Thinking about buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 9 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, cooling, and electrical. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
9
Documented faults
Major
Most serious
$600–$3,500
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Mercedes-Benz CLA faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
017G-DCT dual-clutch shudder and slip (C117)
MajorCommonTransmission $2,500–$6,000 to fix
The first CLA uses the same 7-speed dual-clutch as the A/B/GLA family and shows the same faults: shudder and jerking at low speed, hesitation taking up drive, and slipping when hot. It is driven hard by the 2.0 turbo in the 250, which stresses the clutches. The fluid must be changed with the correct MB 236.21 spec roughly every 60,000 km; a neglected box needs a clutch pack or mechatronic unit.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder or jerk pulling away and in slow traffic
Hesitation then a clunk as drive takes up
Slipping or harsh shifts when hot
What to check
Drive in traffic and feel for low-speed jerkiness and shudder. Ask for DCT oil-change invoices. A CLA 250 with track or hard use and no gearbox service history is higher risk.
Where to look: Transmission, transverse behind the engine
Ask the seller
“Has the dual-clutch oil been changed with the correct MB spec?”
“Does it shudder or hesitate pulling away?”
“Has the clutch or mechatronics been replaced?”
02MBUX infotainment freezes and glitches (C118)
MinorOccasionalElectrical $300–$3,500 to fix
The C118 introduced the twin-screen MBUX system, which can freeze, reboot, drop Apple CarPlay/Android Auto or lose the reversing camera. It is usually a software fault fixed with an update at a dealer, but a persistent one can mean a control unit. Annoying rather than dangerous, but check it works because a replacement head unit is pricey.
Symptoms to notice
Central screen freezes or reboots
CarPlay/Android Auto drops out
Reversing camera blank or laggy
Voice control or 'Hey Mercedes' unresponsive
What to check
Sit in the car and work through the screens - navigation, camera, phone pairing, radio. Reverse to confirm the camera shows promptly. Ask whether the latest MBUX software update has been applied.
Where to look: Dashboard - twin-screen MBUX display and head unit
Ask the seller
“Does the screen ever freeze or restart?”
“Is the MBUX software up to date?”
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
Body & RustMinor
CoolingMinor
7 more documented faults on the Mercedes-Benz CLA
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 9 documented faults for the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and cooling. A Mercedes-Benz CLA with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Mercedes-Benz CLA?
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We've catalogued 9 known faults for the Mercedes-Benz CLA, covering transmission, engine, and cooling. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Mercedes-Benz CLA?
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Most single repairs on the Mercedes-Benz CLA fall between $600–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 9 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mercedes-Benz CLA?
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Yes. A Mercedes-Benz CLA inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.