Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Vauxhall Astra

On MOT-testable defects, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (fail rate 14.9%) performed better than the Vauxhall Astra (22.4%) across comparable years. The biggest divergence was suspension, where the Astra recorded failures more often.

14.9%
A-Class fail rate
22.4%
Astra fail rate
7.44pp
Difference

Side by side

MOT figures compared
MetricMercedes-Benz A-ClassVauxhall Astra
MOT tests analysed1,863,6094,330,153
Pass rate85.1%77.6%
Fail rate14.9%22.4%
Fail rate compared (lower is better) Mercedes-Benz A-Class 14.9% Vauxhall Astra 22.4%
Overall MOT fail rate across comparable model years.

Where they differ

Failure-area share, by category
CategoryA-ClassAstra
Suspension3.9%10.1%
Lighting & signalling5.1%10.6%
Brakes3.6%7.3%
Visibility3.3%4.5%
Tyres5.9%6.3%

Methodology & source. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.

See the full data