2020 Mercedes Benz A 220 problems

POWER TRAIN

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 crash. In March 2023, an independent repair facility diagnosed all four fuel injectors as leaking fuel through the electrical connections, causing circuit problems, and warned there was a fuel leak. All four fuel injectors were replaced. In October 2023, a Mercedes-Benz dealership diagnosed rough idle, misfires, lean mixture fault codes, and excessive leakage in cylinder #4. Mercedes replaced the entire cylinder head under warranty. The vehicle is now experiencing unexpected engine stalls despite these previous repairs. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the repeated engine-related failures and unexpected stalling present a potential safety concern. I am aware of a Mercedes recall involving fuel system components on certain A220 vehicles. My VIN is not included, but I am reporting this because my vehicle has experienced repeated fuel- and engine-related failures and now unexpectedly stalls.

NHTSA complaint #11753098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 crash. In March 2023, an independent repair facility diagnosed all four fuel injectors as leaking fuel through the electrical connections, causing circuit problems, and warned there was a fuel leak. All four fuel injectors were replaced. In October 2023, a Mercedes-Benz dealership diagnosed rough idle, misfires, lean mixture fault codes, and excessive leakage in cylinder #4. Mercedes replaced the entire cylinder head under warranty. The vehicle is now experiencing unexpected engine stalls despite these previous repairs. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the repeated engine-related failures and unexpected stalling present a potential safety concern. I am aware of a Mercedes recall involving fuel system components on certain A220 vehicles. My VIN is not included, but I am reporting this because my vehicle has experienced repeated fuel- and engine-related failures and now unexpectedly stalls.

NHTSA complaint #11753098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 crash. In March 2023, an independent repair facility diagnosed all four fuel injectors as leaking fuel through the electrical connections, causing circuit problems, and warned there was a fuel leak. All four fuel injectors were replaced. In October 2023, a Mercedes-Benz dealership diagnosed rough idle, misfires, lean mixture fault codes, and excessive leakage in cylinder #4. Mercedes replaced the entire cylinder head under warranty. The vehicle is now experiencing unexpected engine stalls despite these previous repairs. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the repeated engine-related failures and unexpected stalling present a potential safety concern. I am aware of a Mercedes recall involving fuel system components on certain A220 vehicles. My VIN is not included, but I am reporting this because my vehicle has experienced repeated fuel- and engine-related failures and now unexpectedly stalls.

NHTSA complaint #11753098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The car shakes above 60mph

NHTSA complaint #11743938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The car shakes above 60mph

NHTSA complaint #11743938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 same engine just five months prior (12/09/2025). The vehicle has been serviced primarily at the authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, driven under 10,000 miles/year, and purchased new in January 2020. Mercedes-Benz USA has acknowledged the defect by covering engine parts but is refusing to cover $6,733.38 in labor costs, leaving me with a $5,000 out-of-pocket expense for their manufacturing defect. Case Number: 22307804.”

NHTSA complaint #11742453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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

NHTSA complaint #11695461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 stated that this was covered under a recall/service campaign related to the fuel injector defect. This shows Mercedes-Benz has already acknowledged that my car was affected by the exact same issue covered under Recall 21V961000. However, I was told my VIN [XXX] ) is not officially included in the recall population, and Mercedes-Benz USA has declined to reimburse me for the $2,800+ repair. I believe my vehicle should have been included in the recall population and request that NHTSA review whether the recall scope should be expanded. I also request reimbursement for the repair costs I incurred prior to Mercedes-Benz performing the recall-related fix for free. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11687627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 stated that this was covered under a recall/service campaign related to the fuel injector defect. This shows Mercedes-Benz has already acknowledged that my car was affected by the exact same issue covered under Recall 21V961000. However, I was told my VIN [XXX] ) is not officially included in the recall population, and Mercedes-Benz USA has declined to reimburse me for the $2,800+ repair. I believe my vehicle should have been included in the recall population and request that NHTSA review whether the recall scope should be expanded. I also request reimbursement for the repair costs I incurred prior to Mercedes-Benz performing the recall-related fix for free. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11687627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 that is not fixable at all Last Thursday and Friday they did teardown to see what caused this and I am covered under warranty The service manager called me yesterday morning stating it is the 2 rod bearing that caused bright gold metal shavings in my engine oil that caused a catastrophic engine failure I requested that the service manager send me the written report so I can see He said nope it’s internal between him and Mercedes USA 🇺🇸 I explained I am the rightful owner of this vehicle and I have the right to know but more importantly I am scared and feel very unsafe to drive that vehicle again especially after the 2 times in under a year and now what about my transmission and other major components of my car Also I know they will report this car as a salvage or engine replacement under warranty on carfax which hurts the value of my car I did write a demand letter last night to Mercedes Benz consumer affairs and Mercedes USA 🇺🇸 to get me that information to protect my legal rights, warranty and resale value of my car Can you help N before the 2 major and catastrophic engine failure The electrical motor went out 2 x and had to be replaced Air bags The sunroof needed a complete replacement due to electrical Steering issues Suspension Major tire pressure issues

