FaultScore

FaultScore report

2019 Mercedes Benz A 220 problems

Owners have filed 61 complaints about the 2019 Mercedes Benz A 220 with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026. The largest single group is the other & unspecified. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.

C

FaultScore 59/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercedes Benz A 220.

How this is worked out

The numbers

61

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

6,250 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

83%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 78 vs 50 Severity 0 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 78
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz A 220. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
83% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2019 compares with every other Mercedes Benz A 220

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2019 Mercedes Benz A 220

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Median failure at 738 miles

Engine & Cooling 8 13.1%

Median failure at 18,500 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 6 9.8%

Median failure at 100 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 6 9.8%

Median failure at 59,000 miles

Airbags 5 8.2%

Median failure at 2,500 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 3 4.9%

Median failure at 28,000 miles

Steering 3 4.9%

Median failure at 100 miles

Suspension 2 3.3%
Stability & Traction Control 1 1.6%

Median failure at 100 miles

Wheels 1 1.6%
Brakes 1 1.6%
Transmission & Drivetrain 1 1.6%

Median failure at 1,344 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 4 33.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 16.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 16.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 16.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 2 16.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

May 2019 peak 6 Jul 2026

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Juneau, WI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving home from work down the hwy, when the sun visor shade fell down and hit me in the head and covered my face, temporarily blinding me, like a blanket was pulled over my face. It's very difficult to see the road or other drivers when you are blinded at 70mph! Car only had 15,500 miles on it...

NHTSA complaint #11751546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Los Angeles, CA

ENGINE

Thermostat failed making car over heat also sunroof failed due to cheap rolling up shade device getting stuck , when car was less than 4 years old with very little use.

NHTSA complaint #11735327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Walnut Creek, CA

ENGINE

Vehicle: 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 VIN: [XXX] Dealer: Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek, CA) I am reporting multiple safety defects involving federally regulated systems. The vehicle has repeatedly activated emergency braking at freeway speeds without reason, posing a significant risk of collision. The brake assist warning appears frequently, and both the front and rear proximity/collision sensors display a full red warning state with continuous audible alerts. These alerts cannot be cleared without manually disabling the safety system each time the vehicle is started. One of the sensors physically detached from the vehicle. Backup and parking assist features do not function correctly, and the vehicle repeatedly shows malfunction warnings. The dealer verbally stated that a “manufacturer-covered engine repair” was needed, but would not disclose the nature of the repair or whether it relates to these safety issues. After two weeks in their possession, the dealer refused to provide written documentation of any diagnostics or repairs performed. They attempted to return the vehicle without confirming whether it is safe to operate and threatened storage fees when I requested written confirmation. These issues involve systems covered under FMVSS 101, 111, 126, and 135, including electronic stability control, braking, rear visibility, and driver-interface warnings. The failures pose a clear safety risk to the driver and other motorists. I am requesting NHTSA review these defects for potential investigation or recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11701972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Walnut Creek, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

