2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mercedes-Benz CLA first registered in 2019: we looked at the 24,624 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Brakes17% 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.
- Lights and electrics6% 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 mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension3% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2019 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.
- All engines
Many recalls (25)
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
- All engines
Fuel flap stuck shut
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 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Mercedes dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLA?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz CLA compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 726 | Tyres 13% |
| 2022 | 11,838 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 19,316 | Tyres 30% |
| 2020 | 22,369 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 24,892 | Tyres 33% |
| 2017 | 24,590 | Tyres 34% |
| 2016 | 22,940 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 20,524 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 12,973 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 6,330 | Tyres 34% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz CLA cars first registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score