The Lemon Index2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA is better than average by owner complaints: 15 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 64, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 27 to 29 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz CLA year is 2015.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 27 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz CLA year. 2017 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 20K to 65K miles on the car (11 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 10
- body structure 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- electrical 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- steering 2021
The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
Show all 10 recalls
- body structure 2021
The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.
- communication 2021
On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles.
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
- airbags 2019
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may have been improperly calibrated, which may prevent the proper deployment of the front passenger air bag.
- 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.
- airbags 2017
The pelvis air bag or the front passenger air bag inflator initiator may fail to ignite in the event of a crash.
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 108 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 $2750–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Sensor malfunctions, battery power loss with complete electrical shutdown, faulty wire harnesses, locked up steering wheel while in motion on freeway, head unit defaults, faulty tires with blistering, countless recalls.
2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA owner · NHTSA complaint 11074020
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 64; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz CLA year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (33%), airbags (27%) and engine (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
10 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 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA get?
27 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA cost in fuel a year?
About $2750 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz CLA year is better than the 2017?
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