GradeMercedes-Benz CLA Reliability Grade
Below-average reliability
Grade a specific Mercedes-Benz CLA
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA earns a C overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 31st of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. The engine (C) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 575 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014-2020 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Mercedes-Benz CLA reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Years to avoid: 2014 (stalling / loss of power), 2015 (transmission slipping / rough shifting) and 2019 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
How long does the Mercedes-Benz CLA last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. other luxury vehicles
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | A | A | A |
| Lexus ES | A | A | A |
| Lexus GS | B+ | A | A |
| Lexus NX | A | A | A |
| Lexus IS | A | A | A |
| Lexus GX | A | A | A |
| Infiniti G37 | A | A- | A |
| BMW 5 Series | B | B+ | A- |
| Audi A4 | B+ | A | A- |
| Volvo XC60 | B+ | A | A- |
| BMW 3 Series | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | B- | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Audi Q5 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Cadillac XT5 | B+ | B | B+ |
| Infiniti G35 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Acura TL | A | C+ | B+ |
| BMW X3 | B- | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | C+ | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | B- | B | B |
| Acura RDX | B+ | B | B |
| Volvo XC90 | B- | A- | B |
| BMW X1 | B- | B- | B- |
| Porsche Cayenne | B | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac SRX | A | C+ | B- |
| Cadillac CTS | A- | D | B- |
| Audi A3 | C+ | C | C+ |
| Audi A6 | C- | B- | C+ |
| Audi Q7 | C- | B | C+ |
| BMW X5 | C | C | C |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | C | B- | C |
| Land Rover Range Rover | C+ | C+ | C |
| Acura MDX | C+ | D | C- |
| Acura TLX | C- | D | D |
Own a Mercedes-Benz CLA?
Tell other buyers how yours has held up: mileage, engine, and any problems with what they cost to fix. It takes about a minute, and your first car earns a free full report.
Rate your CLAMercedes-Benz CLA reliability FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?
Below-average reliability. The Mercedes-Benz CLA earns a C overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 31st of 35 luxury vehicles we grade. The engine (C) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 575 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014-2020 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Mercedes-Benz CLA last?
We estimate a well-maintained Mercedes-Benz CLA lasts around 150,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Mercedes-Benz CLA?
No Mercedes-Benz CLA model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2016, 2017 and 2020.
What Mercedes-Benz CLA years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Mercedes-Benz CLA years to be most careful with are 2014, 2015 and 2019. The 2014 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power. The 2015 grades a D overall (engine C-, transmission C-), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Mercedes-Benz CLA transmission a B- (average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Mercedes-Benz CLA engine a C (below-average reliability).