Vehicle: 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 VIN: [XXX] Dealer: Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek, CA) I am reporting multiple safety defects involving federally regulated systems. The vehicle has repeatedly activated emergency braking at freeway speeds without reason, posing a significant risk of collision. The brake assist warning appears frequently, and both the front and rear proximity/collision sensors display a full red warning state with continuous audible alerts. These alerts cannot be cleared without manually disabling the safety system each time the vehicle is started. One of the sensors physically detached from the vehicle. Backup and parking assist features do not function correctly, and the vehicle repeatedly shows malfunction warnings. The dealer verbally stated that a “manufacturer-covered engine repair” was needed, but would not disclose the nature of the repair or whether it relates to these safety issues. After two weeks in their possession, the dealer refused to provide written documentation of any diagnostics or repairs performed. They attempted to return the vehicle without confirming whether it is safe to operate and threatened storage fees when I requested written confirmation. These issues involve systems covered under FMVSS 101, 111, 126, and 135, including electronic stability control, braking, rear visibility, and driver-interface warnings. The failures pose a clear safety risk to the driver and other motorists. I am requesting NHTSA review these defects for potential investigation or recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11701972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Walnut Creek, CA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Vehicle: 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 VIN: [XXX] Dealer: Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek, CA) I am reporting multiple safety defects involving federally regulated systems. The vehicle has repeatedly activated emergency braking at freeway speeds without reason, posing a significant risk of collision. The brake assist warning appears frequently, and both the front and rear proximity/collision sensors display a full red warning state with continuous audible alerts. These alerts cannot be cleared without manually disabling the safety system each time the vehicle is started. One of the sensors physically detached from the vehicle. Backup and parking assist features do not function correctly, and the vehicle repeatedly shows malfunction warnings. The dealer verbally stated that a “manufacturer-covered engine repair” was needed, but would not disclose the nature of the repair or whether it relates to these safety issues. After two weeks in their possession, the dealer refused to provide written documentation of any diagnostics or repairs performed. They attempted to return the vehicle without confirming whether it is safe to operate and threatened storage fees when I requested written confirmation. These issues involve systems covered under FMVSS 101, 111, 126, and 135, including electronic stability control, braking, rear visibility, and driver-interface warnings. The failures pose a clear safety risk to the driver and other motorists. I am requesting NHTSA review these defects for potential investigation or recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11701972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Canoga Park, CA

AIR BAGS

Srs light on Mercedes told me no recalls

NHTSA complaint #11697271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tuscaloosa, AL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving the car shuts off and unable to restart. It will turn over but not remain started enough to move the vehicle. I did notice it jerk when speed was increased a few times before. Fuel pump was replaced less than a year ago according to Mercedes in Tuscaloosa Alabama. . After a certified Mercedes mechanic inspected the vehicle I was told it was the fuel pump once again. $4000+ later and I am having the same issue. Very frustrating to be stranded with my kids in the car.

NHTSA complaint #11693128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redondo Beach, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have had numerous issues with my 2019 A220. At 92k mi my cylinder head had to be replaced. My check engine light came on and they said there was a cylinder head leak. At 108k miles I had to have it replaced yet again because my car lost power driving uphill when shifting between 4th and 5th gear. Now at 112k mi the check engine light came on and sure enough they need to replace all 4 ignition coils… Additionally, I have issues with my air vents. They will frequently send air out of a section I have turned off (ex. turn air on my upper body and it sends air to my feet instead). Somewhat related but whenever I turn my car off it makes a lot of strange noises on the inside of the car by my entertainment center, almost similar to a stomach grumbling/farting noises. Lastly, I’ve had issues with trying to close my windows and they’ll close fully but then drop down half an inch or so afterward.

NHTSA complaint #11673239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redondo Beach, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have had numerous issues with my 2019 A220. At 92k mi my cylinder head had to be replaced. My check engine light came on and they said there was a cylinder head leak. At 108k miles I had to have it replaced yet again because my car lost power driving uphill when shifting between 4th and 5th gear. Now at 112k mi the check engine light came on and sure enough they need to replace all 4 ignition coils… Additionally, I have issues with my air vents. They will frequently send air out of a section I have turned off (ex. turn air on my upper body and it sends air to my feet instead). Somewhat related but whenever I turn my car off it makes a lot of strange noises on the inside of the car by my entertainment center, almost similar to a stomach grumbling/farting noises. Lastly, I’ve had issues with trying to close my windows and they’ll close fully but then drop down half an inch or so afterward.

NHTSA complaint #11673239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redondo Beach, CA

ENGINE

I have had numerous issues with my 2019 A220. At 92k mi my cylinder head had to be replaced. My check engine light came on and they said there was a cylinder head leak. At 108k miles I had to have it replaced yet again because my car lost power driving uphill when shifting between 4th and 5th gear. Now at 112k mi the check engine light came on and sure enough they need to replace all 4 ignition coils… Additionally, I have issues with my air vents. They will frequently send air out of a section I have turned off (ex. turn air on my upper body and it sends air to my feet instead). Somewhat related but whenever I turn my car off it makes a lot of strange noises on the inside of the car by my entertainment center, almost similar to a stomach grumbling/farting noises. Lastly, I’ve had issues with trying to close my windows and they’ll close fully but then drop down half an inch or so afterward.

