Used Car Checklists

Used Mercedes-Benz CLA: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 1,775 complaints across these 6 years; the 2018 drew the most.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the CLA from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area201820192020202120222024Total
Electrical426113754010241
Transmission30321223182117
Engine5938105018175

CLA generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

  1. Second generation

    2019–2023

    2023 update: Discontinuation of manual transmission; Updated technologies and features

  2. First generation

    2013–2019

    2017 update: Restyled headlights and taillights; New bold LED lighting options; Updated infotainment system

Mileages where CLA problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileageProblemYear
196–8,000 miles48-volt battery no-start2021
1,000–10,000 milesLimp mode and power loss2022
1,000–3,000 milesCruise control phantom braking2021
1,500–1,700 milesBattery drain and no-start2022
3,000–6,003 milesFalse automatic emergency braking2022
12,000–50,000 milesCracked or bent rims2019
15,000–22,000 milesTransmission failure2021
15,000–18,000 milesEngine compartment fire2020
15,000–20,000 milesTire belt or sidewall separation2020
15,000–75,000 milesTransmission slips into neutral2020
18,000–26,000 milesPremature tire wear2022
22,000–26,500 milesPremature tire tread wear2021
25,600–53,000 milesSunroof or roof panel failure2019
26,589–60,000 milesCylinder head exhaust valve wear2020

Every CLA recall to confirm

165 recalls cover the CLAyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 55 campaigns span more than one model year. 3 told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.

Show 155 more recalls

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