The Lemon Index
20192021Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 8,461 in the U.S. in 2020 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 13 complaints in its first 3 years.
13 owner complaints, first 3 years 27–28 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2020 BMW 3 Series 422020 Audi A42020 Lexus IS
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V481000 (latches/locks/linkages), 23V732000 (brakes) and 22V365000 (electrical) done? It has 11 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mercedes-Benz's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 13 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
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.
Transmission problems in every Mercedes-Benz CLA year →
Check engine light on? Codes owners of the Mercedes-Benz CLA (2018–2022) name most: P052E Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance. Look up any code →
Recalls 11
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information.
- Brakes · recall issued 2023
The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads.
- Electrical · recall issued 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Show all 11 recalls
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- Brakes · recall issued 2022
The rear brake caliper housing fasteners may be loose, which can reduce brake performance or cause rear brake components to detach from the vehicle.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2021
During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2021
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- Communication · recall issued 2021
On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles.
- Electrical · recall issued 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
- Electrical · recall issued 2020
The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' …
- Airbags · recall issued 2019
The driver's side front airbag modules may not have been properly bolted down.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Mercedes-Benz CLA recall, all years · All Mercedes-Benz recalls
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 $2,850–$2,950 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Every Mercedes-Benz CLA year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 5 Mercedes-Benz CLA years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2020 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mercedes-benz-cla/?y=2020" title="Mercedes-Benz CLA reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="330" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mercedes-benz-cla/2020/">Lemon Index</a> (2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?
We can't score it: only 8,461 were sold in the U.S. in 2020 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (38%), backup camera (31%) and steering (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
11 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA get?
27 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $2,950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz CLA year is better than the 2020?
Nearby, the 2018 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit over half as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2015 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner 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 years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works