The most-reported CLA-Class run is WDDSJ4GB8JN (2018 builds) with 4 complaints, 3.1× the typical run. Engine problems make up 23% of reports; 2018 is the worst model year at 1.5 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 32 recall campaigns for CLA-Class model years 2014–2026.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has 34 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 34% of every CLA-Class complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WDDSJ4GB8JN•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDDSJ4GB0KN•••••• | 2019 | — | — | |
| WDDSJ4GBXJN•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDDSJ4GB1JN•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDDSJ4GB3JN•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDDSJ4EB2JN•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDDSJ4GB9JN•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDDSJ4EB9JN•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDDSJ4EB8GN•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDDSJ4GB0JN•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| W1K5J4HB5LN•••••• | 2020 | — | — | |
| WDDSJ4EB6JN•••••• | 2018 | — | — |
Each of the other 22 CLA-Class runs has 1 complaint or fewer. ForCar has checked 105 CLA-Class VINs so far, most often 2018, 2023, 2027 builds; 7 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class the gap between build years is 1.5×: a 2018 car draws 1.5 complaints per run, a 2020 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 4 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| 2020 | 7 | 7 | — | |
| 2019 | 10 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 20 | 13 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2018 at 1.5 complaints per run; lightest is 2020 at 1. The 2023 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 23% of everything Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners report: Engine, 11 of 44 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | — | — | |
| Air Bags | 2 | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | — | — | |
| Electrical System | — | — | |
| Structure | — | — | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | — | — | |
| Power Train | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 32 recall campaigns on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class; the 6 below cover build years 2014 to 2021. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 21V058000 | Electrical System:software | 2016–2021 |
| 23V854000 | Structure:body:roof And Pillars | 2014–2019 |
| 21V197000 | Structure:body:roof And Pillars | 2014–2019 |
| 22V365000 | Electrical System:software | 2017–2021 |
| 17V627000 | Air Bags:frontal | 2014–2018 |
| 21V072000 | Communication | 2017–2020 |
21V058000 was opened in 2021 on cars built from 2016: 5 years on the road before the recall.
The CLA-Class against its rivals
The CLA-Class draws 1.3 complaints per production run; the Honda Civic 2.8, the Toyota Camry 5.7 and the Honda Accord 4. That is the lowest rate of the 4.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | 44 | 34 | 6.8% | |
| Honda Civic | 13,473 | 4,774 | 10.3% | |
| Toyota Camry | 15,758 | 2,788 | 15.3% | |
| Honda Accord | 20,581 | 5,117 | 7.8% |
How serious were they
Of the 44 reports on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, 6.8% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 44 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 3 (6.8%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 0 (0%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class share of that is 44 complaints over 34 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 44 NHTSA complaints from 34 CLA-Class runs and 32 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which CLA-Class production run has the most complaints?
WDDSJ4GB8JN, a 2018 build, with 4 complaints. The typical CLA-Class run has 1.3.
Which CLA-Class years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2018 is heaviest at 1.5 complaints per run and 2020 lightest at 1.
Does the CLA-Class get more complaints than the Honda Civic?
No: 1.3 complaints per production run for the CLA-Class against 2.8 for the Honda Civic.
How many CLA-Class complaints involve a crash?
6.8% of 44 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 0 involved a fire.
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