2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 27. The most common issue is electrical problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: 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 sea. There are 8 recalls issued for this model year.
31
Total Complaints
8
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.1x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
5 complaints- • 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 SEA
- • 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 O
- • 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.
“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 SEA”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (8)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Service Intervals
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
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 2020 CLA 250, 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 31 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 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 SEA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: manufacturer has failed to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 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 disa
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 8 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 — Year Comparison
How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 8
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 3
- Segment avg
- 27
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250