CarBrief

NHTSA has just 1 owner complaint on file for the 2025 CLA-Class and lists no recalls[1][2]. EPA combined mpg runs from 23 to 30 depending on the version[3][4][5].

1owner complaints[1]
23–30MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Reported problems

NHTSA lists 1 owner complaint for this model year[1]. It reports no crash, fire, injury or death[1]. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, so treat them as hints, not proof.

That one complaint is filed under three component groups: electrical system, back over prevention and lane departure[6][7][8]. In the text we read, the owner describes the camera image cutting out while parking, so the view disappears when they need it most[6][7][8].

A single report is not a pattern. It does not tell us how common this is, and it does not say the car is trouble free. It mostly shows that few reports have been filed so far.

Recalls

NHTSA's year-by-year count shows 0 recalls for the 2025 CLA-Class[2]. The same count shows 1 recall each for the 2026 and 2027 model years, which are separate years from this one[2].

It is still smart to check the VIN on NHTSA's recall page before buying, because new recalls can be added at any time.

Fuel economy

EPA rates four versions. All use a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo with an Automatic (AM8) and premium fuel[3][9][5][4].

Version Drive City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
CLA250[5] Front-Wheel Drive 26 / 36 / 30 $2,750
CLA250 4matic[9] All-Wheel Drive 25 / 34 / 29 $2,850
AMG CLA35 4matic[3] All-Wheel Drive 22 / 29 / 25 $3,300
AMG CLA45 S 4matic[4] All-Wheel Drive 20 / 28 / 23 $3,550

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new[3][9][5][4]. Your own cost depends on how and where you drive.

Engine and power

The EPA test list rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder in this model year from 221 to 416 hp, depending on the version[10]. The list does not match each rating to a version, so check the specific car you are looking at[10].

How 2025 compares with other years

2014: 179 complaints, 6 recalls20142015: 61 complaints, 7 recalls20152016: 66 complaints, 8 recalls20162017: 28 complaints, 10 recalls20172018: 41 complaints, 9 recalls20182019: 23 complaints, 6 recalls20192020: 21 complaints, 11 recalls20202021: 7 complaints, 5 recalls20212022: 2 complaints, 0 recalls20222023: 6 complaints, 0 recalls20232024: 2 complaints, 0 recalls20242025: 1 complaints, 0 recalls120252026: 1 complaints, 1 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each CLA-Class model year. The 2025 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20141796
2015617
2016668
20172810
2018419
2019236
20202111
202175
202220
202360
202420
202510
202611

NHTSA counts for this model across years show 1 complaint and 0 recalls for 2025[2]. Only 2027 has fewer complaints, with 0[2]. The 2026 model year also has 1 complaint[2]. The 2022, 2023 and 2024 years also show 0 recalls, with 2, 6 and 2 complaints[2].

Older years look much busier. The 2014 model year has 179 complaints and 6 recalls, and 2020 has the most recalls at 11[2]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer cars have had less time to collect reports, so a low number for 2025 is not a guarantee[2].

Should you buy a 2025 CLA-Class?

The public record for this model year is very light, with 1 complaint and no recalls on file[1][2]. That is a good sign, but a short history says little about long-term reliability. Pick the version by fuel cost and power, since combined mpg ranges from 23 to 30[5][4]. Check the VIN for recalls and look at the parking camera on any car you test.

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file, about a parking camera image cutting out[1][6]. No crash, fire, injury or death is reported[1].
Are there recalls on the 2025 CLA-Class?
NHTSA's count lists 0 recalls for the 2025 model year[2]. Check your VIN for anything newer.
How many miles per gallon does the 2025 CLA-Class get?
EPA combined ratings run from 23 mpg (AMG CLA45 S 4matic) to 30 mpg (CLA250 front-wheel drive)[4][5].
How much horsepower does the 2025 CLA-Class have?
EPA lists 221 to 416 hp depending on version[10].
Which CLA-Class year has the fewest complaints?
Only 2027 has fewer than 2025, with 0[2]. The 2025 and 2026 model years each have 1[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for AMG CLA35 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. EPA rating for AMG CLA45 S 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. EPA rating for CLA250, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM8), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 1 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 1 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 1 complaints name the lane departure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. EPA rating for CLA250 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  10. EPA Test Car List, 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 221 to 416 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.