Mercedes-Benz CLA C117 (2013-2019): known problems and buying guide

Built
2016–2019
Median price
€16,950
Listings
1,456
Running cost per month
€463–€650
Power
122–381 PS (90–280 kW)
Reliability
3/5
DIY
2/5

A middling buy. Check recalls by VIN, the airbag warning light and the diesel software record before you pay.

All versions

VariantRunning cost per monthMedian priceListingsFuelEngine codesGearboxProduction years
Coupé 200 d, 136 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€478€15,900256Diesel 651930Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2016–2019
Coupé 200 d, 136 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€503€15,900256Diesel 651930Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2016–2019
Coupé 200, 156 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€465€17,490183Petrol 270910Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2016–2019
Coupé 220 d, 177 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€477€15,990166Diesel 651930Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2016–2018
Coupé 220 d, 177 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€497€15,990166Diesel 651930Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2016–2018
Coupé 180, 122 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€467€16,400165Petrol 270910Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2016–2019
Coupé 45 AMG, 381 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€650€27,300122Petrol (98) 133980Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2016–2019
Coupé 180, 122 PS, 6-speed manual Research€470€14,900109Petrol 270910Manual (6)2016–2019
Coupé 200, 156 PS, 6-speed manual Research€463€16,80090Petrol 270910Manual (6)2016–2019
Coupé 220, 184 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€510€18,99083Petrol 270920Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2016–2019
Coupé 250, 211 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€494€19,20067Petrol 270920Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2016–2019
Coupé 250, 211 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€513€19,20067Petrol 270920Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2016–2019
Coupé 220 d, 170 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research€544€18,20052Diesel 651930Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2018–2019
Coupé 220 d, 170 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive Research€556€18,20052Diesel 651930Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)2018–2019
Show all 14 variants

At a glance

  • Years: built 2013 to 2019, with a facelift in 2016. CLA-specific sources are few, so this list is short on purpose. No Shooting Brake fault was found.
  • Reliability: 3/5. Several recalls touch airbags, the brake booster and fuel lines, and the diesel and gearbox need checks.
  • DIY: 2/5. Recall papers, the warning light and a look at the fuel lines are simple. Airbag, diesel and gearbox work needs a workshop.
  • Prefer: a car with every recall campaign closed by VIN, dealer records and proof of the diesel software update.
  • Avoid: an airbag warning light at start-up, or no record of the airbag, starter or fuel-line campaigns.

Engines and gearboxes

  • Petrol M270 (1.6 and 2.0): chain, camshaft and thermostat faults are in the guide. See the M270 guide.
  • OM651 diesel (CLA 200 d, 220 CDI/d): timing chain stretch and the 2014 tensioner seal. See the OM651 guide.
  • K9K 1.5 dCi (CLA 180 CDI / 180 d): no guide exists. German press names it OM607. The timing belt interval is disputed; see Maintenance.
  • 7G-DCT dual-clutch (724.0): jerky low-speed shifts and clutch wear. See the 7G-DCT guide.

Known issues

Issue Affects Typical km Repair cost
Steering column airbag fires unintentionally Built 2013 to July 2017 Not stated No confirmed price
Airbag may not deploy Built August 2016 to March 2017 Not stated No confirmed price
Brake booster vacuum connector Built up to April 2013 Not stated No confirmed price
Starter current limiter Built 2014 to 2017 Not stated No confirmed price
Diesel high-pressure fuel line Diesel, built October to November 2015 Not stated No confirmed price
Diesel emissions software update All diesel CLAs Not stated Software update, no price given
Seat belt bolts with wrong torque 2014 recall, 193 vehicles worldwide (B-Class and CLA), build years not given Not stated Workshop visit of up to 2 hours; no price

Before you buy

  1. Check open campaigns by VIN (no tools). Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN for open campaigns on the airbags, brake booster, starter and fuel lines. Bad: any open campaign, or no written answer.
  2. Airbag warning light (needs a scanner). Switch the ignition on. The airbag light should go out after a few seconds. A scanner reads stored airbag faults. Bad: a lit light, or stored airbag faults.
  3. Diesel fuel lines (no tools). On a 2015 diesel, open the bonnet and look at the high-pressure lines for cracks, wet spots or a fuel smell. Bad: any crack or leak.
  4. Starter record (no tools). On a 2014 to 2017 car, ask for the record of the starter current limiter campaign. Bad: no record.
  5. Diesel software record (no tools). On any diesel, ask for the dealer record of the emissions software update. Bad: no record. Without the update, German press says the car can be stopped.
  6. Brake pedal (test drive). On an empty road at low speed, brake gently. Bad: the pedal needs extra pressure.
  7. Seat belt record (no tools). Ask for proof that the seat belt bolt torque check was done under the 2014 campaign. Bad: no record.

Running costs

Operational€190
Workshop€140
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)€164
Total per month€494
New-car depreciation (not included)€96

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Market

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

Find offers on mobile.de

Listings
1,456
25th percentile
€14,600
Median price
€16,950
75th percentile
€19,490
Median mileage
120,000 km
Median first registration
2017
Dealer share
63.2%
Price at 100,000 km
€18,809

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.

Full guide with details