Common problems by part
Mercedes-Benz CLA steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 39,186 MOT tests · Updated
At 3 years, 0.1 in 100 MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz CLA failed on steering, against 0.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 39,186 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 26 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 10 ages from 3 to 12 years, 243,385 MOT tests
- MOT tests at 3 years: 39,186 for the Mercedes-Benz CLA
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
0.1 fails per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.1 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 3 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Mercedes-Benz CLA steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 39,186 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| 4 | 35,418 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| 5 | 33,319 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| 6 | 33,041 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| 7 | 31,680 | 0.2 | 0.8 |
| 8 | 27,549 | 0.1 | 1.2 |
| 9 | 21,324 | 0.2 | 1.8 |
| 10 | 13,326 | 0.2 | 2.1 |
| 11 | 6,447 | 0.2 | 2.5 |
| 12 | 2,095 | 0.2 | 2.8 |
All first-use years of the Mercedes-Benz CLA pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the steering at 3 years
Advisories (not fails)
- Track rod end: ball joint has slight play: 0.1 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.1. Track rod end ball joint has slight play MOT advisory
Buying a Mercedes-Benz CLA? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
By engine and fuel
- 2.1 diesel: 0.1 per 100 at 7 years, about average for diesel class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 18,918 MOT tests)
- 1.6 petrol: 0.2 per 100 at 3 years, about average for petrol class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 2,444 MOT tests)
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Track rod end: ball joint has slight play.
Check one Mercedes-Benz CLA, not the average
The figures here describe Mercedes-Benz CLA cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Mercedes-Benz CLA's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Mercedes-Benz CLA problems
- Mercedes-Benz CLA suspension problems
- Mercedes-Benz CLA brakes problems
- Mercedes-Benz CLA lights and electrics problems
- Mercedes-Benz CLA exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Mercedes-Benz CLA seat belts and airbags problems
- Mercedes-Benz CLA windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Mercedes-Benz CLA tyres problems
- Mercedes-Benz CLA road wheels problems
Steering on rival models
- Ford Focus steering problems: 0.1 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.1 for the Mercedes-Benz CLA (134,403 MOT tests)
- BMW 2 Series steering problems: 0.0 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.1 for the Mercedes-Benz CLA (54,049 MOT tests)
- Honda Civic steering problems: 0.0 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.1 for the Mercedes-Benz CLA (25,317 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Mercedes-Benz CLA have more steering problems than other cars?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 39,186 MOT tests).
How common are Mercedes-Benz CLA steering problems?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years failed on steering, against 0.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 39,186 MOT tests).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 243,385 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare