Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, brakes, and transmission. The 11 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2024Two recalls on this model year told owners to park outside until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing they were completed for this VIN.
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/11 checked
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/6
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2024 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | AWD, FWD | 28–30 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
The car surges forward without driver input at parking-lot speed in 3 crash-related reports. It jumps curbs or hits a glass door, with no warnings and no automatic braking. Other reports describe the engine dying in traffic as the dash lights flash. Some describe the instrument cluster and infotainment screens freezing or going black, and in one case the exterior lights went out too. False parking and collision sensor alarms, a check engine light that keeps returning, and long dealer stays also appear. Stalls and screen failures cluster near 8,000 to 9,600 miles. Several reports name other Mercedes models.
The car accelerates into a wall while the brake pedal is fully pressed in the one detailed report, which is crash-related. Skid marks from only the left-side tires pointed to uneven braking, the filer says. The second complaint gives no details in its text. With only 2 filings, no broader pattern shows, but the failure described involves a crash and a full loss of control.
Harsh, jerky shifts between 3rd and 4th gear at 25 to 35 mph appear in one report. After multiple visits, a dealer duplicated the problem and documented it in writing. The other filing, which is crash-related, objects to the engine locking out after an airbag deployment. That is a designed behavior, but the owner fears it could leave drivers stranded in an emergency. Both complaints name other Mercedes models, the C300 and the S580, rather than the CLA.
The panoramic sunroof glass shatters at highway speed with a bang like a gunshot or explosion, and no object is seen hitting it. With the roof open, glass can rain onto the driver, and one report lists 1 injury. With the shade closed, the glass stays out, but the hole and the noise are distracting enough to nearly cause a crash. A similar sunroof failure appears under the other category.
The driver's seat slides backward on its own while driving, including on the highway and while pulling into traffic. Repeat dealer visits have not fixed it. A separate report describes the passenger seat bouncing, vibrating, and rattling on the road. Technicians confirmed that problem on a test drive but said nothing could be done and referred the owner to the manufacturer. A seat that moves under the driver is a direct loss-of-control risk.
A creaking noise from the rear when stopping is traced to a severely rusted subframe in one report, on a car with 120k miles. The owner was told to avoid long drives until it is repaired. The other filing comes from an S580 owner and mostly describes sudden, total power loss at freeway speeds. The car sat stopped in a live lane for several minutes. That is a serious rear-end collision risk, though it is a drivetrain problem more than a suspension one.
Pirelli tires develop sidewall bubbles and lose air, leading to flats, in both reports. On one car, all four 21 inch tires failed, the first after a 2 inch pothole. A sudden loss of pressure nearly caused a collision. Owners report five flat tires in 40 days and believe the tires cannot carry the vehicle's weight. The trouble starts within weeks of delivery.
Excerpts from complaints CLA owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I was driving and all of a sudden a loud sound started occurring and the sound appeared to come from my breaks as if they were about to give out. The car is currently at Mercedes getting looked at. I’m concerned for my safety as I have taken this car in for two other issues in the last couple of months.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
For two months my EQB has been signaling high voltage when I charge it also now I’m having a problem connecting the plug to charge my car it shows red light has faulty it’s at the shop for a week now and I haven’t gotten updates about my car the cameras as well are turning black not working.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
While driving on the highway with the panoramic sunroof open, the glass suddenly shattered, sounding like a gunshot or an explosion. Shards of glass flew into the vehicle and rained down on me, creating a very hazardous driving situation. I did not observe any foreign object that could have caused the sunroof to break.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2026
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2024 has the fewest owner complaints of the 6 CLA years we cover, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 EQB 250+, 2022-2024 EQB 300 4MATIC, and EQB 350 4MATIC vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Risk: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Also, owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. This recall replaces recalls 25V050 and 25V894. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V050 or 25V894 will need to have the new remedy completed. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 13, 2026.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 EQB 250, EQB 300 4MATIC, and EQB 350 4MATIC electric vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Risk: A vehicle fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the repair has been completed. Dealers will update the battery management system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 22, 2025. This is a phased recall. Phase 1 owner letters were mailed on May 22, 2025. Phase 2 owner letters were mailed on October 31, 2025 and Phase 3 owner letters were mailed on December 12, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025040005.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2026 EQE and GLC vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. The steering coupling bolt may have been improperly tightened, allowing the steering coupling to loosen from the steering rack.
Risk: A loose steering coupling can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will tighten the steering coupling bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 AMG GLA 35 4MATIC, GLA 250 4MATIC, and GLA 250 vehicles. The front headlights may have missing headlight aim markings, which can result in improperly aimed headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce driver visibility or create a glare for oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlights as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 3, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025090005.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 C 300, and 2023-2024 AMG C 43 vehicles. The driver-side seat belt cover may not be properly installed on the seat belt tensioner, which can cause the seat belt anchor to come loose.
Risk: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the seat belt covers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025040012.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 E 350 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain, and E 450 4MATIC vehicles. The 12-Volt and 48-Volt ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connections overheating.
Risk: Overheated ground connections can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the 12-Volt and 48-Volt ground connections as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4-door coupe, 2025 AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, GLC 63 S E Performance Coupe, AMG GT 63 S E Performance, 2023-2025 AMG S 63 E Performance, and 2024-2025 AMG SL 63 S E Performance vehicles with a hybrid powertrain. A software error may cause the high-voltage starter alternator control unit to fail, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the high-voltage starter alternator control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025030012.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 GLC 300 4MATIC, and S 580 4MATIC vehicles. The bolts that secure the rear axle differential to the rear axle carrier may come loose, which can result in a separation of the drive shaft from the rear axle differential.
Risk: Driveshaft separation can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair the rear axle differential bolt connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120005.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.
Risk: An 80-Amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024030008.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.
Cars shoppers compare with the Mercedes-Benz CLA, with their own 2024 checklists.
2024 owner complaints, side by side
