Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliable?
2014–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other luxurys — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Mercedes-Benz CLA? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 58 | Fair |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | Not enough data | |
| 2024 | 0 | 3 | — | — | 58 | Fair |
| 2023 | 0 | 2 | — | — | 58 | Fair |
| 2022 | — | — | — | — | Not enough data | |
| 2021 | 2 | 9 | 1 | — | 58 | Fair |
| 2020 | 6 | 19 | 4 | — | 48 | Fair |
| 2019 | 3 | 11 | — | — | 58 | Fair |
| 2018 | 7 | 31 | 2 | — | 44 | Fair |
| 2017 | 9 | 17 | 1 | — | 48 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the CLA Compares to Similar Vehicles
The CLA scores 22 points below the average luxury. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 92 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?+
The Mercedes-Benz CLA scores 48/100 on our reliability index — rated "Fair." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 28 recall campaigns and 92 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year CLA is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 CLA achieved the highest reliability score of 58/100 with 1 recall and 0 complaints.
How many miles does a CLA last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Mercedes-Benz CLA owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used CLA will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Mercedes-Benz CLA Research
Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz CLA VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →