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Mercedes-Benz · Known Issues

2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA Problems: 4 Known Issues

2023 model year · 700+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 700+ owner reports, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA has 4 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. The most commonly reported issue is Front Suspension Strut Noise with 700 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $1,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • CLA Body/Panels1
  • CLA Brakes1
  • CLA Suspension1
  • CLA Electrical1
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Body/Panels1
  • Brakes1
  • Suspension1
  • Electrical1
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2023202220212020201920182017201620152014

On the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA, cLA owners report water collecting in the trunk and pooling in the rear footwells, sometimes enough to soak carpets and risk corrosion and electrical faults. A common path is poorly sealing rear pressure-relief vent flaps and water tracking down inside the trunk lid around the tail-light cluster, then into the body. Owners also cite weak factory seam sealer on spot-welded roof/rear upper body panels and door seals that let rainwater seep onto sills.

Common Symptoms

  • Water in trunk/spare-wheel well
  • Wet rear footwell carpet
  • Damp/musty smell in cabin
  • Water streaks on door sills/running boards

How to Fix

Trace the leak: re-seal or replace the rear vent (pressure-equalization) flaps, reseal the tail-light gaskets and trunk-lid drain/seam areas with appropriate sealant, and inspect/replace door and trunk weatherstrips. Dry out saturated carpet/insulation to prevent mildew and corrosion, and check for related water damage to rear electrical modules.

Typical repair cost:$50 - $500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA, cLA owners report rear brake pads and rotors wearing out before the fronts, with early 'Check Brake Pad Wear' warnings (some as low as ~50k miles) and rear rotor warping/vibration. A commonly cited root cause is the rear caliper piston sticking/dragging — a problem owners and independent mechanics say Mercedes is aware of on CLA and C-Class — which keeps the pad in contact with the rotor, accelerating wear and causing noise. Brake squeal from glazed rotors/worn pads is also common.

Common Symptoms

  • Early 'Check Brake Pad Wear' warning
  • Rear pads/rotors wearing before fronts
  • Brake squeal/grinding
  • Vibration or pulsation when braking
  • Warped rear rotors

How to Fix

Replace rear pads and rotors together (new pads on warped/grooved rotors stay noisy), and service or replace any sticking caliper — clean and lubricate slide pins and the piston, or rebuild/replace the caliper if the piston is seized. Apply brake grease to the pad backing/contact points to reduce squeal. Confirm the parking-brake actuator (electric on later cars) is releasing fully.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Zimmermann/Genuine Mercedes rear brake kit 2464230112
    OEMFCP Euro KIT-2464230112

    C117 CLA250 rear pads/rotors after measured replacement need and exact brake-option confirmation Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page identifies kit 2464230112 for CLA250/GLA250, includes Zimmermann rotors and genuine Mercedes…

    FCP Euro
  • Zimmermann/Genuine Mercedes 320x12 mm rear brake kit 2474230312
    OEMFCP Euro KIT-2474230312RKT

    C118 CLA250 320x12-mm solid rear-disc branch after measurements and exact option confirmation Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page identifies kit 2474230312 with unventilated 320x12-mm rotors, genuine pads and required hardwar…

    FCP Euro

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $900

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
Community reported
700 owners

On the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA, the front struts and strut mount bearings develop clunking and creaking noises over bumps. The CLA shares its platform with the A-Class and both suffer from the same strut mount bearing wear issue, especially on models with sport suspension.

This issue also affects: Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Common Symptoms

  • Clunking from front end over bumps
  • Creaking when turning the steering wheel while parked

How to Fix

Replace the front strut mount bearings first as the cheapest fix. If noise remains, replace the full strut assemblies with OEM or Sachs replacements. Alignment required after strut replacement.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Febi Bilstein front strut-mount bearing 2049810025
    OEMFebi Bilstein 29475 / Mercedes 204-981-00-25

    C117 first-generation CLA250 4Matic bearing branch after upper-bearing noise is confirmed Fitment/availability: The inspected direct product page explicitly fits 2014-2019 CLA250 4Matic 117.346, positions front left/right, quantity two, …

    RM European
  • Genuine Mercedes-Benz front strut bearing 218-321-00-83
    OEMMercedes-Benz 218-321-00-83

    C118 2020-2023 CLA250/CLA35/CLA45 bearing branch after upper-bearing failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: The inspected direct product result identifies genuine 218-321-00-83 and fitment for 2020-2023 CLA250, CLA35 AMG and CLA45 AMG.

    MBPartsGiant

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipThe strut mount bearing is a $30 part and takes 1 hour per side. Try this before committing to $800+ full strut replacement.
Typical repair cost:$200 - $1,000

Research This Issue

Based on 700 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence700 owner reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA, cLA owners frequently see an 'Auxiliary Battery Malfunction' message on the dash. The CLA uses a small secondary 12V battery to support electronics and the start/stop system; it typically degrades after roughly 4-6 years. A weak auxiliary battery, or a charging fault (alternator/voltage regulator, loose connections), triggers the warning and can cause intermittent electrical glitches in the infotainment, lighting and start/stop function, sometimes with a stored 9062 fault.

Common Symptoms

  • 'Auxiliary Battery Malfunction' dash message
  • Intermittent infotainment/electrical glitches
  • Start/stop system inoperative
  • Flickering lights

How to Fix

Test and replace the auxiliary battery (a low-cost part located near/behind the engine bay fuse area); clear codes after replacement. If the warning returns, diagnose the charging system — check alternator/voltage regulator output and clean/secure ground and battery connections. Verify the main starter battery health at the same time, as it is the CLA's most common breakdown cause per ADAC data.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Mercedes-Benz 12V 14Ah auxiliary battery 000-982-96-08-64
    OEMMercedes-Benz 000-982-96-08-64 (A0009829608 supersession fam

    Auxiliary-battery replacement after load-test failure and physical/VIN confirmation Fitment/availability: The inspected direct U.S.

    FCP Euro

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$80 - $400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 700+ owner reports, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Water Leaks into Trunk and Rear Footwell (Vent Flap / Seam Sealing), Premature Rear Brake Wear and Caliper Piston Sticking, Front Suspension Strut Noise. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA has 4 known issues documented across 700+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?

Repair costs for known Mercedes-Benz CLA issues range from $50 to $1,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA Water Leaks into Trunk and Rear Footwell (Vent Flap / Seam Sealing)?

CLA owners report water collecting in the trunk and pooling in the rear footwells, sometimes enough to soak carpets and risk corrosion and electrical faults. A common path is poorly sealing rear pressure-relief vent flaps and water tracking down inside the trunk lid around the ta… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA Premature Rear Brake Wear and Caliper Piston Sticking?

CLA owners report rear brake pads and rotors wearing out before the fronts, with early 'Check Brake Pad Wear' warnings (some as low as ~50k miles) and rear rotor warping/vibration. A commonly cited root cause is the rear caliper piston sticking/dragging — a problem owners and ind… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA Front Suspension Strut Noise?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 700+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

The front struts and strut mount bearings develop clunking and creaking noises over bumps. The CLA shares its platform with the A-Class and both suffer from the same strut mount bearing wear issue, especially on models with sport suspension. Repairs typically run $200-$1,000. Severity: low.

What is the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA Auxiliary (Backup) Battery Malfunction Warning?

CLA owners frequently see an 'Auxiliary Battery Malfunction' message on the dash. The CLA uses a small secondary 12V battery to support electronics and the start/stop system; it typically degrades after roughly 4-6 years. A weak auxiliary battery, or a charging fault (alternator/… Repairs typically run $80-$400. Severity: low.