Years to avoid
Mercedes-Benz CLA Years to Avoid
The 2022, 2019, 2024, 2021 model years stand out as the weakest in this Mercedes-Benz CLA dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2022
- Model average
- 48/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 272
- Recalls, weakest year
- 76
38/100 reliability
26-point range
16 crash · 4 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA ranks last
The 2022 scores 38/100, rated risky, versus a model average of 48/100. NHTSA data contains 272 owner complaints and 76 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (47), Fuel System, Gasoline (28), Unknown Or Other (22), Steering (17). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA record →Evidence by year
The weakest Mercedes-Benz CLA model years compared
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Complaints
- 272
- Recalls
- 76
- Crash reports
- 16
- Fire reports
- 4
Top issues: Electrical System (47), Fuel System, Gasoline (28), Unknown Or Other (22)
View 2022 details →2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Complaints
- 523
- Recalls
- 196
- Crash reports
- 26
- Fire reports
- 10
Top issues: Electrical System (81), Unknown Or Other (65), Engine (52)
View 2019 details →2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Complaints
- 23
- Recalls
- 8
- Crash reports
- 2
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Electrical System (6), Unknown Or Other (5), Seats (2)
View 2024 details →2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Complaints
- 318
- Recalls
- 149
- Crash reports
- 12
- Fire reports
- 8
Top issues: Electrical System (80), Engine (52), Unknown Or Other (41)
View 2021 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Mercedes-Benz CLA years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Mercedes-Benz CLA data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Mercedes-Benz CLA research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Mercedes-Benz CLA research FAQ
Which Mercedes-Benz CLA years should I avoid?
2022, 2019, 2024, 2021 score materially below the strongest Mercedes-Benz CLA years in this dataset. The 2022 is the weakest at 38/100, with 272 owner complaints and 76 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Mercedes-Benz CLA year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Mercedes-Benz CLA year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (64/100), 2020 (56/100), 2018 (46/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Mercedes-Benz CLA you are considering.