NHTSA complaint #11673239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The tow hook and strap used when necessary to tow a car and that is stowed under the car or behind the rear bumper and accessed through a small door on the bumper spontaneously deployed while I was driving. It flew up against the side of the car, causing minor damage, damaged and partially dislodged the rear bumper, and the hook embedded in the right rear tire, causing it to go flat. I am waiting to learn whether there is additional damage to the underside of the car such as to a brake line. The parts are available for inspection. This is not a problem to be reproduced! I have photos showing the car and the hook in my tire. The only warning light appeared after the tire started losing pressure, but the thump sound as the hook and strap hit my car, and as the tire rotated and drove over the hook alerted me first. The weather was clear, there was no immediate traffic, no obstacles in the road. No sign of a bullet or something to cause it to deploy.

NHTSA complaint #11631621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Los Angeles, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sun roof not working since 2023 The roller shade needs to be replaced very BAD design . I took to the dealer to diagnose the problem cost me $200.0 to diagnose no money back I thought it was an electronic issue not because used very cheap rolling shades very under used accessories. Yes I can drive the car paid probably $4,000 for sunroof does not work.

NHTSA complaint #11631301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Philadelphia, PA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly began to shake and vibrate violently, after which there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the fuel injectors and the crankcase ventilation system. The contact was provided the following OBD codes; P1CEF85 and P1CE577. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 59,000.

NHTSA complaint #11621913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The car shakes, vibrates and has rough idling. My engines stalls when it is at low rpm. I am afraid that if this is not fixed a fuel leak could occur in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, which could increase the risk of a fire

NHTSA complaint #11621664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Philadelphia, PA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The car shakes, vibrates and has rough idling. My engines stalls when it is at low rpm. I am afraid that if this is not fixed a fuel leak could occur in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, which could increase the risk of a fire

NHTSA complaint #11621665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bridgewater, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My screens have gone black and will no longer turn on. I cannot see how much gas I have or how fast I am driving.

NHTSA complaint #11605903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Morgantown, WV

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The component or system that failed was the MBUX Hard Disk Drive (Part#: A0009062711). My car is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because when the MBUX Hard Disk Drive malfunctioned the following happened: 1) The defogger was spontaneously disabled hindering the driver's view of the road 2) The rear camera was spontaneously disabled while in active use of reversing the car risking hitting someone or something 3) Content from Satellite radio some of which was vulgar language would spontaneously blast through the car speaker on the highest volume causing the driver to become alarmed/distracted from the road with the inability to power off, mute or lower the volume because the volume, mute and power off button for the radio would malfunction. This incident caused me to slighty loose control of wheel because I was caught by suprise or shock of loud music or content coming through the speaker uninvited. Lastly, in the year 2021 a recall/remedy for this component was to be replaced by Mercedes Benz on other specific models. I do not understand why my vehicle was not added to the list of cars that required a remedy. I should NOT had to learn and experience similar impairments 3 years after a known issue. I should had been made aware of this defective part 3 years ago.

NHTSA complaint #11585251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Morgantown, WV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The component or system that failed was the MBUX Hard Disk Drive (Part#: A0009062711). My car is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because when the MBUX Hard Disk Drive malfunctioned the following happened: 1) The defogger was spontaneously disabled hindering the driver's view of the road 2) The rear camera was spontaneously disabled while in active use of reversing the car risking hitting someone or something 3) Content from Satellite radio some of which was vulgar language would spontaneously blast through the car speaker on the highest volume causing the driver to become alarmed/distracted from the road with the inability to power off, mute or lower the volume because the volume, mute and power off button for the radio would malfunction. This incident caused me to slighty loose control of wheel because I was caught by suprise or shock of loud music or content coming through the speaker uninvited. Lastly, in the year 2021 a recall/remedy for this component was to be replaced by Mercedes Benz on other specific models. I do not understand why my vehicle was not added to the list of cars that required a remedy. I should NOT had to learn and experience similar impairments 3 years after a known issue. I should had been made aware of this defective part 3 years ago.

