Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class years to avoid and best years
Newer Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2014 has the most complaints per year, at 30 (195 complaints). From 2019 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 0 (from 7 complaints), 2022 at 1 (from 4 complaints), and 2023 at 2 (from 6 complaints). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, 29 of 195 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2021
2022
2023
2025–26
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 Fewest | 2 | 6 | 0 | Air bags | — |
| 2022 Fewest | 1 | 4 | 0 | Service brakes | — |
| 2021 Fewest | 0 | 7 | 0 | Exterior lighting | — |
| 2020 → | 3 | 24 | 0 | Electrical system, Back-over prevention | — |
| 2019 → | 2 | 52 | 0 | Powertrain | — |
| 2018 → | 2 | 46 | 0 | Air bags | — |
| 2017 → | 4 | 27 | 0 | Air bags | — |
| 2016 → | 6 | 67 | 0 | Air bags | — |
| 2015 → | 9 | 158 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2014 → Most | 30 | 195 | 0 | Engine | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-40 / 5W-30 MB-approved viscosities (2015 CLA250 per engineoildb) · 5.9 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/45R17 to 225/40R18 (trim-dependent; CLA250 pages)
Known issues for this generation
For 2015 CLA250 vehicles, NHTSA campaign 19V-892 covers certain 2015-2018 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC vehicles (with CLA45 AMG): the Occupant Classification System may be improperly calibrated and prevent passenger air-bag deployment; dealers replace the passenger seat cushion. Campaign 17V-627 covers certain 2014-2018 CLA250 vehicles among other Mercedes models for insufficient steering grounding that can allow inadvertent driver air-bag deployment; dealers add grounding. Confirm open campaigns by VIN under trim strings such as CLA250.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-40 / 5W-30 MB-approved viscosities (confirm by engine sticker) · 5.9 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/45R18 to 225/40R19 (trim-dependent; CLA250 pages)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 23V-732 covers certain 2020 CLA250 vehicles (with A220, GLB250, GLA250, and AMG variants): the vehicle may lack an inspection gauge to check brake-pad wear; dealers install a gauge and provide supplemental owner's-manual information. Campaign 21V-989 covers a single 2020 CLA250 for a contaminated electric power-steering power supply connection that can cause loss of assist; dealers inspect and repair the connection. Confirm open campaigns by VIN.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 0 (from 7 complaints), 2022 at 1 (from 4 complaints), and 2023 at 2 (from 6 complaints).
Which Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class year has the most owner complaints?
2014 has the most complaints per year, at 30 (195 complaints). On the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, 29 of 195 complaints name Engine.
How do Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2019 on, complaints per year fall.
Which Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class years are too early to compare?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Mercedes-Benz CLA take?
0W-40 / 5W-30 MB-approved viscosities are common for CLA250 fills on C117 and C118 — confirm the engine sticker.
What does NHTSA campaign 19V-892 cover on early CLA250?
Certain 2015-2018 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC vehicles (with CLA45 AMG): the Occupant Classification System may be improperly calibrated and prevent passenger air-bag deployment; dealers replace the passenger seat cushion.
When did the C118 CLA generation start?
Model year 2020 on this site (after C117 2014-2019).