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KNOWN FAULTS · Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Clase A (W176) A 160 / 180 d (1.5, OM607) common problems.

2012–2018 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

6 known faults with sources

Renault 1.5 diesel (OM607/OM608) injectors, EGR and DPFInjection / EGR / DPF
Engine / equipment
OM607 and OM608 1.5 diesel of Renault origin (K9K): A 160/180 CDI and d, B 160/180, CLA 180 CDI and d, GLA 180 d, Citan
Period mentioned
2012–2026
Symptoms
Smoke, hesitation or hard starting (injectors); unstable idle, power loss and engine light (EGR); particulate filter warning in town use; oil consumption.
Possible cause described
It is Renault's 1.5 dCi with Mercedes electronics. On the OM607 the injectors are the main weak point; the OM608 that replaced it in 2018 has fewer problems. The EGR builds up carbon, mostly between 60,000 and 100,000 km, and the particulate filter clogs on short trips.
Check for the garage
Identify the engine (OM607 until 2018, OM608 after), measure injector balance rates, check the EGR and particulate filter status and watch the oil level.
Cost cited in the source
Depends on the part (injectors, EGR or turbo); the sources consulted give no reliable figuresA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 60,000–100,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Sources from the original database

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Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

M270 chain, OM651 tensioner, AMG and campaigns on the A-Class W176Known weak points
Engine / equipment
Mercedes A-Class W176 (petrol, diesel and A 45 AMG)
Period mentioned
2012–2018
Symptoms
Chain rattle after a cold start (M270); oil leaking from the chain tensioner (OM651); cold-shift jerks from the 7G-DCT and clutch wear in traffic; on the A 45 AMG, turbos (early years) and clutch (2015–spring 2016); panoramic-roof rattles.
Possible cause described
Recalls: camshafts on some M270s, the tensioner seal (OM651, 2014), the AMG clutch, the passenger airbag, the starter current limiter (fire risk), the brake-servo vacuum connector, the steering-column earth and emissions software on the OM651 and OM607.
Check for the garage
Check every campaign by VIN (and the emissions update on diesels); listen to the chain when cold.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Mercedes-Benz Clase A (W176) A 160 / 180 d (1.5, OM607): known faults of the engine according to L'argusEngine
Engine / equipment
A 160 / 180 d (1.5, OM607) in the Mercedes-Benz Clase A (W176)
Period mentioned
2012–2018
Symptoms
Noise at idle; Abnormal coolant consumption; Boost (turbo) noise (up to October 2015); Stop & Start not working (from September 2015 to August 2016); Will not start, battery flat (up to September 2017)
Possible cause described
According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Noise at idle: Dual-mass flywheel replacement. 2) Abnormal coolant consumption: Cylinder head. 3) Boost (turbo) noise (up to October 2015): Air duct. 4) Stop & Start not working (from September 2015 to August 2016): Battery. 5) Will not start, battery flat (up to September 2017): Reprogramming.
Check for the garage
Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Mercedes-Benz Clase A (W176): known faults of the gearbox and transmission according to L'argusGearbox
Engine / equipment
Mercedes-Benz Clase A (W176), all engines
Period mentioned
2012–2018
Symptoms
[manual gearbox] Clutch pedal does not return (up to February 2013); [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Abnormal noise between 60 and 80 km/h; [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Stiff 1st-to-2nd change (from September 2012 to May 2013); [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Reverse will not engage (up to June 2013); [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Crunch when changing gear (up to 30/06/2013); [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Gearbox locks in "P" (up to December 2013); [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Warning light on; [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Transmission noise, gears will not engage (OM651); [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Fault light on (from August 2014 to March 2016); [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Crunches when shifting from "D" to "R" (up to March 2017); [7G-DCT dual-clutch] 6th gear will not engage (petrol version); [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Bell-like noise at start-up (petrol version)
Possible cause described
According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) [manual gearbox] Clutch pedal does not return (up to February 2013): Clutch release bearing. 2) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Abnormal noise between 60 and 80 km/h: Fit a damper to the wheel half-shaft. 3) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Stiff 1st-to-2nd change (from September 2012 to May 2013): Synchroniser. 4) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Reverse will not engage (up to June 2013): Reprogramming. 5) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Crunch when changing gear (up to 30/06/2013): Output shafts. 6) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Gearbox locks in "P" (up to December 2013): Control unit. 7) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Warning light on: Replace the automatic gearbox control unit and repair the EHS hydraulic control. 8) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Transmission noise, gears will not engage (OM651): Dual clutch and flywheel. 9) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Fault light on (from August 2014 to March 2016): Additional electric oil pump. 10) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Crunches when shifting from "D" to "R" (up to March 2017): Output shaft or complete gearbox. 11) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] 6th gear will not engage (petrol version): Dual clutch. 12) [7G-DCT dual-clutch] Bell-like noise at start-up (petrol version): Flywheel.
Check for the garage
Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Mercedes-Benz Clase A (W176): known faults of the chassis, steering and brakes according to L'argusSuspension and steering
Engine / equipment
Mercedes-Benz Clase A (W176), all engines
Period mentioned
2012–2018
Symptoms
Vibration between 100 and 130 km/h; "Power steering faulty" message; Front brakes whistle at 80–100 km/h; Creaks from the front axle; Vibration between 120 and 150 km/h on the 4Matic
Possible cause described
According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Vibration between 100 and 130 km/h: Fit hydraulic bushes to the front transverse arm. 2) "Power steering faulty" message: Steering control unit. 3) Front brakes whistle at 80–100 km/h: Pads. 4) Creaks from the front axle: Wheel bearings. 5) Vibration between 120 and 150 km/h on the 4Matic: Rear differential.
Check for the garage
Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Mercedes-Benz Clase A (W176): known faults of the electronics and interior according to L'argusElectrical and electronic systems
Engine / equipment
Mercedes-Benz Clase A (W176), all engines
Period mentioned
2012–2018
Symptoms
Front door controls fail (up to chassis no. J038712); Panoramic roof jams; Noise from the climate controls (up to 24/02/2014); Panoramic roof reverses its movement (up to 04/04/2015) or the glass panel jams (up to 01/03/2014); Seat height lever wear; Water leak at the front; Easy Entry front seat hard to move (up to 04/10/2015); Roof blind twists; Live Traffic Information bug (until the end of production)
Possible cause described
According to the brand's technical notes reported by L'argus (each date shows up to when the affected cars were built): 1) Front door controls fail (up to chassis no. J038712): Control unit to be replaced. 2) Panoramic roof jams: Repair or replace the drive unit. 3) Noise from the climate controls (up to 24/02/2014): Climate control panel to be replaced. 4) Panoramic roof reverses its movement (up to 04/04/2015) or the glass panel jams (up to 01/03/2014): Rails and mechanism. 5) Seat height lever wear: Lever to be replaced. 6) Water leak at the front: Modify the drain hose. 7) Easy Entry front seat hard to move (up to 04/10/2015): Seat frame to be replaced. 8) Roof blind twists: Blind to be replaced. 9) Live Traffic Information bug (until the end of production): Reprogramming.
Check for the garage
Compare your symptom and your car's build date with this list. If they match, tell the workshop and ask them to check that part first before replacing others. The brand or a warranty extension covers some repairs: ask the dealer with the car's details.
Cost cited in the source
No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

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Other engines of the Mercedes-Benz Clase A (W176)