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2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 21owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 1fire report
- 11%fail the UK MOT
21 complaints, against an average of 22 for the other 3 Mercedes-Benz A-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz A-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
The components named most often in the 21 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 21 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASRPC2404 – Backup function of steering software
Risk: On affected vehicles the backup function of the steering software might not meet specifications. As a result the steering power support might be impaired and a loss of steerability cannot be ruled out.
Fix: Update the software of the electric steering on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the corrosion protection of the integral carrier of the front axle might not be sustained over the lifetime of the…On affected vehicles the corrosion protection of the integral carrier of the front axle might not be sustained over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Risk: On affected vehicles the corrosion protection of the integral carrier of the front axle might not be sustained over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Fix: Replace the front axle carrier.
UK DVSAA particle in the fuel rail might lead to a leak between the fuel rail and the injector
Risk: A particle in the fuel rail might lead to a leak between the fuel rail and the fuel injector.
Fix: Replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSABolting on brake caliper housing might not meet specifications
Risk: The bolting on the brake caliper housing might not meet torque specifications.
Fix: Check and if necessary rework the bolting of the brake caliper housings on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAPower supply connection of power steering might have been contaminated with adhesive
Risk: On certain vehicles the power supply connection of the electric power steering might have been contaminated with melted adhesive.
Fix: Check the connection on the affected vehicles and perform repair measures if necessary.
UK DVSALocking pawl spring of the left hand side door locks might not be greased correctly
Risk: On certain vehicles with an additional door lock the locking pawl spring of the left side door locks might not be greased according to specifications.
Fix: Conduct greasing of the locking pawl spring on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAVehicles with a panoramic sunroofthe polycarbonate panel may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair
Risk: The polycarbonate panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Remove the bonded panel and install a new polycarbonate panel if required.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications
Risk: The variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications.
Fix: Replace the spark plugs on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe communication module may be deactivated
Risk: The communication module may be deactivated
Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.
UK DVSAThe software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications
Risk: The software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications.
Fix: Carry out an update to the software of the communication module on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe right handle for attaching the child seat to the isofix bracket may be missing on the rear right seat
Risk: The ISOFIX bracket might be missing on the right rear seat.
Fix: Check the ISOFIX bracket on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
UK DVSAThe oil level in the dual clutch transmission might not meet specifications
Risk: The oil level in the dual clutch transmission might not meet specifications.
Fix: Check the dual clutch transmission on the affected vehicles and correct the oil level or replace the dual clutch transmission if necessary.
UK DVSAThe oil level in the dual clutch transmission might noot meet specifications
Risk: The oil level in the dual clutch transmission might not meet specifications.
Fix: Check the dual clutch transmission on the affected vehicles and correct the oil level.
UK DVSAAn electrical contact inside the engine control unit may not meet the specification
Risk: An electrical contacting inside the engine control unit might not meet the specification
Fix: Replace the engine control unit on the affected vehicles
UK DVSAVehicles may be filled with the refrigerant r-134a instead of r-1234yf
Risk: The air conditioning system on the affected vehicles might erroneously be filled with the incorrect refrigerant
Fix: Replace the refrigerant in the air conditioning system on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe oil supply line of the turbocharger may leak
Risk: The oil supply line of the turbocharger might leak
Fix: Check the oil supply line of the turbocharger on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary
UK DVSAThe bolts on the rear axle may not be tightened correctly
Risk: The bolts on the rear axle might not be tightened correctly
Fix: Check the tightening of the bolts on the rear axle on the affected vehicles and correct it if necessary
UK DVSAThe four locknuts securing the air bag might be missing
Risk: Certain driver airbag modules might not be bolted onto the base plate.
Fix: Check the driver airbag on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
UK DVSAThe software of the radar control unit may not meet specification
Risk: ; The software of the radar control unit might not meet the specification
Fix: Update the software of the radar sensor control unit on the affected vehicles.
