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2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints for the 2019 CLA-Class[1]. Six recalls apply to it, so checking that each one was done matters more than the complaint count[2][3][4][5][6][7].
Most reported problems
Of the 23 complaints on file, 2 mention a crash, 2 mention injuries, and none mention a fire or a death[1]. These are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name several parts.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine[10] | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[11] | 4 |
| Wheels[12] | 3 |
| Unknown or other[13] | 3 |
| Air bags[14] | 2 |
| Electrical system[15] | 2 |
| Communication[16] | 2 |
| Steering[17] | 1 |
We also read a small sample of the complaint texts. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as hints, not rates.
- Engine. In the complaints we read, owners describe a check engine light tied to the crankcase ventilation hose, gasoline fumes in the cabin, and an engine repair that involved fuel injector seals and injectors. Some say the dealer would not cover the cost[10].
- Fuel system. Owners describe a strong gas smell inside the car and a leaking fuel rail that shut the engine down. One says the replacement part is no longer made[11].
- Wheels. Owners describe cracked or bent rims, repeated flat tires and expensive replacements[12].
- Communication. Owners describe getting a recall notice and then finding the repair part was not available yet[16].
Air bags have the only crash and injury counts at the component level, with 1 crash and 1 injury[14].
Recalls
NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year[8]. Newest first:
- Roof panel (23V854). In 2023 the maker recalled 2,976 vehicles, including certain CLA models[2]. The front roof panel by the panoramic sunroof may have been bonded badly during an earlier repair and could detach. A loose panel could become a road hazard and raise crash risk. Dealers replace the front panel, free of charge[2].
- Emergency call software (22V365). In 2022 the maker recalled 242,722 vehicles[3]. A SIM card software error can break the mobile connection and disable the eCall system. That could delay help in an emergency. The fix is a software update, over the air or at a dealer[3].
- Roof panel (21V197). In 2021 the maker recalled 15,096 vehicles with a panoramic sunroof, including CLA250 Coupe models[4]. The same bonding problem could let the front panel come off. Dealers install a new panel[4].
- Emergency call module (21V072). In 2021 the maker recalled 67 vehicles[5]. The communication module may have been switched off during a service visit, which can disable eCall. Dealers inspect the module and turn it on if needed[5].
- Emergency call location (21V058). In 2021 the maker recalled 1,292,258 vehicles[6]. The software may send the wrong location after a crash, so responders could go to the wrong place. A software update from a dealer or over the air fixes it[6].
- Door locks (19V219). In 2019 the maker recalled 5 vehicles[7]. The right-side door locks may be built wrong, so the right doors might not open from outside. That could raise injury risk after a crash. Dealers replace the locks[7].
All six facts list a remedy. Even so, one pair of complaints says the part for the 2022 recall was not yet available at the dealer[16]. Ask a dealer to run the VIN before you buy.
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the version. All use a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo with Automatic (AM7)[18].
| Version | City / Highway / Combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| CLA250, front-wheel drive[9] | 24 / 37 / 29 | $2,850 |
| CLA250 4matic[18] | 24 / 32 / 27 | $3,050 |
| AMG CLA45 4matic[19] | 23 / 30 / 26 | $3,150 |
The EPA also lists a part-time 4-wheel-drive CLA250 4matic at 27 combined MPG[20]. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Engine and size
The EPA Test Car List shows the 2019 CLA-Class with a 2.0L 4-cylinder rated 208 to 355 hp depending on version[21]. Our data has no size figures for this car.
How 2019 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 179 | 6 |
| 2015 | 61 | 7 |
| 2016 | 66 | 8 |
| 2017 | 28 | 10 |
| 2018 | 41 | 9 |
| 2019 | 23 | 6 |
| 2020 | 21 | 11 |
| 2021 | 7 | 5 |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 6 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 | 1 |
The 2019 model has 23 complaints and 6 recalls[8].
- Complaints: 2014 has 179[8], 2015 has 61, 2016 has 66, 2017 has 28 and 2018 has 41[8]. All are above 2019. 2020 has 21 and 2021 has 7, which are below it[8].
- Recalls: 2014 also has 6[8]. 2015 has 7, 2016 has 8, 2017 has 10, 2018 has 9 and 2020 has 11[8]. 2021 has 5[8].
Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Should you buy a used 2019 CLA-Class?
The complaint count is modest next to the 2014 to 2018 model years[8]. The complaints we read point to fuel smell, a ventilation hose and cracked wheels, so ask for service records on those[10][11][12]. Six recalls apply, and all list a remedy, so confirm each one is done before you pay[2][3][4][5][6][7]. Fuel economy runs from 26 to 29 combined MPG depending on version[9][19]. A dealer VIN check and a pre-purchase inspection are the safest next steps.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
- Engine and fuel/propulsion groups have 4 complaints each, and wheels have 3[10][11][12]. Owners describe fuel smell, a ventilation hose light and cracked rims.
- How many recalls does the 2019 CLA-Class have?
- Six, covering roof panels, eCall software or modules and right-side door locks[2][3][4][5][6][7].
- What MPG does the 2019 CLA250 get?
- The front-wheel-drive CLA250 is rated 29 combined MPG[9]. The CLA250 4matic is rated 27[18].
- Is the 2019 CLA-Class better than other years?
- It has fewer complaints than 2014 to 2018 and more than 2020 or 2021[8]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 23 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (2 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V854, filed December 15, 2023: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V365, filed May 20, 2022: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V197, filed March 19, 2021: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V072, filed February 12, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V058, filed February 5, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V219, filed March 20, 2019: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for CLA250, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 37 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 4 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the communication component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for CLA250 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Premium or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG CLA45 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for CLA250 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Premium, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 208 to 355 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov