repaired · 2025 Q4
Body: roof and pillars
Risk. A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45, most often about the engine. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-854 the manufacturer reports only 41% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 15, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 has problems
6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Engine
2Electrical system
2Power train
1Communication
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Communication | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Steering
Risk. A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Body: roof and pillars
Risk. The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the…
repaired · 2023 Q4
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Show 3 more recalls
repaired · 2022 Q2
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the air bag does not deploy as designed, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of an injury.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. If a child seat is in the front seat and the passenger air bag is not deactivated, in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other AMG CLA45 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the AMG CLA45 median. How we score
'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Front Roof Panel DetachmentLed to recall 21V-197
In owners' words
What AMG CLA45 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Regarding 2018 CLA 45 AMG: On 9-21-21, while I was driving approximately 45 MPH on a 4 lane road, suddenly the car completely shut down. A message simultaneously popped up that the car was disabled and instructed me to look up in manual. Immediately I turned right into the first driveway where the…
ACCELERATING OUT OF A LEFT TURN, THE CAR HESITATED MOMENTARILY THEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IN TRAFFIC. THE DASH INDICATED THAT THE CAR HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, POSSIBLY DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) ISSUE.
AS I ACCELERATED OUT OF A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, AND THE DASH INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 'INOPERABLE'. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART, THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH NO ISSUES.
Own a 2018 AMG CLA45?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.