2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA200

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA200 is a stylish and sporty compact coupe known for its sleek design and technology features. The CLA200 is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 163 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Other engine options include the more powerful CLA250 with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, as well as AMG variants with significantly higher performance. Transmission options include a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Owners often praise the CLA200 for its attractive styling, comfortable interior, and fuel efficiency. Common complaints include the sometimes-stiff ride, limited rear passenger space, and the complexity of the infotainment system.

Engine

1.3L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M282)

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, engine hesitation, check engine light illuminated. Can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Replace faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors. Perform a diagnostic scan to pinpoint the source of the misfire.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level warning light, needing to add oil frequently, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Inspect for leaks first. If none are found, an engine overhaul may be necessary, including piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (for leaks) - $3,000+ (for major repairs)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic (7G-DCT)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky or abrupt gear changes, especially during low-speed acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Check and replace transmission fluid. Software updates for the transmission control unit (TCU) may also help. In some cases, valve body replacement or transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid) - $3,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine revving high without corresponding acceleration, delayed engagement of gears.
  • Solution: Check transmission fluid level and condition. Conduct a diagnostic scan for error codes. Faulty sensors, valve body issues, or worn clutch packs may require repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid) - $4,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing or Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX system becomes unresponsive, restarts unexpectedly, or displays error messages.
  • Solution: Try performing a soft reset of the system. If the problem persists, a software update from the dealer may be required. In some cases, a faulty head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset/update) - $1,500+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate readings or false alarms from parking sensors or blind spot monitoring systems.
  • Solution: Inspect and clean the sensors. Check for any physical damage. Faulty sensors may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, making excessive noise, or leaking water.
  • Solution: Inspect the sunroof tracks for debris and lubricate them. Check the sunroof motor and switch for proper operation. In some cases, the entire sunroof assembly may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Malfunctioning Seat Adjusters
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat failing to move in one or more directions, or making clicking noises during adjustment.
  • Solution: Check the seat adjuster switches and motors for proper operation. Inspect the seat tracks for obstructions. Faulty components may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Conditioning Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: AC blowing hot air, weak airflow, or strange noises coming from the AC system.
  • Solution: Check the refrigerant level and pressure. Inspect the compressor, condenser, and evaporator for leaks or damage. A faulty blend door actuator can also cause temperature control problems.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA200, while stylish, does experience a range of issues. The most significant problems often involve the transmission, specifically harsh shifting and slipping, which can be costly to repair. Electrical issues with the infotainment system and sensor malfunctions also occur. Engine problems such as misfires and oil consumption exist but are generally less frequent than transmission problems. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider a thorough inspection before purchasing a used CLA200. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with associated costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.