high-mileage and often thin on paperwork.
What to look for: Check for a power steering warning at start-up, and feel for heavy or uneven steering turning lock to lock.
Why it matters: The bulletin's fallback remedy is replacing the steering control/motor unit, which is not a cheap part, and sluggish assistance on the road test is something a retail buyer will notice immediately.
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What to look for: Ask for the starter recall record, and listen for quick, even cranking at cold start rather than slow or patchy cranking.
Why it matters: Fire risk recall; also a pointer to a tired starter on a stop-start car.
Got a question about a Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.