2004 Mercedes-Benz A190
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz A190 is a subcompact car known for its practicality and fuel efficiency. The A190 featured a 1.9-liter inline-4 engine producing approximately 125 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the A-Class included smaller displacement gasoline and diesel engines. The A190 typically came with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate its compact size for city driving, its relatively spacious interior for its class, and its fuel economy. Common criticisms include its somewhat quirky styling, potential for higher maintenance costs associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand, and sometimes a less engaging driving experience compared to other vehicles.
Engine
1.9L Inline-4 (M266)
- Engine Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration, clunking noises during acceleration or deceleration, visibly worn or cracked engine mounts.
- Solution: Replacement of the engine mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Poor engine performance, rough idling, stalling, decreased fuel economy, check engine light illumination.
- Solution: Replacement of the MAF sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks around the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak locations include the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected gaskets and seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $600+ (depending on the location and complexity of the leak)
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Difficulty Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging gears, especially first or reverse, grinding noises during shifting, clutch pedal feels stiff or sticky.
- Solution: Possible causes include worn clutch components (clutch disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing), a faulty clutch master or slave cylinder, or low transmission fluid. Diagnosis is needed to determine the exact cause.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ (depending on the parts needing replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Automatic Transmission
- Rough Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, erratic shifting behavior, transmission warning light illumination.
- Solution: Could be caused by low or contaminated transmission fluid, faulty solenoids, or internal transmission damage. A transmission fluid flush and filter change might resolve minor issues. More serious problems require transmission repair or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $3000+ (depending on the severity and whether repair or replacement is needed)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Suspension Components
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps, excessive bouncing, uneven tire wear, poor handling. Common culprits include worn ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, and shock absorbers/struts.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn suspension components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (per axle, depending on the parts needing replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Broken Coil Springs
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting lower on one side, clunking noises from the suspension, especially when turning.
- Solution: Replacement of the broken coil spring(s). It is recommended to replace coil springs in pairs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (per pair)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Central Locking System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking properly, remote key not working, alarm system malfunctioning.
- Solution: Could be caused by a faulty door lock actuator, a defective central locking control module, or wiring issues. Diagnosis is needed to pinpoint the exact problem.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the component needing replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, warning lights illuminating erratically, display flickering or failing.
- Solution: Possible causes include a faulty instrument cluster, wiring issues, or a defective sensor. Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the severity and repair options)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on body panels, especially around wheel wells, door sills, and undercarriage.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of rusted body panels.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on the extent of the rust)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Power Window Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Windows not going up or down, motor noise when attempting to use the window switch.
- Solution: Replacement of the power window motor or regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ (per window)
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Conditioning Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning not blowing cold air, weak airflow, unusual noises from the AC compressor.
- Solution: Possible causes include a refrigerant leak, a faulty AC compressor, a defective condenser, or a clogged expansion valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the component needing repair or replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz A190, while praised for its practicality, can suffer from various issues, particularly related to engine mounts, MAF sensor, oil leaks, and transmission problems. Suspension and electrical problems, such as worn components and central locking malfunctions, are also relatively common. Interior issues like power window failure and air conditioning problems can also occur. The severity and cost of repairs vary widely, ranging from minor fixes to more expensive component replacements, especially in the engine and transmission categories. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider a thorough inspection before purchasing a used 2004 A190.