2020 Mercedes-Benz A 220 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#2 most-complained of 4 A 220 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A 220 has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 2nd worst out of 4 model years, earning a Caution verdict. It has 20 NHTSA complaints, 10 recalls, 1 crash, and 1 fire, with Electrical System and Engine issues tied as top problem areas.
- Complaints
- 20
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 24 city / 34.5 hwy
Top 2020 Mercedes-Benz A 220 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System8 (40%)
- Engine8 (40%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (25%)
- Other5 (25%)
- Fuel System4 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (20%)
- Steering2 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (10%)
- Airbags1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
What owners report
- Owners report the remote start feature triggering a fire shortly after activation via the mobile app.
- Some vehicles lost start-up function entirely, with the digital panel and warning lights failing after the transmission software could not communicate with the vehicle's control unit.
- Several owners report delays getting recall parts for the back-over prevention camera and electrical system campaigns, leaving the defects unresolved for extended periods.
- Steering wheels have made popping or clicking noises during turns, especially in cold weather, described as causing rough driving.
- Drivetrain or shaft components have caused rumbling during acceleration and deceleration at highway speeds.
- One owner reported an engine mount failure that nearly caused a crash, requiring replacement of the rear engine support and torque struts.
2020 Mercedes-Benz A 220 recalls
10 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V481000Jul 24, 2026Structure & Body310,667 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
- NHTSA 23V732000Nov 1, 2023Brakes42,742 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- NHTSA 22V365000May 20, 2022Electrical System242,722 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
2020 Mercedes-Benz A 220 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 34.5 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,850
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other A 220 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A 220 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2020 A 220 has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 2nd worst among the 4 model years with data, earning a Caution verdict. It has 20 complaints and 10 recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2020 A 220?
- Electrical System and Engine issues each account for 40% of complaints (8 complaints each), making them the top reported problem areas.
- Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A 220 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2020 A 220, covering the Electrical System, Fuel System, Brakes, Suspension, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, and Structure & Body components.
- How does the 2020 A 220 compare to other years?
- The 2020 A 220 (Complaint Index 67) ranks worse than the 2021 model (Complaint Index 33, verdict Good) but better than the 2019 model (Complaint Index 100, verdict Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A 220?
- The EPA rates the 2020 A 220 at 28 mpg combined (24 city / 34.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,850.