Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W168
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W168 is available with 6 engine variants — from 60 to 140 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz A 160 CDI (Diesel, 60–75 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM668 (1998–2001, Stay Away!) und OM668 (2001–2004, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the A 160 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz A 170 CDI (Diesel, 90–95 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM668 (1998–2001, Stay Away!) und OM668 (1998–2001, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the A 170 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz A 140 (Benziner, 82 PS) has the M166 (1.4-2.1L NA) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz A 160 (Benziner, 102 PS) has the M166 (1.4-2.1L NA) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz A 190 (Benziner, 125 PS) has the M166 (1.4-2.1L NA) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz A 210 (Benziner, 140 PS) has the M166 (1.4-2.1L NA) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Sills and Underbody Perforated by Rust Water collects between wheel arch liner and sill, keeping it permanently damp. Extensive through-rusting of side sills including structural damage. Older examples regularly severely affected. Symptoms: Rust bubbles on outer sill surface, creaking when getting in, visible rust under rear doors from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Rust on Rear Wheel Arches Rear wheel arches rust extensively, sometimes with risk of perforation. Door sills and tailgate also frequently affected. Vehicles over approximately 8 years without regular care are severely at risk. Symptoms: Rust bubbles at inner wheel arch edge, visible rust at door sill from 110,000 km | Medium | |
| Rust damage to door hinges Door hinges rust from the inside out and can break, causing the door to sag and requiring lifting to close properly. Particularly on vehicles without regular underbody maintenance. Symptoms: Door hangs out of alignment, can only be closed properly by lifting, visible rust on hinge from 120,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Honda Jazz GD
Kleinwagen (2002–2008)
Hyundai Getz TB
Kleinwagen (2002–2009)
MINI MINI R53
Kleinwagen (2002–2006)
MINI MINI Cooper S R53
Kleinwagen (2002–2006)
Ford Fiesta JH
Kleinwagen (2001–2008)
VW Polo IV (9N)
Kleinwagen (2001–2005)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W168 (1997–2004) — 13 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: M166 (1.4-2.1L NA), OM668 (1.7L Diesel). Typical issues affect Rust, Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics.
A-Klasse (OM668, 1998–2001) — Stay Away!: Injectors Leaking — Copper Sealing Ring Failed, Seized Injectors on Removal, Timing Chain Stretches — Engine Damage Possible. Power: 60 PS.
A-Klasse (OM668, 1998–2001) — Stay Away!: Injectors Leaking — Copper Sealing Ring Failed, Seized Injectors on Removal, Timing Chain Stretches — Engine Damage Possible. Power: 90–95 PS.
A-Klasse (OM668, 2001–2004) — Stay Away!: Injectors Leaking — Copper Sealing Ring Failed, Seized Injectors on Removal, Timing Chain Stretches — Engine Damage Possible. Power: 75 PS.
A-Klasse (M166, 1997–2004) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Wears Prematurely, Oil Creeping in Wiring Harness Damages ECU, Crankshaft Sensor Fails — Engine Dies Suddenly. Power: 82 PS.
A-Klasse (M166, 1997–2004) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Wears Prematurely, Oil Creeping in Wiring Harness Damages ECU, Crankshaft Sensor Fails — Engine Dies Suddenly. Power: 102 PS.
A-Klasse (M166, 1999–2004) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Wears Prematurely, Oil Creeping in Wiring Harness Damages ECU, Crankshaft Sensor Fails — Engine Dies Suddenly. Power: 125 PS.
A-Klasse (M166, 2001–2004) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Wears Prematurely, Oil Creeping in Wiring Harness Damages ECU, Crankshaft Sensor Fails — Engine Dies Suddenly. Power: 136–140 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W168 have? +
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Which Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W168 engine is the most fun? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee