At a Glance
The Mercedes-benz Cla-class has 10 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the C117 (2013-2019) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 289K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mercedes-benz Cla-class common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mercedes-benz Cla-class generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mercedes-benz Cla-class owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mercedes-benz Cla-class owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Mercedes-benz Cla-class?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Mercedes-benz Cla-class Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Mercedes-benz Cla-class MOT Failures
Every reason Mercedes-benz Cla-class vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 20.19% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 15.76% |
| 3 | Brake pads or linings worn | 9.16% |
| 4 | Windscreen washer not working | 8.09% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.40% |
| 6 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 5.49% |
| 7 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 4.09% |
| 8 | Ball joint dust cover split | 3.88% |
| 9 | Headlamp fault | 3.60% |
| 10 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.03% |
| 11 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.94% |
| 12 | Airbag warning light on | 2.05% |
| 13 | Brake performance below minimum | 1.98% |
| 14 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 1.60% |
| 15 | Indicator fault | 1.07% |
| 16 | Driveshaft fault | 1.03% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 0.82% |
| 18 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.62% |
| 19 | Stop lamp not working | 0.62% |
| 20 | Seat belt condition | 0.51% |
| 21 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.49% |
| 22 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.38% |
| 23 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.35% |
| 24 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.33% |
| 25 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.31% |
| 26 | ABS fault | 0.25% |
| 27 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.24% |
| 28 | Track rod end worn | 0.23% |
| 29 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.20% |
| 30 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.19% |
| 31 | Number plate lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 32 | Exhaust system fault | 0.19% |
| 33 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.17% |
| 34 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.15% |
| 35 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 36 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.14% |
| 37 | Steering rack fault | 0.14% |
| 38 | Horn not working | 0.12% |
| 39 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.10% |
| 40 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.10% |
| 41 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.09% |
| 42 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 43 | Driver airbag fault | 0.09% |
| 44 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.08% |
| 45 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.07% |
| 46 | Brake pedal fault | 0.07% |
| 47 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 48 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.07% |
| 49 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 50 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.06% |
| 51 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 52 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 53 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.05% |
| 54 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 55 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.04% |
| 56 | Brake caliper fault | 0.04% |
| 57 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.04% |
| 58 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 59 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.03% |
| 60 | Front lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 61 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 62 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 63 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 64 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.02% |
| 65 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 66 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 67 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 68 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.02% |
| 69 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 70 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 71 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 72 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 73 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 74 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 75 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 76 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 77 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 78 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 79 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 80 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 81 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 82 | Fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 83 | Front suspension joint worn | <0.01% |
| 84 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 85 | Rear lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 86 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 87 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 88 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 89 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 90 | Suspension mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 91 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 92 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 94 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 95 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 96 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 98 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 99 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 100 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 101 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 103 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 105 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 106 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Rear suspension fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 109 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 111 | Brake pedal movement restricted | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 113 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Parking brake condition | <0.01% |
| 117 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 119 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 122 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 123 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 124 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mercedes-benz Cla-class MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mercedes-benz Cla-class, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mercedes-benz Cla-class problems?
Based on analysis of 289K Mercedes-benz Cla-class MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 10 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Tyre condition". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Mercedes-benz Cla-class generation has the most problems?
The Mercedes-benz Cla-class C117 (2013-2019) (2013–2019) has the highest number of identified common problems (11). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mercedes-benz Cla-class?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mercedes-benz Cla-class owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
Popular makes with common problems
Popular models with common problems
Iveco Daily
102 problems
Peugeot 405
76 problems
Nissan Pathfinder
67 problems
Vauxhall Brava
82 problems
Nissan Vanette
69 problems
Fiat Cinquecento
74 problems
Vauxhall Vivaro
69 problems
Land Rover Discovery
105 problems
Mercedes-benz 208d
86 problems
Citroen C15
80 problems
Kia Sedona
74 problems
Ldv Pilot
72 problems
