2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Second-gen (C118) entry-luxury coupe with few NHTSA complaints and decent RepairPal reliability, but a jerky dual-clutch, electrical gremlins, premium fuel, costly out-of-warranty upkeep and a notably short observed lifespan keep it cautious. 4 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year. New, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class ranged from $38,200 to $55,900 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Second-gen (C118) entry-luxury coupe with few NHTSA complaints and decent RepairPal reliability, but a jerky dual-clutch, electrical gremlins, premium fuel, costly out-of-warranty upkeep and a notably short observed lifespan keep it cautious.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mercedes-benz&model…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/mercedes-benz/cla250
- whatcar.comhttps://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cla/coupe/used-review/n22779/reliability
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Respectable real-world fuel economy (around 29 mpg combined, high-30s on the highway)
- Upscale, well-finished cabin that beats most rivals in its class
- Strong, eager 2.0L turbo-four with quick acceleration
- Generous standard active safety: forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and standard blind-spot warning
Cons
- Cramped, noisy rear seat with poor outward visibility and awkward access
- Firm, stiff ride
- Requires premium fuel and carries costly out-of-warranty luxury upkeep
- Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is often jerky and hesitant at low speed in traffic
- Electrical gremlins reported: faulty sensors, infotainment glitches and persistent warning lights
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA 250 Coupe | $38,200 | $43,200 | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 | 29 |
| CLA 250 4MATIC Coupe | $40,200 | $45,200 | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 | 27 |
| AMG CLA 35 Coupe | $47,900 | $54,950 | AMG-enhanced 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 | 24 |
| AMG CLA 45 Coupe | $55,900 | $62,000 | Handcrafted AMG 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 | 23 |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($38,200). Higher trims started higher (up to $55,900), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2022 loses roughly another 35% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/mercedes-benz-cla-class/resale-value
Also consider
- Audi A3 rated 6/10 better fuel economy
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe direct competitor with similar luxury and performance
- Cadillac CT4-V main rival to AMG CLA models
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?
Second-gen (C118) entry-luxury coupe with few NHTSA complaints and decent RepairPal reliability, but a jerky dual-clutch, electrical gremlins, premium fuel, costly out-of-warranty upkeep and a notably short observed lifespan keep it cautious.
How much did the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class cost new?
Between $38,200 and $55,900 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Checking a listing right now?
The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.
Add to Chrome · FreeNo account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.
Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.