All versions
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Starter record (no tools). On a 2014 to 2017 car, ask for the record of the starter current limiter campaign. Bad: no record.
- 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.
- Brake pedal (test drive). On an empty road at low speed, brake gently. Bad: the pedal needs extra pressure.
- 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.
- 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.