Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

CLA-Class (C118)

2020-2025 · Compact Coupe · 1 engine
42 NHTSA Complaints
5 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
AMG CLA35AMG CLA45CLA-CLASS
View all 2 generations of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

8.4 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar compact coupes

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 6 powertrain complaints. A typical compact coupe fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 14.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall6 complaints against about 14 for similar vehicles
8.4
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20208.5
  • 2021n/a
  • 2022n/a
  • 2023n/a
  • 2024n/a
  • 2025n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

M260

2.0L 4-cyl
42 complaints 10.5 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
12
safety systems
11
electrical
9
engine
5
brakes
4

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Safety Systems: 11 owner complaints
Electrical System: 9 owner complaints
Engine: 5 owner complaints

Recalls (5)

26V481000Jul 24, 2026serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

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.

22V365000May 20, 2022serious
Electrical System

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.

22V232000Apr 8, 2022serious
Back Over Prevention

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

21V354000May 14, 2021serious
Back Over Prevention

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

21V058000Feb 5, 2021serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Alternatives in Compact Coupe

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class complaints?

Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine.

Is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have?

NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on file for the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the CLA-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 42 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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