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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 24owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 15%fail the UK MOT
24 complaints, against an average of 45 for the other 13 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The components named most often in the 24 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 24 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASRPC2404 – Backup function of steering software
Risk: On affected vehicles the backup function of the steering software might not meet specifications. As a result the steering power support might be impaired and a loss of steerability cannot be ruled out.
Fix: Update the software of the electric steering on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAA particle in the fuel rail might lead to a leak between the fuel rail and the injector
Risk: A particle in the fuel rail might lead to a leak between the fuel rail and the fuel injector.
Fix: Replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSABolting on brake caliper housing might not meet specifications
Risk: The bolting on the brake caliper housing might not meet torque specifications.
Fix: Check and if necessary rework the bolting of the brake caliper housings on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAPower supply connection of power steering might have been contaminated with adhesive
Risk: On certain vehicles the power supply connection of the electric power steering might have been contaminated with melted adhesive.
Fix: Check the connection on the affected vehicles and perform repair measures if necessary.
UK DVSALocking pawl spring of the left hand side door locks might not be greased correctly
Risk: On certain vehicles with an additional door lock the locking pawl spring of the left side door locks might not be greased according to specifications.
Fix: Conduct greasing of the locking pawl spring on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAVehicles with a panoramic sunroofthe polycarbonate panel may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair
Risk: The polycarbonate panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Remove the bonded panel and install a new polycarbonate panel if required.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications
Risk: The variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications.
Fix: Replace the spark plugs on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe communication module may be deactivated
Risk: The communication module may be deactivated
Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.
UK DVSAThe right handle for attaching the child seat to the isofix bracket may be missing on the rear right seat
Risk: The ISOFIX bracket might be missing on the right rear seat.
Fix: Check the ISOFIX bracket on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
UK DVSAAn electrical contact inside the engine control unit may not meet the specification
Risk: An electrical contacting inside the engine control unit might not meet the specification
Fix: Replace the engine control unit on the affected vehicles
UK DVSAVehicles may be filled with the refrigerant r-134a instead of r-1234yf
Risk: The air conditioning system on the affected vehicles might erroneously be filled with the incorrect refrigerant
Fix: Replace the refrigerant in the air conditioning system on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe oil supply line of the turbocharger may leak
Risk: The oil supply line of the turbocharger might leak
Fix: Check the oil supply line of the turbocharger on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary
UK DVSAThe four locknuts securing the air bag might be missing
Risk: Certain driver airbag modules might not be bolted onto the base plate.
Fix: Check the driver airbag on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
UK DVSAThe software of the radar control unit may not meet specification
Risk: ; The software of the radar control unit might not meet the specification
Fix: Update the software of the radar sensor control unit on the affected vehicles.
EU Safety GateThe steering software may not correctly activate the fallback level in the event of a hardware failure.This could affect the power steering assistance and lead to the loss of steering capacity, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Update of the electric steering software; Date of entry into force: Unknown; Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a defect in the high fuel pressure manifold the engine might be damaged.This may lead to reduced engine power and to inability to start the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateImproper torque of the screws on the brake caliper housing can cause the screw connections to become loose.As a result, the braking performance would be reduced and components of the brake caliper may be lost, increasing the risk of accidents.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe connection of the power supply to the electrical power steering may have been contaminated by heat-activated adhesive.Ageing of this adhesive could lead to a loss of clamping force and thus to a loose connection that may lead to interruption of the power supply. As a result, the electrical power steering could fail spontaneously, even while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine…A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle…The polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe right-hand bracket on the right-hand rear seat designed to attach the child seat to the ISOFIX anchor point may be missing.As a result, there would be no restraining effect provided by the ISOFIX lower anchorage system and the child seat would not be sufficiently secured, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe oil-supply pipe on the turbocharger may leak.As a result, engine oil could leak onto the under-body paneling and from there onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.Moreover, leaking engine oil might come into contact with hot components in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe four self-locking nuts used to attach the airbag might not have been correctly tightened.As a result, in the event of an accident in which the airbag was deployed, it could become detached from its base plate, failing to provide its restraining effect and increasing the risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2020, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners report?
12 of the 24 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The turbo and turbo charger is going out on my car
The back-up camara is stuck open on the trunk for more than 30 days now. When I put it in reverse the camara will show for about 5 seconds and then go back to the home screen. I brought this to the attention of my advisor and he said that its a known issue. If Mercedes knows this is an issue with the CLA250, they should offer a replacement instead of charging to fix a faulty component.
While driving, the panoramic sunroof on my 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC shattered unexpectedly while fully closed. The interior sunshade was also closed at the time. There was no prior damage and no discernible impact. I did not observe or hear anything strike the vehicle. The fracture pattern shows no identifiable point of origin or impact and appears irregular and multi-directional, which is inconsistent with external debris. This appears to be a spontaneous tempered glass failure and raises safety concerns due to the risk of injury to occupants and driver distraction while operating the…
My back up camera badge located at the trunk has been permanently stuck open for a few months now when I put car in reverse the screen shows my camera for 2 seconds then disappears and goes back to my Home Screen I brought to the dealer and they told me I need a new battery I replaced my battery paid almost 400 dollars and it still doesn’t work .
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed for the rearview camera failure. The dealer informed the contact that the rear brake pads and discs had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the rear brake pads and discs. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V732000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment). The manufacturer was made aware of the rearview camera failure and referred the contact to the…
when reversing, the central display shows backup camera for a couple seconds before turning to a black screen and a message saying the rearview camera is not working properly
Rear camera works, but the hatch will not close making it difficult to open and close the trunk. I have seen many vehicles in this Family Class with the rear camera in the same condition which leads me to believe that it's not a maintenance issue.
Engine was failed prior to purchase, it is available for inspection. Engine jerks while driving. Dealer changed engine and problem got worse. Vehicle was inspected at Mercedes Benz Manhattan. Engine light keeps coming on and engine oil raises above normal level and warning light comes on and dealer says its normal.
During the manufacturing process, particles was trapped between the fuel and rail injectors, which is causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, increase the risk of a fire.
Nov 01,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number: 2024010010 NHTSA Recall Number: 23V732 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete The manufacturer has failed and is unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V732000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
On 4/27 I was driving home on the freeway and there were little to no cars around me. There were no large trucks or debris coming from above me and there was no harsh weather. I heard a loud pop when i was driving and I pulled over and my whole sunroof shattered. The sunroof also has not been opened that day. The problem won’t be suspension is that when going over rough roads or bumps, my car squeaks. As for the steering, when I drive above 50 MPH and I brake, the car shakes. I’ve already taken it to two car shops to get it fixed and it problem persists.
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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class; the most common categories were back over prevention (8, 33.3%), electrical system (8, 33.3%), engine (3, 12.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
Across 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are back over prevention (33.3% of complaints), electrical system (33.3% of complaints), engine (12.5% of complaints), service brakes (12.5% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (8.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
3 of the 24 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (12.5%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. One owner wrote: "when reversing, the central display shows backup camera for a couple seconds before turning to a black screen and a message saying the rearview camera is not working properly" (NHTSA complaint 11660388, May 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Can the sunroof on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class shatter or fail?
3 of the 24 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (12.5%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "While driving, the panoramic sunroof on my 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC shattered unexpectedly while fully closed. The interior sunshade was also closed at the time. There was no prior damage and no discernible impact." (NHTSA complaint 11728141, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own CLA-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only.