NHTSA complaint #11585251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Morgantown, WV

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The component or system that failed was the MBUX Hard Disk Drive (Part#: A0009062711). My car is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because when the MBUX Hard Disk Drive malfunctioned the following happened: 1) The defogger was spontaneously disabled hindering the driver's view of the road 2) The rear camera was spontaneously disabled while in active use of reversing the car risking hitting someone or something 3) Content from Satellite radio some of which was vulgar language would spontaneously blast through the car speaker on the highest volume causing the driver to become alarmed/distracted from the road with the inability to power off, mute or lower the volume because the volume, mute and power off button for the radio would malfunction. This incident caused me to slighty loose control of wheel because I was caught by suprise or shock of loud music or content coming through the speaker uninvited. Lastly, in the year 2021 a recall/remedy for this component was to be replaced by Mercedes Benz on other specific models. I do not understand why my vehicle was not added to the list of cars that required a remedy. I should NOT had to learn and experience similar impairments 3 years after a known issue. I should had been made aware of this defective part 3 years ago.

NHTSA complaint #11585251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oklahoma City, OK

ENGINE

Unknown vehicle won’t go pass 20mph in first and second gear when in third gear it goes passes 20mph

NHTSA complaint #11581813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Pablo, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The moonroof is not working properly the shade part gets stuck and won’t open completely it gets to certain point and stop and shade part bunches up. I have noticed all lot of owners online with this same A220 2019 make and model and year are having the same issues. I taken it Mercedes and was told it’s no longer under warranty and that it would cost me $265 just if diagnosed.

NHTSA complaint #11580830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Pablo, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The moonroof is not working properly the shade part gets stuck and won’t open completely it gets to certain point and stop and shade part bunches up. I have noticed all lot of owners online with this same A220 2019 make and model and year are having the same issues. I taken it Mercedes and was told it’s no longer under warranty and that it would cost me $265 just if diagnosed.

NHTSA complaint #11580830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miami Gardens, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While turning on my Rear defrost to defrost my windshield I heard a explosion then my rear windshield started crackling and shattering all over. I then turned the rear defrost off. Got out to see my whole windshield has shattered from each edge corner spreading from top to bottom. But I don't smell anything burning it sounded like something had blown out but it was extremely loud.

NHTSA complaint #11566730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Englewood, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 03/10/23, I contacted the Mercedes-Benz service department regarding the black screen on the driver's side display. The Mercedes-Benz service personnel informed me that the screen needed to be replaced, with an estimated cost of around $2000. I agreed to their suggestion and authorized the replacement. Later, the Mercedes-Benz service personnel contacted me again, stating that the black screen issue was not resolved and recommended replacing the computer mainframe, which would cost over $6500. I refused their suggestion as the cost exceeded what I was willing to pay. When I went to pick up my car from the Mercedes-Benz dealership, I noticed that the central control display screen was also blacked out. I confronted them about it, and they admitted that they were responsible for the damage. However, they stated that they were not liable for compensation because I did not pay the initial $2000 for the replacement of the screen. My argument is that I was willing to pay for the replacement, but they failed to fix the screen. Why should I be held responsible for the payment? Additionally, they did not even replace the screen, so why should they use the excuse of the unpaid replacement cost to avoid compensating me for the damage they caused to my central control display? It is unfair to expect a fair exchange when they neither replaced the screen nor fixed it. I feel that this situation is an act of consumer mistreatment.

NHTSA complaint #11559413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Englewood, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The display screen of the driver's seat was damaged due to the automatic update last month. The dealer told me to replace the display screen for US$2,000. After I agreed to pay, I was told that the central control display screen was broken again and needed to be replaced for nearly US$7,000. I refused the dealer. However, the central control display screen was still good originally. Now the main driver does not have a display screen, and even the central control screen is damaged. The central control screen is damaged due to their operation. How should I protect my rights in this situation?

NHTSA complaint #11550072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.