Mercedes-Benz
CLA-Class
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditMakeMercedes-Benz
ClassCompact car
Model years (US)2014–2027
New registrations (EU)2011–2026
Recall dataNHTSA (United States)
Generations and technical specifications
Mercedes-Benz CLA – Third generation2025–present
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | C178 / C174 (EV) / X178 (shooting brake) / X174 (EV shooting brake) |
| Production | June 2025 – present |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (hybrid) Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (hybrid, 4matic) Rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (EV) Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (EV, 4matic) Tri-motor, all-wheel-drive (AMG CLA 45, 4matic+) |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) |
| Engines | 1.5L M252 turbo I4 (hybrid) |
| Electric motor | 27 PS permanent-magnet motor (hybrid) 1x or 2x Permanent magnet AC synchronous (EV) |
| Transmissions | 8-speed dual-clutch (hybrid) 2-speed automatic (EV) |
| Drivetrain | High-tech Hybrid (Parallel) |
| Battery | Lithium-ion 1.3 kWh 48V (hybrid) 58.0 kWh LFP (EV) 85.0 kWh Li-NMC (EV) 94.0 kWh CATL Li-NMC (AMG CLA 45) |
| Electric range | 694–792 km (EV RWD, claimed) 672–771 km (EV AWD, claimed) |
| Charging | 320 kW (DC) |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm 2,830 mm (CLA L) |
| Length | 4,723 mm 4,763 mm (CLA L) |
| Width | 1,855 mm 1,836 mm (CLA L) |
| Height | 1,468 mm 1,471 mm (CLA L) |
| Assembly | Hungary: Kecskemét (Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary) Germany: Rastatt China: Beijing (Beijing Benz, L models only) Thailand: Samut Prakan (Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co., Ltd.) |
| Designer | Mayya Markova |
Mercedes-Benz CLA – Second generation2019–2025
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | C118 / X118 (shooting brake) |
| Production | February 2019 –2025 |
| Platform | MFA2 |
| Engines | Petrol 1.3 L M282 turbo I4 2.0 L M260 turbo I4 2.0 L M139 turbo I4 Petrol plug-in hybrid 1.3 L M282 turbo I4 Diesel 1.5 L OM608 turbo I4 2.0 L OM654 turbo I4 |
| Transmissions | 6-speed manual (2019–2023) 7-speed DCT 8-speed DCT (AMG CLA 45, 45 S, 200d & 220d) |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm |
| Length | 4,688 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,439 mm |
| Assembly | Hungary: Kecskemét (Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary) |
| Designer | Balázs Filczer |
Mercedes-Benz CLA – First generation2013–2019
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | C117 / X117 (shooting brake) |
| Production | 2013–2019 |
| Platform | MFA |
| Engines | Petrol 1.6 L M270 turbo I4 2.0 L M270 turbo I4 2.0 L M133 turbo I4 Diesel 1.5 L OM607 turbo I4 1.8 L OM651 turbo I4 2.1 L OM651 turbo I4 |
| Transmissions | 6-speed manual 7-speed DCT |
| Wheelbase | 2,699 mm |
| Length | 4,630 mm |
| Width | 1,777 mm |
| Height | 1,437 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,430–1,540 kg |
| Assembly | Hungary: Kecskemét (Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary) India: Chakan (MBI) Thailand: Samut Prakan (Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co., Ltd.) |
| Designer | Mark Fetherston; Robert Lešnik (2010) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 1.5 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automated manual | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2026–2027 | Electric motor | 2-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Electricity |
| 2026–2027 | Electric motor | Single-speed | Rear-wheel drive | Electricity |
| 2022–2026 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 8-speed automated manual | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2024–2026 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automated manual | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2024–2026 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid | 8-speed automated manual | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2022–2023 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 7-speed automated manual | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2014–2023 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 7-speed automated manual | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2014–2021 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 7-speed automated manual | Four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2020–2021 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 8-speed automated manual | Four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2015–2019 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 7-speed automated manual | Four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) or E85 |
| 2018–2019 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 7-speed automated manual | Part-time four-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 1.5 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automated manual · Front-wheel drive | 7.1 L/100 km | 8.1 L/100 km | 6.0 L/100 km | – |
| 2026–2027 | Electric motor · 2-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 18.0 kWh/100 km | 17.4 kWh/100 km | 17.7 kWh/100 km | 502 km |
| 2026–2027 | Electric motor · Single-speed · Rear-wheel drive | 16.8–19.3 kWh/100 km | 16.2–18.6 kWh/100 km | 16.8–19.9 kWh/100 km | 510–602 km |
| 2022–2026 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 8-speed automated manual · All-wheel drive | 10.2 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km | 8.4 L/100 km | – |
| 2024–2026 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automated manual · All-wheel drive | 8.1–9.4 L/100 km | 9.4–10.7 L/100 km | 6.7–8.1 L/100 km | – |
| 2024–2026 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl mild hybrid · 8-speed automated manual · Front-wheel drive | 7.8 L/100 km | 9.0 L/100 km | 6.5 L/100 km | – |
| 2022–2023 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 7-speed automated manual · All-wheel drive | 8.7–9.8 L/100 km | 9.8–11.2 L/100 km | 7.1–8.1 L/100 km | – |
