2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Mercedes-Benz CLA first registered in 2023 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 403 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 403 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres10% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Brakes4% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics1% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension1% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Known faults on the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA petrol
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Some cars
Seven recalls: airbag, turbo oil line, gearbox, ECU
Recalls covered a driver's airbag that might not be bolted down, a leaking turbo oil line, a gearbox that might not select Drive or Reverse, an engine ECU contact, radar software, the air con refrigerant and a generator gas line.
At the viewing: Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done, especially the airbag and turbo oil line?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLA?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz CLA compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 11,836 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 19,309 | Tyres 30% |
| 2020 | 22,369 | Tyres 31% |
| 2019 | 24,621 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 24,892 | Tyres 33% |
| 2017 | 24,590 | Tyres 34% |
| 2016 | 22,940 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 20,524 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 12,973 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 6,330 | Tyres 34% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz CLA cars first registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score