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Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117 (2013-2018) reliability

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117 built around 2018: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117 models built around 2018 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

7% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117 models built around 2018 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 5% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117
average reliability2013-2018SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 46,469 tests of CLA models registered 2013-2018.

About 1 in 30 CLA C117/X117 MOTs (3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 10,369 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 CLA C117/X117 MOTs (7.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 10,369 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

C117/X117 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
4,12816.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
10,36917.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
9,65019.2%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
9,41420.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
7,32221.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
4,45022.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,13624.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 12 years old.

How the CLA C117/X117 compares

At each age below, see how the CLA C117/X117 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 182,274 tests across 17 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
4,12816.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
10,36917.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
9,65019.2%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
9,41420.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
7,32221.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
4,45022.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,13624.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the CLA C117/X117.

  1. 1

    Volkswagen Passat

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    83.2%

    Lower fail rate: 14.9%, against 17.7% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117, both built around 2018.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    14,646 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Toyota Avensis

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.9%
    Dangerous
    4.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    72.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.7%, against 17.7% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117, both built around 2018.

    2,026 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Kia Optima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    7.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.9%

    Lower fail rate: 15.5%, against 17.7% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117, both built around 2018.

    3,355 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Hyundai i40

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3%
    Dangerous
    5.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    75.2%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 5.9%, against 7.5% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117.

    2,244 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

88%of all Mercedes-Benz CLA cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

82 recalls in all

34 of the 82 CLA C117/X117 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 8 Critical
  • 26 more

Top concerns

  • Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
  • Steering components may be insufficiently grounded
  • Left window airbag may not deploy as intended

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How CLA C117/X117 cars have aged

How CLA C117/X117 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%357911Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (7,551 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (6,675 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (6,283 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (5,980 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (5,917 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (6,367 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (5,980 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (5,866 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (5,728 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (5,727 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.4% (6,059 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (5,886 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (5,736 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (5,632 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.1% (5,539 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (5,149 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (4,968 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (4,839 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (4,845 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (4,692 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (3,112 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (3,035 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (2,972 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (2,890 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (2,856 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (1,349 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (1,298 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.3% (1,185 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (1,130 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (1,136 tests, 2025 data)2013
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
C117/X117 variants compared

CLA C117/X117 variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each CLA C117/X117 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • CLA18.4%5,182 tests

Petrol

  • CLA17.0%5,157 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz CLA models of this age

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz CLA built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the C117/X117 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    21.1%
    Advisory: 2,988Fail: 272 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.1%
    Advisory: 1,273Fail: 470 (27% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.4%
    Advisory: 1,178Fail: 151 (11% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    10.2%
    Advisory: 1,510Fail: 37 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, but not excessively

    5.3%
    Advisory: 714Fail: 63 (8% of the times it was found)

Based on 10,369 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mercedes-Benz CLA C117/X117 (2013-2018) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 10,369 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 46,469 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CLA models first registered between 2013-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.