Mercedes-Benz A 160
Joint development with Renault (H5Ht). Cylinder bore coating: NANOSLIDE. Compact and economical, but somewhat strained under high load. Also used as PHEV base (250e).
Modern Entry-Level
80 kW from the Renault-sourced engine — modest, but the W177 is agile enough to make the best of it. The chassis is better than the engine deserves.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Some M282 engines show early increased oil consumption from defective piston rings and oil scraper rings. The problem sometimes appears at low mileages.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between service visits, occasionally slight blue smoke when accelerating
Some M282 engines show progressive oil consumption from low mileage. Cause: defective oil rings or pistons. Direct injection washes oil off the cylinder wall.
Symptoms: Regular oil top-ups required, no visible leaks, no smoke from exhaust
The M282 turbocharger can lose power at higher mileage from bearing wear or leaking charge air pipes. The wastegate actuator can deliver incorrect signals.
Symptoms: Power drop at full throttle, whistling in the engine bay, boost pressure too low warning (P0299)
The M282 1.3T (co-developed with Renault) shows similar thermostat problems to the predecessor M270 family. A simple replacement often does not resolve the issue permanently.
Symptoms: Engine does not reach operating temperature reliably, temperature gauge fluctuates, increased fuel consumption
As a direct-injection engine without port injection, the M282 lacks the cleaning action of fuel on the intake valves. Carbon deposits can impair gas flow from around 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough idle, slight power loss, occasional misfires on cold start
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
On 135,454 A-Class W177 vehicles (production Sept. 2017 – Feb. 2019) the A/C condensate drain hose was not correctly routed. Condensation water could enter the footwell and cause short circuits.
Defective A/C connections can lead to fire risk. A recall was issued. Affected vehicles should be checked for completion of the recall.
The MBUX infotainment system freezes or restarts spontaneously. Navigation, Bluetooth and voice control fail. Software updates usually only temporarily resolve the problem.
The MBUX system in the W177 shows sporadic issues in practice: frozen screen, incorrect traffic sign recognition and Bluetooth connection drops. Software updates are needed; on older vehicles problems are persistent.
Due to the high quiescent current draw of the numerous control units and driver assistance systems in the W177, the starter battery is particularly at risk during short-distance use and seasonally operated vehicles.
Reports & Tests
71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2018–2025). Most reported: Electrical (24), Other (20), Engine (14).