Last updated: 2026-04-20

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
RELIABILITY SCORE: 42/100 (MIXED)

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability Report

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a predicted reliability score of 42/100 based on prior model year data. Early data shows 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.

Recalls

0

Complaints

0

Complaint Rate

N/A

Est. Repair Cost

$908

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,300–$2,400

The Verdict

Caution

Based on historical reliability patterns, predicted to score 42/100 — proceed with caution.

Should You Buy the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a predicted reliability score of 42/100 ("Mixed") based on prior model year performance.

So far: 0 recalls, 0 owner complaints. No owner-reported issues on file yet.

Prior model years suggest some reliability concerns. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and extended warranty are recommended. This is a predicted score — real-world data is still developing.

See also the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +No recalls issued
  • +Low complaint frequency

Cons

  • Prior years suggest below-average reliability
  • Score is a prediction — real-world data still developing

Compare 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA With

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

complaints
LowAvgHigh
Very Low

Safety Incidents

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

VIN History Report

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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • 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

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Info Not Available)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Driver Monitoring System (Yes)Automatic High Beams (Standard)

Gas / PHEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Info Not Available)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Driver Monitoring System (Yes)Automatic High Beams (Standard)

PHEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Centerairbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Info Not Available)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Driver Monitoring System (Yes)Automatic High Beams (Standard)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Mercedes-Benz CLARepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5

Based 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.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated 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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
CLA250 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8)263630$2,300
CLA250 4matic 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8)253429$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

The best Mercedes-Benz CLA year is 2020 with a reliability score of 56/100, rated mixed. Other strong picks include 2018 (46/100) and 2021 (45/100).

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 declined in recent years, with newer models averaging 42/100 compared to 49/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Mercedes-Benz CLA reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201846/100Mixed
201944/100Mixed
202056/100Mixed
202145/100Mixed
202238/100Risky
202444/100Mixed

Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
2026(selected)42/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202444/100+6Mixed823
202238/100-7Risky76272
202145/100-11Mixed149318
202056/100+12Mixed62110
201944/100-2Mixed196523
201846/100Mixed115529

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability by Powertrain

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is available with 3powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas000N/T
Gas / PHEV000N/T
PHEV000N/T
Total000

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. 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.

VisitorApr 7, 2026

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

VisitorApr 5, 2026

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

Mar 26, 2026

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

VisitorMar 26, 2026

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

VisitorMar 20, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a predicted reliability score of 42/100 ("Mixed") based on prior model year data. So far there are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file. This is a prediction — the actual score will be available once more real-world data accumulates.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
There aren't enough owner complaints to establish common problem patterns yet for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA. Based on prior model years, review known issues from previous years to understand potential problem areas.
How many recalls does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.
How is the predicted score calculated?
The predicted score of 42/100 is calculated by averaging reliability scores from prior model years of the same generation. When generation data is unavailable, the average of the most recent model years is used. The prediction updates automatically as new data becomes available.

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.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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