EU Safety GateThe steering software may not correctly activate the fallback level in the event of a hardware failure.This could affect the power steering assistance and lead to the loss of steering capacity, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Update of the electric steering software; Date of entry into force: Unknown; Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a defect in the high fuel pressure manifold the engine might be damaged.This may lead to reduced engine power and to inability to start the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateImproper torque of the screws on the brake caliper housing can cause the screw connections to become loose.As a result, the braking performance would be reduced and components of the brake caliper may be lost, increasing the risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to inadequate corrosion protection, the integral subframe of the front axle may corrode, which could impair its operational strength…Due to inadequate corrosion protection, the integral subframe of the front axle may corrode, which could impair its operational strength and the connection of other components. This could have an impact on the steering capability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe connection of the power supply to the electrical power steering may have been contaminated by heat-activated adhesive.Ageing of this adhesive could lead to a loss of clamping force and thus to a loose connection that may lead to interruption of the power supply. As a result, the electrical power steering could fail spontaneously, even while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine…A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe corrosion protection on the high voltage battery housing cannot be guaranteed to last for the whole lifetime of the vehicle.After the vehicle has been in use for a longer period of time, the high voltage battery housing could therefore corrode under certain specific environmental conditions. In this case, the sealing effect of the battery housing could then gradually be compromised, allowing moisture to penetrate the battery. This could lead to insulation failure, resulting in it being impossible to restart the vehicle once the engine has been switched off. Furthermore, this could increase the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle…The polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe air-conditioning system's condensed-water drainage hose may be blocked, which may cause water to enter into the vehicle's interior.Consequently, any electrical components installed there could be corroded and/or subjected to short circuits or leakage currents. As a result, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit could stop working, the vehicle may fail to start, the engine emergency run could be activated while the vehicle is in motion, and the functioning of other components (e.g. the fuel pump, automatic/manual emergency call) could be adversely affected. This would increase the risk of injury and accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe right-hand bracket on the right-hand rear seat designed to attach the child seat to the ISOFIX anchor point may be missing.As a result, there would be no restraining effect provided by the ISOFIX lower anchorage system and the child seat would not be sufficiently secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe bolts on the cross-member or the coupling device may not have been tightened with the correct torque.As a result, the cross-member could become detached from the vehicle whilst another vehicle is being towed, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe quantity of oil in the dual-clutch gearbox may be too high.This can result in impaired torque transmission and potentially increased CO2 emissions.In addition, in extreme driving situations, gearbox oil might leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.Moreover, the leaking gearbox oil might come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe quantity of oil in the dual-clutch gearbox may be too low or too high.This can result in impaired torque transmission, gearbox failure and potentially increased CO2 emissions.In addition, in extreme driving situations, gearbox oil might leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.Moreover, the leaking gearbox oil might come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe oil-supply pipe on the turbocharger may leak.As a result, engine oil could leak onto the under-body paneling and from there onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.Moreover, leaking engine oil might come into contact with hot components in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe screws on the rear axle might not be tightened properly, which could lead to overloading of other screw connections.This can result in loss of wheel control and consequently to loss of control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe four self-locking nuts used to attach the airbag might not have been correctly tightened.As a result, in the event of an accident in which the airbag was deployed, it could become detached from its base plate, failing to provide its restraining effect and increasing the risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2020, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class owners report?