NHTSA complaint #11675251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 that is not fixable at all Last Thursday and Friday they did teardown to see what caused this and I am covered under warranty The service manager called me yesterday morning stating it is the 2 rod bearing that caused bright gold metal shavings in my engine oil that caused a catastrophic engine failure I requested that the service manager send me the written report so I can see He said nope it’s internal between him and Mercedes USA 🇺🇸 I explained I am the rightful owner of this vehicle and I have the right to know but more importantly I am scared and feel very unsafe to drive that vehicle again especially after the 2 times in under a year and now what about my transmission and other major components of my car Also I know they will report this car as a salvage or engine replacement under warranty on carfax which hurts the value of my car I did write a demand letter last night to Mercedes Benz consumer affairs and Mercedes USA 🇺🇸 to get me that information to protect my legal rights, warranty and resale value of my car Can you help N before the 2 major and catastrophic engine failure The electrical motor went out 2 x and had to be replaced Air bags The sunroof needed a complete replacement due to electrical Steering issues Suspension Major tire pressure issues

NHTSA complaint #11675251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 that is not fixable at all Last Thursday and Friday they did teardown to see what caused this and I am covered under warranty The service manager called me yesterday morning stating it is the 2 rod bearing that caused bright gold metal shavings in my engine oil that caused a catastrophic engine failure I requested that the service manager send me the written report so I can see He said nope it’s internal between him and Mercedes USA 🇺🇸 I explained I am the rightful owner of this vehicle and I have the right to know but more importantly I am scared and feel very unsafe to drive that vehicle again especially after the 2 times in under a year and now what about my transmission and other major components of my car Also I know they will report this car as a salvage or engine replacement under warranty on carfax which hurts the value of my car I did write a demand letter last night to Mercedes Benz consumer affairs and Mercedes USA 🇺🇸 to get me that information to protect my legal rights, warranty and resale value of my car Can you help N before the 2 major and catastrophic engine failure The electrical motor went out 2 x and had to be replaced Air bags The sunroof needed a complete replacement due to electrical Steering issues Suspension Major tire pressure issues

NHTSA complaint #11675251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has experienced a recurring and extremely dangerous transmission malfunction beginning around 15,000 miles and continuing through 75,000 miles. While driving on both highways and main streets, the car would suddenly stall and shift itself into neutral. A warning message would appear on the dash saying “Cannot reverse – take to dealer.” The gas pedal would become unresponsive, and although I would try to shift back into Drive, the car would not move. The vehicle would slowly lose power and come to a stop in the middle of the road/highway, leaving me completely stranded in traffic with no safe way to move the car. On one occasion, I panicked while stopped in the road and attempted to switch into manual mode with paddle shifters and back to Drive — this briefly worked and allowed me to coast to a safe location. However, on the most recent and most dangerous incident, the car showed cannot reverse take to dealer the switch to “Transmission Malfunction – Stop Vehicle” and no tricks worked. I was stuck in traffic on the highway,for a few minutes unable to drive, until I turned the vehicle off and on multiple times, after which it allowed me to shift back into Drive and exit the roadway. Experiencing the worse anxiety I’ve ever felt in my life as I was just thinking I was going to get hit at full speed and die. This issue has happened multiple times and created life-threatening situations every time and emotional stress. Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged the defect by approving a manufacturer buyback, but the defect has never been fully repaired as of yet. My car is still at dealer. I am filing this complaint to alert NHTSA of this recurring and unsafe issue in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Other drivers may experience the same malfunction, and this could result in serious accidents or fatalities if not addressed through investigation or recall.

