The Lemon Index2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA is better than average by owner complaints: 13 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 57, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 9 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 47 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz CLA year. 2018 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 3K to 61K 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 9
- 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 9 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 2018
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not be properly calibrated, resulting in the front passenger air bag not being deactivated if a child seat is in the front seat.
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and 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 119 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Transmission intermittently fails to shift, vehicle jolts in higher gears
- 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…
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
Accelerating out of a left turn, the car hesitated momentarily then the engine completely shut down in traffic. The dash indicated that the car had become inoperative, possibly due to the electronic stability program (esp) issue.
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA owner · NHTSA complaint 11149454
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 57; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz CLA year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (38%), engine (31%) and transmission & drivetrain (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
9 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA get?
27 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA cost in fuel a year?
About $2750 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz CLA year is better than the 2018?
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