The Lemon Index2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 16 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 48, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 27 to 30 mpg combined. It's the best Mercedes-Benz CLA year we track.
One of the most reliable. 2.1× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2014
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 64 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz CLA year. 2015 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 24K to 65K miles on the car (36 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 7
- 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.
- airbags 2019
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may have been improperly calibrated, which may prevent the proper deployment of the front passenger air bag.
Show all 7 recalls
- communication 2019
For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf.
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
- electrical 2017
In the event that the engine or transmission cannot turn over, the starting current limiter may overheat from the repeated attempts of the starter motor attempting to start the vehicle.
- engine 2015
The affected vehicles have intake or exhaust camshafts whose welds may fail and possibly cause engine damage.
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 109 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 FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class 4 DR 4WD | 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
Since october, they have not taken any initiative to repair or gather the parts to make the repair and I've been fearful to even drive it .
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA owner · NHTSA complaint 11066541
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 48; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (31%), airbags (19%) and speed control (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
7 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA get?
27 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 24,200 and 65,000 miles. The middle report was at 38,400 miles, from 36 complaints.
Does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA cost in fuel a year?
About $2650 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
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