2018 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is a high-performance hatchback known for its potent engine and sporty handling. Other engine options were not available, as the A45 AMG came standard with a single engine choice. The engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, producing 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Owners often praise its exhilarating acceleration, agile handling, and aggressive styling. Common dislikes include a firm ride quality and some concerns about long-term reliability.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M133)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, unusual noises from the engine, check engine light illumination, potential oil leaks. Premature turbo failure can occur, sometimes due to oil starvation or excessive heat.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger unit. Inspection of oil lines and cooling system to identify the root cause of the failure is recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, check engine light. The HPFP is critical for direct injection, and failures can lead to fuel delivery issues.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level, overheating, visible coolant leaks under the car. Often, the coolant leaks stem from the water pump or the thermostat housing.
  • Solution: Locate and repair the source of the leak, typically by replacing the faulty component (water pump, thermostat housing, hoses).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic (AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7)

• Hesitation/Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when accelerating, rough or jerky gear changes, especially at lower speeds. This can be due to wear in the clutch packs or issues with the transmission control unit (TCU).
  • Solution: A TCU adaptation reset can sometimes alleviate minor issues. More severe cases may require clutch pack replacement or TCU repair/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (TCU Reset) - $5,000+ (Clutch Pack Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks underneath the car near the transmission, difficulty shifting, unusual noises coming from the transmission.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking seals or gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunction (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Stiff or uncomfortable ride, error messages on the dashboard related to the suspension, uneven handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per damper
  • Recalls: None Found
• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The car will not start or starts with difficulty, particularly after sitting for a few days. This can be due to a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the drain, followed by repair or replacement of the offending component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, or unresponsive behavior from the infotainment system.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. Hardware failures may require component replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture build-up inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight seals. If the condensation is severe and damages the headlight components, the entire headlight assembly may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning parking sensors or blind spot monitoring system, error messages.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working, uneven heating, or overheating.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or the seat heater control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG offers thrilling performance, but potential owners should be aware of some common issues. Engine problems such as turbocharger and HPFP failures can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, especially hesitation and rough shifting in the dual-clutch system, should be addressed promptly. Electrical problems such as battery drain can be a nuisance. While some issues are relatively minor, others can lead to significant repair bills. Pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended to assess the vehicle’s condition.