2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
New, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class ranged from $37,850 to $55,350 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA 250 Coupe | $37,850 | $43,200 | 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo | 29 |
| CLA 250 4MATIC Coupe | $39,850 | $45,200 | 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo | 27 |
| AMG CLA 35 Coupe | $47,850 | $50,750 | AMG-enhanced 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo | 25 |
| AMG CLA 45 Coupe | $55,350 | $59,800 | Handcrafted AMG 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo | 23 |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (4)
- carfax.comhttps://www.carfax.com/Research-2021-Mercedes-Benz-CLA_z37869
- media.mbusa.comhttps://media.mbusa.com/releases/release-4864dc194641c85bbc82d03418254c49-202…
- youtube.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ezvnn2sHS0
- usedcaryear.comhttps://www.usedcaryear.com/articles/should-you-buy-2019-2023-mercedes-benz-cla
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($37,850). Higher trims started higher (up to $55,350), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 31% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/mercedes-benz-cla-class/resale-value
Also consider
- Audi A3 rated 6/10 better fuel economy
- BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe similar segment competitor
- Cadillac CT4 similar segment competitor
Frequently asked questions
How much did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class cost new?
Between $37,850 and $55,350 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.