BestCarRank
Mercedes-Benz

2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 has 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 23. The most common issue is engine problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: as i accelerated out of a left turn, the engine suddenly shut off, the transmission shifted into neutral, and the dash indicated that the vehicle was 'inoperable'. i pulled over and turned off the ignition. when i attempted to restart, the vehicle started with no issues.. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year.

11

Total Complaints

7

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

ENGINE

3 complaints
27%
  • • AS I ACCELERATED OUT OF A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, AND THE DASH INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 'INOPERABLE'. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART, THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH NO ISSUES.
  • • ACCELERATING OUT OF A LEFT TURN, THE CAR HESITATED MOMENTARILY THEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IN TRAFFIC. THE DASH INDICATED THAT THE CAR HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, POSSIBLY DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) ISSUE.
  • • Regarding 2018 CLA 45 AMG: On 9-21-21, while I was driving approximately 45 MPH on a 4 lane road, suddenly the car completely shut down. A message simultaneously popped up that the car was disabled and instructed me to look up in manual. Immediately I turned right into the first driveway where the c
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“AS I ACCELERATED OUT OF A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, AND THE DASH INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 'INOPERABLE'. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART, THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH NO ISSUES.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (7)

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION03/08/2018

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, and CLA45 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not be properly calibrated, resulting in the front passenger air bag not being deactivated if a child seat is in the front seat.

Risk: If a child seat is in the front seat and the passenger air bag is not deactivated, in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began January 2, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120001.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,847
Per month
$154
Per mile
15.4¢
MPG
26
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,087/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,143
Full coverage / month
$179
Liability only / year
$710
vs US avg
+28%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
40K mi
Engine coolant
150K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
20K mi
Engine air filter
40K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
10 yr / 155K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
4 yr / 50K mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2018 AMG CLA45, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 11 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ☐
    ENGINE: AS I ACCELERATED OUT OF A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, AND THE DASH INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 'INOPERABLE'. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART, THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH NO ISSUES.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    OTHER: WE WERE ADVISED MERCEDES-BENZ IS ISSUING A RECALL DUE TO MOLD EXISTING IN THE FACTORY HVAC SYSTEM FROM A LAW FIRM MAILER. WHEN CONTACTING MERCEDES-BENZ, THEY STATED THEY ARE OF THE PROBLEM AND TOLD US A RECALL WOULD BE TAKING PLACE AROUND JANUARY 2021. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW IN OCTOBER 2018 AND

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    TRANSMISSION: ACCELERATING OUT OF A LEFT TURN, THE CAR HESITATED MOMENTARILY THEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IN TRAFFIC. THE DASH INDICATED THAT THE CAR HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, POSSIBLY DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) ISSUE.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    ELECTRICAL: The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was notified of the issue however, the contact was informed that the part wa

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ☐
    RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
  • ☐
    General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 — Year Comparison

How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2018
11Above Average
2014
23Below Average
Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
11
Recalls
7
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
23

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45

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