12 of the 21 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
While stopped at a red light, my 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 unexpectedly shut off and shifted into Neutral without warning. All warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and a message instructed me to release the brake and restart the engine. The vehicle restarted, but this has now happened twice. The check engine light remains illuminated most of the time. This unexpected engine shutdown creates a safety hazard because the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while in traffic. If this were to occur while crossing an intersection or during other traffic conditions, it could increase the risk of a…
While driving at highway speed, I experienced a sudden loss of engine power with no warning. This created an immediate safety hazard for myself and other drivers. The vehicle was diagnosed by Mercedes-Benz of Georgetown as requiring a full engine replacement (~$19,000). This failure is consistent with a known defect in the 2.0L M260 engine used in the 2020 A220, involving premature wear of exhaust valve seat rings and valve guides, causing leaking valves, loss of compression, and catastrophic engine failure. Mercedes-Benz of Georgetown performed a warranty cylinder head replacement on this…
There was a rear camera recall in 2022 which I had fixed they did a software upgrade. The EXACT same issue has returned . It’s really dangerous when backing out of spaces and I can’t see. I took to dealership and they claim my license plate cover is the issue however even without the cover the exact problem with camera exists it is the same failure
My 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 experienced the same defect described in NHTSA Recall 21V961000 (fuel injector leakage and potential fire hazard). In March 2023, my vehicle was diagnosed with leaking fuel injectors that were causing fuel to leak back through electrical connections, creating circuit issues and a fire risk. I paid $2,902.65 out-of-pocket at a certified service center to have all four OEM fuel injectors replaced (invoice available). Later, I took my car to a Mercedes-Benz dealership, where they performed additional work on the fuel injector system at no cost to me. The service advisor…
August 2024 the dealership had my vehicle for over a month for major engine repairs after the motor mount snapped on the freeway and since then I only drove 3661 miles and I’m now convinced that they miss diagnosed and missed something It never drove the same after so on June 24th I was driving home and the engine seized and almost ejected me from the vehicle and I thank god for seatbelts The car was towed to the dealership and no loaner nor communication for 3 weeks Then tried to charge me $5000 then $3500 to do a teardown after telling me a week ago that I have catastrophic engine failure…
August 2024 Engine mount broke and almost crashed my car the dealership did this: Rear engine support replace Remove/install complete wheel Engine compartment paneling, bottom Centre remove/install The torque struts were replaced N torque strut fasteners It had 38,195 miles I had engine trouble while driving on June 24th and towed it to dealership It has 41.856 not even 3661 The brakes locked and almost ejected me from car thank god for seatbelts Towed to dealership and they tell me a week and a couple days later saying it has catastrophic engine failure They have had my car almost 2 weeks no…
The drivetrain/shaft is causing rumbling in the vehicle when accelerating and decelerating, typically around highway speeds. after more investigation the parts used on the a220 were also used on the gle350 that were recalled for having the same issues however the a220 wasn’t recalled for those issues.
I used the factory installed remote start via the Mercedes me app, and within a couple of minutes the car was in flames.
Vehicle makes popping/clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. Is worse when vehicle is cold. Causes rough driving.
I was driving and I got coolant error on my dashboard. It came and then off. I pulled over and nothing seemed wrong with my engine. I restarted and headed home. The error was still on but the car was driving fine. I was trying to make it home. The car suddenly had all sorts of errors. It told me that my car was undrivable. I had no control over my car going 55 mph on a highway. I was luck to steer the car to the side of the road. Even when I was on the side of the road, I could not put it in park. It kept telling me my car was in danger of rolling away. I had my husband come meet me on the…
The first incident: upon departing from our location and pulling out onto the highway, the car's check engine light appeared, and immediately went into "limp mode." This occurrence caused the car to not go over 9 miles per hour. After this occurred, we placed the hazard lights on immediately to find a safe place to pull over to. Being that this incident occurred very suddenly, oncoming traffic was forced to go around us, thus placing us unnecessarily in harm's way. After arriving to a safe location, MBUSA Roadside Assistance was notified, and the car was then towed back (over 350 miles) to the…
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (9, 42.9%), engine (8, 38.1%), back over prevention (4, 19%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
Across 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (42.9% of complaints), engine (38.1% of complaints), back over prevention (19% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (19% of complaints), power train (19% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class had engine failures?
3 of the 21 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (14.3%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "While driving at highway speed, I experienced a sudden loss of engine power with no warning. This created an immediate safety hazard for myself and other drivers." (NHTSA complaint 11742453, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own A-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only.