Mercedes-Benz A250 — MOT pass rate & failures

The Mercedes-Benz A250 recorded a 92.1% MOT pass rate across 1,216 tests in this dataset (model years 2013–2022), with tyres, lighting & signalling and suspension its most common failure areas. Its 7.9% fail rate is lower than the 14.9% average across all Mercedes-Benz A-Class versions.

Pass rate

1,216

MOT tests analysed

7.9%

Fail rate

better than

vs small family cars of similar age

2013–2022

Model years

How it compares

Fail rate for the A250 against the whole A-Class range, its segment and the national average for cars of a similar age.

By model year

Mercedes-Benz A250 MOT results by model year
Year	Tests	Pass rate	Fail rate
2013	61	83.6%	16.4%
2021	727	92.0%	8.0%
2022	375	93.3%	6.7%

Top failure categories

Most common MOT failure areas — Mercedes-Benz A250
#	Category	% of tests affected	Tests
1	Tyres	4.9%	59
2	Lighting & signalling	1.8%	22
3	Suspension	1.6%	19
4	Visibility	1.0%	12
5	Brakes	0.9%	11
6	Road wheels	0.4%	5
7	Seat belts & restraints	0.4%	5
8	Other defects	0.4%	5

Percentage of tests with at least one failure recorded in each category, across all model years.

Most common specific failures

The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.

Most frequently recorded failure items — Mercedes-Benz A250
#	Failure item	Times recorded
1	Tread depth	24
2	Headlamp aim	20
3	Wipers	13
4	Brake pads	11
5	Registration plates	9
6	Headlamp	8

Top advisory categories

Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.

Most common MOT advisories — Mercedes-Benz A250
#	Category	% of tests with advisory	Tests
1	Tyres	20.2%	246
2	Brakes	7.0%	85
3	Other defects	3.4%	41
4	Visibility	3.0%	36
5	Suspension	1.2%	15
6	Steering	0.8%	10

Failure rate by mileage

Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.

MOT fail rate by recorded mileage band.

Fail rate by recorded mileage — Mercedes-Benz A250
Mileage band	Tests	Fail rate
0-30k	794	5.5%
30-60k	361	12.5%
60-90k	47	10.6%

Failure rate by age

How the A250's MOT fail rate climbs as the cars get older.

Trend over time

Fail rate by dataset year — Mercedes-Benz A250
Dataset year	Tests	Fail rate
2023	39	15.4%
2024	385	7.3%
2025	762	7.9%

What to check before buying a Mercedes-Benz A250

Focus on the areas it most often fails on — and remember MOT data covers testable defects only, not engine or gearbox health.

Tyres (4.9% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
Lighting & signalling (1.8% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Suspension (1.6% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.

Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.

Frequently asked questions

How reliable is the Mercedes-Benz A250 at MOT time?

92.1% of the 1,216 Mercedes-Benz A250 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 7.9% fail rate, better than the 14.9% average across all A-Class versions.

What is the most common MOT failure on a Mercedes-Benz A250?

Tyres, recorded in 4.9% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (1.8%).

Does the A250 get worse with mileage?

Its MOT fail rate rises from 5.5% in the 0-30k band to 10.6% in the 60-90k band.

Methodology & source. Based on 1,216 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-06. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.