Last updated: 2026-10-10

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA Years to Avoid

7 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 48/100

Avoid the 2022 model year. Its main problem is sudden power loss while driving, with a 48-volt system warning and stalling at speed. The 2020 is the year to buy, with far fewer complaints per car sold.

Verdict

Avoid
2022 38/100
Buy
2020 56/100
Model average
48/100
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 48/100.

#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

Electrical faults lead the complaints. A 48-volt system warning can be followed by an overheat alert, and the car stalls or coasts to a stop at speed. Others report a draining 12-volt battery, a center screen that goes dark, and two fires. Many filings name other 2022 Mercedes models, so read the pattern as a warning, not a certainty.

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?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

241 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2019, 2018

2021: Sudden no-starts and stalls make up most of this group, usually blamed on a failed 48-volt battery.

ENGINE

175 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2019

2018: A check engine light with code P052E, a failed crankcase ventilation valve, dominates these reports.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

160 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: A check engine light with code P052E, tied to the crankcase (PCV) valve, is the most repeated problem here.

POWER TRAIN

117 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: The transmission slipping into neutral while driving is the most common complaint, sometimes at 70 mph, with the car coasting until it is restarted.

STEERING

85 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2022

2019: Knocking, juddering, and front wheels that skip or hop during tight turns show up again and again, often while backing out of parking spaces.

STRUCTURE

55 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Roof trim coming loose is the most common problem.

Best Mercedes-Benz CLA Year to Buy Instead

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Owners filed far fewer complaints on the 2020 than on the 2018, 2019, 2021 or 2022, and its rate per car sold is the lowest among years with sales figures. It has also been on the road long enough to show its record. It is not trouble free. Exhaust valve wear and Neutral drops appear, so get an inspection.

Score: 56/100 (Mixed)62 recalls110 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA has 62 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mercedes-Benz CLA Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mercedes-Benz CLA years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2022. Site analysis puts it well below the model's own average. Owners report sudden power loss with a 48-volt system warning, a draining battery, and a steering wheel that shakes at highway speed. Many filings name other Mercedes models, but the electrical pattern is serious.
Which Mercedes-Benz CLA years have transmission problems?
Shifting faults show up across the model's record, not in one year alone. Owners report transmissions dropping into Neutral while driving and refusing to select Reverse. The 2020 detail includes unexpected Neutral drops, so a test drive and a dealer scan matter even on the recommended year.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA a safe used buy?
It is the best choice here, but not a clean one. Its complaint rate is far lower than the 2018, 2019 and 2021. Still, owners report engine-compartment fires, early exhaust valve wear and Neutral drops. Have an independent shop inspect the engine and transmission first.
Should I buy a 2024 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
Treat both as unproven. The 2024 has few complaints and the 2026 has none, but that mostly reflects little time on the road. Complaints build up with age, so a short record is not proof of reliability. The 2020 has a longer, clearer record.
Are the 2018 and 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA years bad?
Neither is flagged to avoid, but both carry heavy complaint loads. The 2018 drew 529 owner complaints and the 2019 drew 523, mostly engine and electrical. Their rates per car sold run far above the 2020. If you shop them, check the crankcase ventilation valve and electrical history.

How we score every Mercedes-Benz CLA model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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