| 2014–2023 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 7-speed automated manual · Front-wheel drive | 7.8–8.4 L/100 km | 9.0–9.8 L/100 km | 6.4–6.7 L/100 km | – |
| 2014–2021 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 7-speed automated manual · Four-wheel drive | 8.7–9.4 L/100 km | 9.8–10.7 L/100 km | 7.1–8.1 L/100 km | – |
| 2020–2021 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 8-speed automated manual · Four-wheel drive | 10.2 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km | 8.1 L/100 km | – |
| 2018–2019 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 7-speed automated manual · Part-time four-wheel drive | 8.7 L/100 km | 9.8 L/100 km | 7.4 L/100 km | – |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Engine | Power | Mass | CO₂ | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2025 | Petrol | 1991 cm³ | 310 kW (421 PS) | 1675–1745 kg | 192–206 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2023–2025 | Petrol hybrid | 1332 cm³ | 100 kW (136 PS) | 1505–1530 kg | 134–142 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2023–2025 | Petrol hybrid | 1332 cm³ | 120 kW (163 PS) | 1505–1530 kg | 135–144 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2023–2025 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 1332 cm³ | 120 kW (163 PS) | 1740–1775 kg | 17–25 g/km (WLTP) | 72–84 km · 169–196 Wh/km |
| 2019–2022, 2025 | Diesel | 1461 cm³ | 85 kW (116 PS) | 1490–1520 kg | 119–128 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2021–2025 | Diesel | 1950 cm³ | 85 kW (116 PS) | 1560–1620 kg | 132–141 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2025 | Diesel | 1950 cm³ | 110 kW (150 PS) | 1545–1620 kg | 130–140 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2025 | Diesel | 1950 cm³ | 140 kW (190 PS) | 1560–1635 kg | 131–143 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2025 | Electric | – | 200 kW (272 PS) | 2055 kg | – | 725–778 km · 125–135 Wh/km |
| 2019–2023 | Petrol | 1332 cm³ | 100 kW (136 PS) | 1410–1455 kg | 137–147 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2023 | Petrol | 1332 cm³ | 120 kW (163 PS) | 1420–1465 kg | 138–150 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2023 | Petrol | 1991 cm³ | 165 kW (224 PS) | 1490–1575 kg | 156–174 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2019–2023 | Petrol | 1991 cm³ | 225 kW (306 PS) | 1590–1645 kg | 178–194 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2020–2023 | Petrol plug-in hybrid | 1332 cm³ | 118 kW (160 PS) | 1725–1750 kg | 23–30 g/km (WLTP) | 65–76 km · 169–225 Wh/km |
| 2019–2021 | Petrol | 1991 cm³ | 140 kW (190 PS) | 1490–1545 kg | 158–171 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2013–2019 | Petrol | 1595 cm³ | 90 kW (122 PS) | 1395–1460 kg | 160–171 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2013–2019 | Petrol | 1595 cm³ | 115 kW (156 PS) | 1395–1460 kg | 167–176 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2016–2019 | Petrol | 1991 cm³ | 135 kW (184 PS) | 1530–1550 kg | 171–188 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2013–2019 | Petrol | 1991 cm³ | 155 kW (211 PS) | 1475–1555 kg | 175–189 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2015–2019 | Petrol | 1991 cm³ | 280 kW (381 PS) | 1585–1615 kg | 212–217 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2014–2019 | Diesel | 2143 cm³ | 100 kW (136 PS) | 1525–1555 kg | 159–167 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2013–2015, 2018–2019 | Diesel | 2143 cm³ | 125 kW (170 PS) | 1525–1555 kg | 156–170 g/km (WLTP) | – |
| 2015–2018 | Petrol | 1991 cm³ | 160 kW (218 PS) | 1490–1575 kg | 143–160 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2014–2018 | Diesel | 1461 cm³ | 80 kW (109 PS) | 1440–1495 kg | 101–110 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| 2014–2018 | Diesel | 2143 cm³ | 130 kW (177 PS) | 1525–1615 kg | 106–126 g/km (NEDC) | – |
| + 3 more configurations |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Compact car |
| Model years in EPA data | 2014–2027 |
| Powertrains | Electric, Mild hybrid, Petrol, Flex-fuel |
| Engine displacement | 1.5–2.0 L |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission types | Single-speed, Automated manual, Automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive, Front-wheel drive, All-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive, Part-time four-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Electricity, Petrol (premium), Petrol (premium) or E85 |
| Configurations listed | 58 |
| Forced induction | Turbocharged |
| Start-stop system | Yes |
| Electric motor (EPA) | 200 kW ACPM 3-Phase; 81 and 210 kW ACPM 3-Phase |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 340–368 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,492–2,577 L |
| Electric range (EPA) | 502–602 km |
| Powertrains (EU) | Petrol, Petrol plug-in hybrid, Diesel |
| Engine displacement (EU) | 1,332–2,143 cm³ |
| Power (EU) | 80–155 kW (109–211 PS) |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 1,395–1,750 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,699–2,729 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2014–2027 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2011–2026 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 155 | 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| Electrical system | 105 | 2014, 2015, 2018 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 70 | 2014, 2015, 2019 |
| Airbags | 69 | 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| Body and structure | 55 | 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 49 | 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| Speed control and cruise | 46 | 2014, 2015, 2021 |
| Visibility and wipers | 38 | 2014, 2015, 2019 |
| Steering | 30 | 2014, 2016, 2019 |
| Stability and traction control | 28 | 2014, 2015, 2016 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2014–2023: 588 complaints, 32 with a crash and 6 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.