2019 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class Safety Report

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Significant powertrain and fuel system failures raise safety concerns despite no recalls.

51Complaints
0Recalls
35/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
4Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (10)Engine (4)Fuel System, Gasoline (3)Air Bags (3)Wheels (3)Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Visibility (2)Electrical System,Communication (2)Unknown Or Other (1)Steering,Air Bags,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class exhibits a concerning safety profile, primarily due to a pattern of significant mechanical failures despite having no official NHTSA safety ratings or recalls. With 51 total complaints, including 4 crashes and 4 injuries, the vehicle's real-world safety performance is questionable. A major area of concern is the powertrain, accounting for 10 complaints, often involving the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral, leading to a loss of drive power. This issue, reported by multiple owners, presents a clear and immediate crash risk, as evidenced by complaints describing incidents at various speeds, including freeway driving. Beyond powertrain issues, the engine and fuel system components are also frequently cited. There are 4 engine complaints and 3 fuel system complaints, with several owners reporting strong gasoline fumes in the cabin due to leaking fuel rails or injectors. This not only poses a fire hazard but also a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, making the vehicle unsafe to operate. Owners have reported significant repair costs for these issues, sometimes exceeding $4,000 for fuel injector replacements at relatively low mileages (e.g., 46,222 miles). Other notable problems include issues with the sunroof and roof panels, with one complaint detailing a front acrylic panel detaching on the freeway, nearly striking another vehicle. Airbag system malfunctions and electrical system issues are also present, further contributing to the vehicle's reliability concerns. The absence of recalls for these widespread issues, particularly the critical powertrain and fuel system failures, is alarming and suggests a potential gap in addressing known safety defects.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.

Known Issues for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission Inadvertently Shifts To Neutral
Vehicle unexpectedly shifts into neutral while driving, leading to a loss of drive power and potential crash risk. Multiple reports indicate this can happen at various speeds.
High Common unknown miles
Fuel Leaks And Strong Gasoline Fumes In Cabin
Leaking fuel rails or injectors cause strong gasoline odors inside and outside the vehicle, posing fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning risks. Owners report significant repair costs.
High Common unknown miles
Engine Crankcase Ventilation System Failure
Check engine light illuminates due to crankcase ventilation hose or valve malfunction, leading to costly repairs.
Medium Occasional 18600-unknown miles
Sunroof/Roof Panel Detachment Or Malfunction
Sunroof off track or front acrylic panel detaching from the vehicle, creating a road hazard.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Rear Differential Noise/Failure
Noise from the rear differential, requiring fluid changes or eventual replacement, even at relatively low mileage.
Medium Occasional 75000-unknown miles
Wheel/Rim Cracking
Rims crack with moderate low-speed driving, leading to constant flat tires and potential loss of control.
Medium Occasional under 50000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class:

Power Train 19% of complaints

Frequent reports of transmission shifting into neutral, causing loss of drive power.

Engine 7% of complaints

Issues include crankcase ventilation malfunctions and excessive oil consumption.

Fuel System, Gasoline 5% of complaints

Strong gasoline odors in the cabin due to leaking fuel rails or injectors.

Air Bags 5% of complaints

Airbag issue warning lights and system malfunctions.

Wheels 5% of complaints

Rims cracking and tire sidewall bulges.

Structure:Body 3% of complaints

Sunroof and roof panel issues, including detachment and leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class

Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-CLASS safe?

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has significant safety concerns, particularly with its powertrain and fuel system. While it lacks official NHTSA crash test ratings and has no recalls, 51 complaints, including 4 crashes and 4 injuries, highlight real-world risks. Issues like the transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral and fuel leaks posing fire hazards are serious safety defects.

What are common problems with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-CLASS?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class are related to the POWER TRAIN (10 complaints), often involving the transmission shifting into neutral. Other common problems include ENGINE issues (4 complaints) like crankcase ventilation failures, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE problems (3 complaints) such as fuel leaks and strong odors, and AIR BAGS (3 complaints) with malfunction lights. WHEELS (3 complaints) also show a pattern of cracking rims and sidewall bulges.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-CLASS?

According to the provided data, there are no official NHTSA recalls for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. This is notable given the number and severity of complaints, particularly concerning critical components like the powertrain and fuel system.

What are the crash test ratings for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-CLASS?

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class does not have official NHTSA crash test ratings for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover safety. This means there is no government-provided data on its performance in simulated crash scenarios.

Should I be concerned about fuel leaks in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-CLASS?

Yes, you should be highly concerned about fuel leaks. Multiple complaints describe strong gasoline fumes in the cabin due to leaking fuel rails or injectors. This issue presents a significant safety hazard, including risks of fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning, making the vehicle potentially dangerous to drive.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the significant and recurring powertrain and fuel system safety concerns, coupled with a lack of official safety ratings and recalls, exercise extreme caution; a pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes-Benz specialist is essential, focusing on these critical areas.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class. The data includes 51 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.