Mercedes-Benz

CLA-Class (C118)

2020-2025 · Compact Coupe · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.9)
39 NHTSA Complaints
4 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
Includes data from: AMG CLA35AMG CLA45CLA-CLASS
View all 2 generations of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

M260

2.0L 4-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.9)
39 complaints 9.8 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
12
electrical
9
safety systems
9
brakes
4
engine
4

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (9 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (9 complaints)
Brakes Issues (4 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (9 complaints)
electrical critical
Safety Systems Issues (9 complaints)
safety_systems critical

Recalls (4)

22V365000May 19, 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.

22V232000Aug 3, 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 13, 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."

21V058000May 1, 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 problems?

The 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has accumulated 39 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Safety Systems, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class engine is most reliable?

The 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

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

The 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 39 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

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

The 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has 39 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

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

There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

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

Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Safety Systems, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 39 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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