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Model-year record

2020 Mercedes CLA
Image: Own work · CC BY-SA

2020 Mercedes CLA

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

23

Reports to NHTSA, 2020

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

No data

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (35% of 23 reports), followed by back over prevention (9%).

Electrical System35% · 8 reports
Back Over Prevention9% · 2 reports
Engine9% · 2 reports
Service Brakes9% · 2 reports
Steering9% · 2 reports
Unknown Or Other9% · 2 reports
Visibility/Wiper9% · 2 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System4% · 1 report

+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 23 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11686937, ODI 11633985, ODI 11572508, ODI 11438063, ODI 11437767.

Individual complaint reports(23)

Showing the 23 most recent reports
Back Over PreventionApr 2026 · ODI 11730462Details +

The back-up camara is stuck open on the trunk for more than 30 days now. When I put it in reverse the camara will show for about 5 seconds and then go back to the home screen. I brought this to the attention of my advisor and he said that its a known issue. If Mercedes knows this is an issue with the CLA250, they should offer a replacement instead of charging to fix a faulty component.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11730462 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperMar 2026 · ODI 11728141Details +

While driving, the panoramic sunroof on my 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC shattered unexpectedly while fully closed. The interior sunshade was also closed at the time. There was no prior damage and no discernible impact. I did not observe or hear anything strike the vehicle. The fracture pattern shows no identifiable point of origin or impact and appears irregular and multi-directional, which is inconsistent with external debris. This appears to be a spontaneous tempered glass failure and raises safety concerns due to the risk of injury to occupants and driver distraction while operating the vehicle.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11728141 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperFeb 2026 · ODI 11720510Details +

Front Windshield Wipers run randonly when they are not turned on manually. I would be driving and for no reason (no rain or water on the windshield) the wipers would come on and would not turn off when I used the switch. There was no warning message on my auto dash. It was startling and caused confusion when they came on unexpectantly. My mechanic shared a XENTRY document regarding this problem on 4/25/23. Copies of the XENTRY report and my repair receipt are attached.

Reported
Feb 2026
Incident date
Jun 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11720510 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2025 · ODI 11686937Details +

My back up camera badge located at the trunk has been permanently stuck open for a few months now when I put car in reverse the screen shows my camera for 2 seconds then disappears and goes back to my Home Screen I brought to the dealer and they told me I need a new battery I replaced my battery paid almost 400 dollars and it still doesn’t work .

Reported
Sep 2025
Incident date
Apr 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11686937 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2025 · ODI 11678690Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed for the rearview camera failure. The dealer informed the contact that the rear brake pads and discs had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the rear brake pads and discs. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V732000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment). The manufacturer was made aware of the rearview camera failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11678690 at NHTSA →
Back Over PreventionMay 2025 · ODI 11660388Details +

when reversing, the central display shows backup camera for a couple seconds before turning to a black screen and a message saying the rearview camera is not working properly

Reported
May 2025
Incident date
Dec 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11660388 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2025 · ODI 11633985Details +

Rear camera works, but the hatch will not close making it difficult to open and close the trunk. I have seen many vehicles in this Family Class with the rear camera in the same condition which leads me to believe that it's not a maintenance issue.

Reported
Jan 2025
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11633985 at NHTSA →
EngineSep 2024 · ODI 11614748Details +

Engine was failed prior to purchase, it is available for inspection. Engine jerks while driving. Dealer changed engine and problem got worse. Vehicle was inspected at Mercedes Benz Manhattan. Engine light keeps coming on and engine oil raises above normal level and warning light comes on and dealer says its normal.

Reported
Sep 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11614748 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemMay 2024 · ODI 11588068Details +

During the manufacturing process, particles was trapped between the fuel and rail injectors, which is causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, increase the risk of a fire.

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11588068 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2024 · ODI 11572508Details +

Nov 01,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number: 2024010010 NHTSA Recall Number: 23V732 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete The manufacturer has failed and is unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner.

Reported
Feb 2024
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11572508 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2024 · ODI 11568628Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V732000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported
Jan 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11568628 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2023 · ODI 11519496Details +

On 4/27 I was driving home on the freeway and there were little to no cars around me. There were no large trucks or debris coming from above me and there was no harsh weather. I heard a loud pop when i was driving and I pulled over and my whole sunroof shattered. The sunroof also has not been opened that day. The problem won’t be suspension is that when going over rough roads or bumps, my car squeaks. As for the steering, when I drive above 50 MPH and I brake, the car shakes. I’ve already taken it to two car shops to get it fixed and it problem persists.

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11519496 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2023 · ODI 11500957Details +

Approximately several weeks ago, the check engine light illuminated in my vehicle. No issues were present at that time. Shortly after, approximately a week later, the vehicle began to stutter when reversing or driving on surface streets after being on the highway. The vehicle also would stall after the check engine light flashed several times. The vehicle would need to be turned off and turned back on to accelerate correctly and not stall. This has not been inspected by the dealer yet, a service appointment has been made. Mercedes recently recalled other models due to a water intrusion issue, but this model was not included, however it is exhibiting nearly the exact same symptoms.

