Last updated: 2026-05-15
Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Tesla Model 3: Reliability Compared
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Tesla Model 3
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Tesla Model 3? 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 compact sedans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Tesla Model 3 currently leads with an average score of 54/100 compared to 46/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Tesla Model 3 Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Tesla Model 3 is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz CLA, scoring 54/100 vs 46/100.
The Tesla Model 3 outperforms the Mercedes-Benz CLA in terms of reliability, with an average score of 54/100 compared to the CLA's 46/100. Despite having a higher total number of recalls (113 vs. 606), the Model 3 has a significantly lower owner complaint rate at 28.7 per 10,000 vehicles, compared to the CLA's 46. Both vehicles share common issues with their electrical systems and steering, but the CLA also faces more frequent engine and power train problems. While repair costs are unavailable, the complaint rate and recall history suggest the Tesla Model 3 is the more reliable choice.
Key Differences
- 1Tesla Model 3 has 493 fewer total recalls
- 2Tesla Model 3 has 17.3 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Tesla Model 3 scores 8 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Tesla Model 3: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz CLA | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 46/100 | 54/100 |
| Years Tracked | 7 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 606 | 113 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 46 | 28.7 |
| Year Wins | 1 (1 tied) | 4 (1 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 has a higher total complaint count compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA, with significant issues reported in forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, both of which have substantial crash-linked incidences—33 and 67 respectively. In contrast, the CLA's most prevalent issue lies within its electrical system, though it has fewer crash-linked incidents in this category compared to the Model 3. Notably, the Model 3 also experiences a high frequency of complaints related to its steering and airbags, each with over 40 crash-linked incidents, highlighting potential safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz CLA's engine and power train issues, though less frequent, suggest a different focus of mechanical reliability challenges compared to the Model 3's safety feature problems.
| Component | Mercedes-Benz CLA | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 6.2Average | 3Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4.8Average | 2.8Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.4Very Low | 6.1Average |
| STEERING | 2.3Low | 2.6Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.9Very Low | 3.7Average |
| ENGINE | 4.5Average | —None |
| POWER TRAIN | 3Low | 0.6Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1.1Low | 2.1Low |
| AIR BAGS | 1Very Low | 1.7Low |
| SUSPENSION | 0.2Very Low | 1.6Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.8Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 1Very Low | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEATS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| WHEELS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Tesla Model 3 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Mercedes-Benz CLA | Tesla Model 3 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 44/1008R / 23C | 62/1004R / 183C | Tesla Model 3 |
| 2022 | 38/10076R / 272C | 50/10016R / 729C | Tesla Model 3 |
| 2021 | 45/100149R / 318C | 48/10020R / 626C | Tesla Model 3 |
| 2020 | 56/10062R / 110C | 54/10020R / 416C | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
| 2019 | 44/100196R / 523C | 49/10021R / 569C | Tesla Model 3 |
| 2018 | 46/100115R / 529C | 46/10018R / 951C | Tie |
| 2026(predicted) | 42/100(predicted) | 62/100(predicted) | Tesla Model 3 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA scored 56/100 and the 2024 Tesla Model 3 scored 62/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA vs the Tesla Model 3?
Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Tesla Model 3: Common Questions
- Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA more reliable than the Tesla Model 3?
- Based on our data, the Tesla Model 3 is more reliable with an average score of 54/100 compared to 46/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz CLA or the Tesla Model 3?
- The Mercedes-Benz CLA has more recalls (606) compared to the Tesla Model 3 (113). 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA or the Tesla Model 3?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Tesla Model 3 has a lower complaint rate at 28.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 46 for the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Mercedes-Benz CLA and Tesla Model 3? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue