2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Link ball joint covers6.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLA

  6.3% All 2015 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.5% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Airbag warning light7.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLA

  2.3% All 2015 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.3% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Engine warning light2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLA

  3.4% All 2015 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.6% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Wheels2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz CLA

  2.4% All 2015 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.4% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Common 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  23% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  19% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  10% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  2% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Many recalls (25)

  All engines

  The CLA has had 25 recalls, including seatbelt anchors, airbags, driveshafts, brake servos and airbag seat sensors.

  At the viewing: Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes CLA (Mk1, 2013-2019) problems and recalls

• Fuel flap stuck shut

  All engines

  Faulty solenoids can stop the fuel filler flap opening.

  At the viewing: Open the fuel flap.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes CLA (Mk1, 2013-2019) problems and recalls

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Mercedes dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 6.3× as often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 7.7× as often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?