Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | typical | 5 | — | Few |
| 2020 | 0 | −43% | 7 | — | Few |
| 2019 | 0 | −60% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2018 | 6 | 2.0× | 7 | Engine | Average |
| 2017 | 0 | −60% | 7 | — | Few |
| 2016 | 1 | −40% | 6 | Steering | Few |
| 2015 | 3 | 1.7× | 5 | Electrical | Few |
| 2014 | 16 | 3.7× | 5 | Airbag | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median AMG CLA45 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 recalls
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Lock
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads.
Remedy: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024.
Communication › Auto crash notification
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022.
Back over prevention › Display function
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 should you avoid?
None of the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45?
2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other AMG CLA45 years at the same age, followed by 2019 and 2020. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (6), engine & cooling (6) and transmission & drivetrain (5). Electrical complaints peak in the 2014 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 had?
17 recalls across 2014–2021. The model year with the most is 2017. See all Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.