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11500957 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2022 · ODI 11496424 · 1 injuriesDetails +

The system that appeared to malfunction is the front airbags sensors. I drove past an accident on the freeway the left by some rocks/debris in the road. I steered away from the rocks avoiding my tires, however, both of my front airbags deploy as if i collided with something. This has completely disabled my vehicle on the freeway, and shattered my windshield. I had the car towed to a repair shop for further diagnostic, and they confirmed there is no front end impact or collision on my vehicle. There is minor undercarriage scrapping, but it isn't near the airbag sensor. There were no warning lights on my vehicle prior to this, and my vehicle has been in no accidents. What caused my airbags to deploy if there was no impact?

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 11496424 at NHTSA →
WheelsApr 2022 · ODI 11460171 · crashDetails +

The vehicle experienced a blowout of both tires on the drivers side while driving at high speeds on the highway. The sidewalls of both tires ruptured, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and wreck the suspension. This accident occured on March 26, 2022 (pending repair invoice). A similar incident in the same vehicle occured on March 20, 2021 that caused a blowout of both driver's side tires (attached repair invoice) after hitting a minor pothole. An additional two tires were replaced in July 2021 (attached repair invoice) and in January 2022. The high speed blowouts caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle at high speeds and almost caused a multi-car accident. The dealer has not acknowledged that the vehicle has any tire issues in spite of having to replace 5 tires due to blowouts and an additional tire due (done at another vendor) to a sidewall bubble within 14,000 miles of driving. There were no issues with the vehicle at the time of any accident. In fact the dealer had inspected the vehicle and tires the same week of the most recent accident (attached service invoice). It is my impression that the persistent tire issues represent a serious and dangerous problem with this vehicle.

Reported
Apr 2022
Incident date
Mar 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11460171 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2022 · ODI 11458646Details +

unknown

Reported
Mar 2022
Incident date
Mar 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11458646 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2022 · ODI 11458396Details +

manufacturer has failed to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner

Reported
Mar 2022
Incident date
Mar 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11458396 at NHTSA →
VisibilityMar 2022 · ODI 11454912 · 1 injuriesDetails +

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250C. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, he heard an explosion and saw that the panoramic sunroof had shattered. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was injured by the glass with small cuts on arms and hands. The contact did not seek medical attention. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the sunroof to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,868.

Reported
Mar 2022
Incident date
Feb 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 11454912 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2021 · ODI 11438063Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted and advised that the remedy was an over-the-air remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and advised the contact to call NHTSA to file a complaint as they did not have a date of when the remedy would be available. The vehicle had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported
Oct 2021
Incident date
Oct 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11438063 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2021 · ODI 11437767Details +

The contact's boyfriend owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA35. The contact's boyfriend received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the issue each month since the recall was released; however, each time the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported
Oct 2021
Incident date
May 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11437767 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2021 · ODI 11432165Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA35. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer along with Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills (9250 Beverly Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210) were made aware of the recall on separate occasions but both dealers informed the contact that the recall was an over-the-air update. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported
Sep 2021
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11432165 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2020 · ODI 11349083Details +

MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES, INDEPENDENT SENSORS FAILED PREMATURELY. AIR BAGS SENSOR, DISTANCE RADAR SENSOR, MICROPHONE SENSOR, AMBIENT LIGHTING FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, AUDIO FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, AC FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, AND ENGINE TURNS OFF RANDOMLY. POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE BODY CONTROL MODULE FAILURE OR ELECTRICAL HARNESS DEFECTS. FAILURES OCCUR WHEN STATIONARY AND MOVING. MERCEDES BENZ REFUSING TO INVESTIGATE ROOT CAUSE OF MULTIPLE INDEPENDENT SYSTEM FAILURES. THESE FAILURE ARE HIGHLY UNLIKELY TO OCCUR INDIVIDUALLY WITH AUTOMOTIVE GRADE COMPONENTS WITH PROPER QUALIFICATIONS TESTING.

Reported
Aug 2020
Incident date
Aug 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11349083 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2020 · ODI 11312261Details +

I SIGNED A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH A MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER ON A 2020 CLA 250 4MATIC CAR. HOWEVER, DUE TO A PENDING RECALL, THE DEALER CANNOT DELIVER THE CAR TO ME (AFTER A WEEK OF SIGNING THE LEASE CONTRACT) BECAUSE MERCEDES-BENZ USA INSTRUCTS THEM TO HOLD THE CAR BEFORE THE RECALL ISSUE IS FIXED. I SEARCHED ON NHTSA.GOV, THE RECALL "MBUSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 2020010007 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 20V045" WAS REPORTED ON JAN 27, 2020, WHILE STILL "RECALL INCOMPLETE, REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE" ON FEB 28, 2020. I ASK NHTSA TO ACT, AND URGE MERCEDES-BENZ USA TO EITHER RELEASE A RECALL FIX ASAP OR LET THE DEALER DELIVER THE VEHICLE TO CUSTOMER. THEN, A CUSTOMER CAN VISIT A DEALER FOR A RECALL FIX WHEN THE RECALL REMEDY IS ACTUALLY AVAILABLE.

Reported
Feb 2020
Incident date
Feb 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11312261 at NHTSA →

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 4 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 4 DR 4WD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

No EPA fuel-economy record is available for this model year. Some trims and older vehicles were not tested or are not in the current EPA feed.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2020 Mercedes CLA: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Mercedes CLA?

Owners filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Mercedes CLA. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2020 Mercedes CLA?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (35% of complaints) and back over prevention (9%).

How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes CLA have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2020 Mercedes CLA as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Mercedes CLA get?

EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2020 Mercedes CLA aren't available yet.