REDLINE ALLEYMercedes Benz A-Class W176 buying guide
2012 to 2018. A W176 suits a buyer who wants a small premium hatch and will test the dual clutch gearbox carefully.
Big jobs
- Dual clutch automatic. Shudder or flaring from the dual clutch gearbox signals a fault with probably costly consequences. Boxes that surge, shudder on downshifts or thump on upshifts are best avoided.
Workshop jobs
- Coolant leaks. Coolant leaks from thermostats, coolant pipes or a faulty filler cap can trigger a dash warning, mostly on petrol models.
- Steering rack and drive shafts. Steering clunks usually come from worn bearings in the steering rack, and a small number of drive shafts have failed.
- Wheels and tyres (A 45). Big wheels and very low profile tyres are expensive on rough roads, most of all on the A 45 with 19 inch wheels.
Small jobs
- Coil packs. A misfire under acceleration usually means one or more coil packs need replacing.
- Electrics, rattles and recalls. Electrics were the most common owner complaint, dash rattles round the centre console are common, and early cars had seatbelt rattles. Recalls covered airbags, front seats, oil leaks, driveshafts, a fuel leak and potential engine failure.
Questions for the seller
- Is it a petrol, a diesel or the A 45 AMG?
- Has the dual clutch gearbox ever been repaired or had software updates?
- Have the airbag and other recalls been done?
- Have the coil packs or thermostat been replaced?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-05. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.