The Lemon Index2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 103 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 224, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 27 to 30 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz CLA year is 2015.
Lemon alert. 2.2× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2015
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 195 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz CLA year. 2014 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 44K miles on the car (142 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 5K–22K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 5K–23K miles
- speed control complaints mostly came at 5K–23K miles
Recalls 6
- body structure 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- body structure 2021
The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.
- communication 2019
For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf.
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
- brakes 2016
The affected vehicles have a fitting that connects the vacuum line to the brake booster which may break causing increased forced to be needed to apply the brakes.
- wipers & visibility 2015
The affected vehicles have fuses that may have been incorrectly installed in the passenger side interior fuse boxes.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 124 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- ESP, BAS, PRE-SAFE, HOLD function, Hill-Start Assist and ESP trailer stabilization are…
- The vehicle cannot be started The vehicle may start by itself shortly after the startup…
- Engine diagnosis warning lamp active - check engine light (CEL)
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedFront roof panel detachment2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-CLASS 4 DR 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-CLASS 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2650–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving down the road the car suddenly went into park. The park button was not touched, nothing was near it, and it could not have been accidentally pressed. The car slammed into park on it's own.
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA owner · NHTSA complaint 10610631
More owner reports
While driving my CLA that I have only had 4 months the car turned off and said it's inoperable! I was almost hit multiple times, when dropped it of at dealer they wouldn't even give me a loan. I bought this car brand new!
NHTSA complaint 10713277
Car inability to,accelerate pre safe lights come on and check engine light come on.
NHTSA complaint 10702321
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 224; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz CLA year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (41%), speed control (30%) and electrical (28%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
6 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA get?
27 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,700 and 44,000 miles. The middle report was at 17,700 miles, from 142 complaints.
Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA cost in fuel a year?
About $2650 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz CLA year is better than the 2014?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2015, 2018 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works