Last updated: 2026-04-20

Mercedes-Benz CLA

1 Mercedes-Benz CLA Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz CLA average of 46/100

The Mercedes-Benz CLA years to avoid are 2022 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2022 with a reliability score of 38/100. The best Mercedes-Benz CLA year to buy is 2020 56/100.

Verdict

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA scores significantly below the model average of 46/100. The weakest year is 2022 with a score of 38/100 due to electrical system (47) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 56/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mercedes-Benz CLA Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz CLA average of 46/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202238/100Risky76272Electrical System (47)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

38
RiskyReliability score: 38 out of 100, rated Risky

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA has poor reliability. There are 76 recalls and 272 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA. Severity signals include 16 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (47), Fuel System, Gasoline (28), Unknown Or Other (22).

76 recalls272 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (47), Fuel System, Gasoline (28), Unknown Or Other (22), Steering (17), Engine (12), Tires (11)

View full 2022reliability report →

What Are Common Mercedes-Benz CLA Problems?

Top reported issues across all Mercedes-Benz CLA model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

241 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

184 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

175 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

117 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

87 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

44 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Mercedes-Benz CLA year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mercedes-Benz CLA Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2024 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Mercedes-Benz CLA years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Mercedes-Benz CLA years: 2022 (score: 38/100). These model years score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz CLA average of 46/100.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA?
The best year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA is 2020, with a reliability score of 56/100 ("Mixed"). It has 62 recalls and 110 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
Across all years in our database, the Mercedes-Benz CLA has a total of 606 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Mercedes-Benz CLA worth buying?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA has mixed reliability across model years. If buying used, do thorough research on the specific year and budget for potential repairs.
What are common Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?
The most common Mercedes-Benz CLA problems are electrical system (241 complaints), unknown or other (184 complaints), engine (175 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable long-term?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA has an average reliability score of 46/100 across all model years in our database, rated "mixed". Reliability varies significantly by model year — choose carefully.
Which Mercedes-Benz CLA generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Mercedes-Benz CLA generation is the Second generation (C118; 2019) with an average score of 46/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA a good used buy?
Yes, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 56/100 ("Mixed"). It has 62 recalls and 110 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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