Is the Audi A5 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Based on our data, the Audi A5 is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 46/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz CLA?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA has more recalls (606) compared to the Audi A5 (16). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi A5 has a lower complaint rate at 2.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 46 for the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Audi A5

Good

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mixed

Choosing between the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Audi A5 currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 46/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz CLA Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Audi A5 is in its third generation (RE10), which began in 2025. The model is relatively early in its generation cycle, often a period where new platforms can experience initial teething issues as manufacturers iron out unexpected kinks. The second generation (RE9) ran from 2018 to 2024 and received a significant facelift in 2022, indicating a mature and well-sorted period towards the end of its cycle. The Mercedes-Benz CLA is in its second generation (C118), which started in 2019 and received a facelift in 2023. This puts the CLA in the latter half of its cycle, typically a time when reliability is more established as most issues have been resolved. Buyers might find the CLA's current state more reassuring in terms of reliability compared to the newer A5 platform.

Verdict

The Audi A5 is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz CLA, scoring 75/100 vs 46/100.

The Audi A5 demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA, with an average reliability score of 75/100 versus the CLA's 46/100. The A5 also has a significantly lower complaint rate of 2.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold, compared to 46 for the CLA. With only 16 recalls over eight years, the A5 is markedly more dependable than the CLA, which has faced 606 recalls in seven years. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates for the A5 are reasonable at $739 annually, further reinforcing its reliability advantage.

Key Differences

1Audi A5 has 590 fewer total recalls
2Audi A5 has 43.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Audi A5 scores 29 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3Audi A5

—

0Mercedes-Benz CLA

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA: Which Is More Reliable?

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Reliability Score	75/100	46/100
Years Tracked	8	7
Total Recalls	16	606
Complaints per 10k Sold	2.9	46
Year Wins	5	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz CLA?

The Audi A5 exhibits a higher concentration of issues in the electrical system, accounting for over half of its total complaints, but it has a relatively low number of crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLA faces a broader spectrum of problems, with significant complaints across multiple components, particularly in the electrical system, engine, and power train, alongside a higher prevalence of crash-linked complaints. Notably, the CLA's air bags and service brakes have a concerning number of crash-associated reports, highlighting potential safety risks. Overall, while the Audi A5's issues are more focused, the Mercedes-Benz CLA demonstrates a wider array of problems with more severe implications.

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA common problem areas comparison
Component	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz CLA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.5Low	6.2Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.5Very Low	4.8Average
ENGINE	0.1Very Low	4.5Average
POWER TRAIN	—None	3Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	2.3Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	1.1Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	0.9Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	1Very Low
AIR BAGS	—None	1Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.8Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.4Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.2Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	0.2Very Low
TIRES	0.1Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY	—None	0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—None	0.1Very Low
WHEELS	—None	0.1Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi A5 or Mercedes-Benz CLA?

The Audi A5 has an annual repair cost of $739 and requires approximately 0.6 repair visits per year. Although specific data for the Mercedes-Benz CLA is not provided, industry estimates suggest that premium brands like Mercedes-Benz typically have similar or slightly higher repair costs than their Audi counterparts. The Audi's repair frequency indicates fewer trips to the service center, which can translate to less inconvenience and potential savings in time and money. Without specific data on the CLA, it's challenging to declare a definitive winner. However, the Audi A5's clear maintenance figures and moderate repair frequency make it a potentially better choice for cost-conscious buyers seeking predictability in repair expenses over time.

How Does Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability Compare by Year?

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz CLA	Edge
2022	74/1003R / 5C	38/10076R / 272C	Audi A5
2021	71/1005R / 7C	45/100149R / 318C	Audi A5
2020	70/1005R / 60C	56/10062R / 110C	Audi A5
2019	73/1003R / 12C	44/100196R / 523C	Audi A5
2018	77/1000R / 6C	46/100115R / 529C	Audi A5
2026(predicted)	77/100(predicted)	42/100(predicted)	Audi A5

Best years to cross-shop: The 2018 Audi A5 scored 77/100 and the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA scored 56/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Audi A5 vs the Mercedes-Benz CLA?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Audi A5 is your better choice. With a reliability score of 75/100, significantly fewer recalls at 16, and only 2.9 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, it stands out as the more dependable option. The estimated annual repair cost of $739 and a repair frequency of 0.6 times per year further suggest that the A5 will be easier on your wallet and less likely to interrupt your driving experience. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the Mercedes-Benz brand but are willing to accept a higher risk of issues, the CLA could be for you. However, with a reliability score of 46/100 and a staggering 606 recalls, owning a CLA may involve more frequent visits to the service center. The high rate of 46 complaints per 10,000 sold indicates potential frustration with common issues like the electrical system and powertrain. Choose the CLA if you're prepared for potentially higher maintenance involvement.

Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA: Common Questions

Is the Audi A5 more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz CLA?: Based on our data, the Audi A5 is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 46/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz CLA?: The Mercedes-Benz CLA has more recalls (606) compared to the Audi A5 (16). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz CLA?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi A5 has a lower complaint rate at 2.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 46 for the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Audi A5 comparisons

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More Mercedes-Benz CLA comparisons

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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.

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