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Last updated: 2026-04-20

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability Report
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA scores 64/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
0
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$908
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,300–$2,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Should You Buy the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
At 64/100, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.
Owners log 0 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to reported problem areas. An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
See also the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +No recalls issued
- +Low complaint frequency
Cons
No recurring complaint themes yet.
Compare 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA With

2026 BMW 3-Series
Reliability: 76/100

2026 Lexus IS
Reliability: 87/100

2026 Tesla Model 3
Reliability: 59/100

2026 Acura Integra
Reliability: 76/100

2026 Audi A5
Reliability: 82/100
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
0
complaintsSafety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA? Check its history first
Every 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Gas / PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Mercedes-Benz CLARepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$908
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| No Start Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| Purge Valve Replacement | $187 – $229 |
| AC Compressor Clutch Replacement | $1,321 – $1,452 |
| Air Conditioning Refrigerant Recover | $61 – $90 |
| Washer Fluid Level Sensor Replacement | $226 – $326 |
| Engine Mount Replacement | $2,560 – $3,400 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $198 – $291 |
| Ignition Coil Replacement | $237 – $294 |
| Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement | $639 – $704 |
| Pinion Seal Replacement | $209 – $259 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Hybrid
29–30 MPG
Running cost: $3,200–$3,300/yr
Fuel + repair
25–26 city / 34–36 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2026 EPA label cycle.
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA250 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM8) | 26 | 36 | 30 | $2,300 |
| CLA250 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM8) | 25 | 34 | 29 | $2,400 |
Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz CLA Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Mercedes-Benz CLA Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Mercedes-Benz CLA year is 2026 with a reliability score of 64/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (56/100) and 2018 (46/100).
2026
(Current Model)
2020
2018
Mercedes-Benz CLA Years to Avoid
The worst Mercedes-Benz CLA year is 2022 with a score of 38/100, primarily due to electrical system (47) issues.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability Score Trend
Mercedes-Benz CLA reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 48/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 44/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 45/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 38/100 | Risky |
| 2024 | 44/100 | Mixed |
| 2026 | 64/100 | Good |
Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability Compared to Other Years
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability by Powertrain
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is available with 3powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/T |
| Gas / PHEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/T |
| PHEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 |
NHTSA tracks complaints by vehicle configuration when that detail is available. Model-level reports that do not identify a specific powertrain are included in Total but not assigned to a row. A plus sign indicates a confirmed minimum; — means no complaints could be attributed to that specific powertrain. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Common Questions
10 questions from 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA owners.
Disconnecting the Rack and pinion from the steering
Hello, I'm trying to disconnect the Rack and pinion from the steering as I have found a leak on the line that connects the 2 parts of it and need to remove it to look into it further, my issue is that even though I have unbolted all the bolts I don't understand how it will come off the steering shaft, do I just need to pull or do I need to unbolt something specific.
2000 mb E320 car will not crank with key fob
Ok car ignition switch operates,lights on dash and key fob locks and unlocks opens trunk but will not crank the car we have checked and manually operated start relay but no crank and while cranking no spark what gives alarm works tried locking and unlocking all tried leaving key on for 20 minutes nothing changed More than a week
No crank no start
My car was running fine until it got down to freezing point outside and then I went out to start the next day and my dash lights came on and my windows work but I have to jump the starter relay to start the car but it won’t shift outta 1st gear and my brake lights are staying on until I turn the ignition switch off but everything was fine b for the battery went dead and I changed the starter relay and still no crank no start….. Jumping the relay for the starter starts it but don’t shift outta 1st gear More than a month
Tumping Noise back right side
When driving slow and coming to a stop, my car make tumping noises, but when you drive at normal speed, it drives like a baby
New battery
My car won’t start when i turn the key over it don’t do nothing don’t make a sound but if i jump the starter relay with the car in the on position it’ll start but then when u drive it it won’t shift outta 1st gear my break lights stay on until i turn the car off all my dash lights come on like there supposed to and i got a check engine light on a abs lights stay comes on a bsa or something like that light comes on my srs light comes on and none of them turn off until i turn the key off all my windows work radio works seat memory still works and i haven’t had a battery on it in about a month a good one I’ve tried a couple diferent ones on it and none of the had enough juice to do anything but turn ones on it my dash lights and then it would die out i even tried jump starting the batterys but it still wouldn’t start the car the only way i can start it is by jumping the starter relay and i never had any of these problems until i changed the battery ooooo and my key fob isn’t working right When i jump start the starter relay makes it better but don’t shift outta 1st gear More than a month
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
How many recalls does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
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