NHTSA complaint #11674152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has experienced a recurring and extremely dangerous transmission malfunction beginning around 15,000 miles and continuing through 75,000 miles. While driving on both highways and main streets, the car would suddenly stall and shift itself into neutral. A warning message would appear on the dash saying “Cannot reverse – take to dealer.” The gas pedal would become unresponsive, and although I would try to shift back into Drive, the car would not move. The vehicle would slowly lose power and come to a stop in the middle of the road/highway, leaving me completely stranded in traffic with no safe way to move the car. On one occasion, I panicked while stopped in the road and attempted to switch into manual mode with paddle shifters and back to Drive — this briefly worked and allowed me to coast to a safe location. However, on the most recent and most dangerous incident, the car showed cannot reverse take to dealer the switch to “Transmission Malfunction – Stop Vehicle” and no tricks worked. I was stuck in traffic on the highway,for a few minutes unable to drive, until I turned the vehicle off and on multiple times, after which it allowed me to shift back into Drive and exit the roadway. Experiencing the worse anxiety I’ve ever felt in my life as I was just thinking I was going to get hit at full speed and die. This issue has happened multiple times and created life-threatening situations every time and emotional stress. Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged the defect by approving a manufacturer buyback, but the defect has never been fully repaired as of yet. My car is still at dealer. I am filing this complaint to alert NHTSA of this recurring and unsafe issue in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Other drivers may experience the same malfunction, and this could result in serious accidents or fatalities if not addressed through investigation or recall.

NHTSA complaint #11674152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

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 loaner no response until I kept showing up at dealership I want a buyback or a complete replacement due to the car is unsafe to drive and I’m positive it has something to due with previous work they did or didn’t diagnose previous issue properly or used faulty parts

NHTSA complaint #11671828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 loaner no response until I kept showing up at dealership I want a buyback or a complete replacement due to the car is unsafe to drive and I’m positive it has something to due with previous work they did or didn’t diagnose previous issue properly or used faulty parts

NHTSA complaint #11671828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 loaner no response until I kept showing up at dealership I want a buyback or a complete replacement due to the car is unsafe to drive and I’m positive it has something to due with previous work they did or didn’t diagnose previous issue properly or used faulty parts

NHTSA complaint #11671828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11670557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Vehicle makes popping/clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. Is worse when vehicle is cold. Causes rough driving.

NHTSA complaint #11637159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle makes popping/clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. Is worse when vehicle is cold. Causes rough driving.

NHTSA complaint #11637159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 side of the road and he parked behind me so that my car did not roll away. I was on a slight incline on 32. We then waited for a tow truck. During that time, I tried to restart my car - only for it to give me undriveable, blind spot assist inoperative, errors. I could remember all of them. The tow truck guy had no idea what was going on either. My car spent 22 days at the dealership. It took them days to figure out what might be going on. Obviously the PMC module was bad. But why? They think condensation or leak from the AC hose had caused this problem. They found corrosion on the wire harness connector to PCM and on the PMC pins. They replaced the PMC and cleaned the pins. They got the car running - however, a week later, the same issue started happening. Now my battery said is was not charging. We figured it was time to change the battery anyway but it still will not turn on. I just had a full 50k service complete at this dealership in May 2024 There may be further damage to the system that the dealer realized. My car still does not run and I don't feel safe driving it when I can power it up.

NHTSA complaint #11604898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 side of the road and he parked behind me so that my car did not roll away. I was on a slight incline on 32. We then waited for a tow truck. During that time, I tried to restart my car - only for it to give me undriveable, blind spot assist inoperative, errors. I could remember all of them. The tow truck guy had no idea what was going on either. My car spent 22 days at the dealership. It took them days to figure out what might be going on. Obviously the PMC module was bad. But why? They think condensation or leak from the AC hose had caused this problem. They found corrosion on the wire harness connector to PCM and on the PMC pins. They replaced the PMC and cleaned the pins. They got the car running - however, a week later, the same issue started happening. Now my battery said is was not charging. We figured it was time to change the battery anyway but it still will not turn on. I just had a full 50k service complete at this dealership in May 2024 There may be further damage to the system that the dealer realized. My car still does not run and I don't feel safe driving it when I can power it up.

NHTSA complaint #11604898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I went to OffLease Only to purchase a vehicle and when I got there it was already a hot day which is expected because it was summer time but I didn't expect to be there for that long. The inventory is 800+ which means you're searching for a while before coming across anything. When we finally got done and went to finance I was just ready to go. I didn't realize how high the interest rate was especially compared to my previous loan. My credit was run an extensive amount of times also. Just found out the accident the vehicle was in is now causing issues to the car and it's value. I would like for OffLease to pay off the remaining balance on the vehicle and also return all the payments made on the vehicle. Also, have the title sent over to me when it's all done.

NHTSA complaint #11542951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.