Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

1 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

Not available median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2021 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 1 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Unknown Or Other
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Unknown Or Other1

Unknown Or Other: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

No usable failure mileage is recorded. 1 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2025
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20251

2025: 1

Pattern summary

Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11702433 · 2025-12-02 (December 2, 2025)

The sunroof exploded on my CLA without external interference. The glass shattered everywhere causing a loud explosion and Major safety issue.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11702433 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

21V058000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 5, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
21V354000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2021-05-14 (May 14, 2021)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V232000 · Back Over Prevention:Display Function

Reported: 2022-04-08 (April 8, 2022)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V365000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software

Reported: 2022-05-20 (May 20, 2022)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
26V481000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Lock

Reported: 2026-07-24 (July 24, 2026)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.

Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

1 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

0.0%Usable mileage0 / 1 records
100.0%Valid incident date1 / 1 records
100.0%Valid filing date1 / 1 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates1 / 1 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component202020212022
Back Over Prevention
375.0%
ODI 11432165

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA35. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer along with Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills (9250 Beverly Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210) were made aware of the recall on separate occasions but both dealers informed the contact that the recall was an over-the-air update. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.…

Look up ODI 11432165 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
375.0%
ODI 11432165

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA35. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer along with Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills (9250 Beverly Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210) were made aware of the recall on separate occasions but both dealers informed the contact that the recall was an over-the-air update. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.…

Look up ODI 11432165 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11702433

The sunroof exploded on my CLA without external interference. The glass shattered everywhere causing a loud explosion and Major safety issue.

Look up ODI 11702433 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 11580730

While traveling on the highway (approximately 70mph) the panoramic sunroof exploded into countless tiny pieces of glass. Nothing hit the sunroof (no visible damage from any falling object on the sunscreen under the sunroof), nor did the vehicle hit anything. Completely random. This is apparently a common issue.

Look up ODI 11580730 at NHTSA ↗

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
125.0%
ODI 11678690 · 40,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed for the rearview camera failure. The dealer informed the contact that the rear brake pads and discs had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the rear brake pads and discs. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V732000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment). The manufacturer was made aware of the rearview …

Look up ODI 11678690 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 11492997

I was driving on the 210 interstate freeway at about 60mph. I saw that the cars around 0.25 miles in front of me had stopped due to traffic jam so i started braking. The second I started braking my boyfriend in the passenger seat realized the car wasn't slowing down so he told me you need to brake. So I started pressing the brakes hard and when I was around 10 cars away, I realized that I have already pressed the brake pedal all the way down and couldn't go any further but the brake still wasn't braking and didn't work. So I hit the car in fron…

Look up ODI 11492997 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
125.0%
ODI 11678690 · 40,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed for the rearview camera failure. The dealer informed the contact that the rear brake pads and discs had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the rear brake pads and discs. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V732000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment). The manufacturer was made aware of the rearview …

Look up ODI 11678690 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
No usable records for this analysis.

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

26V481000 · 2026-07-241 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-121None
ODI 11702433

The sunroof exploded on my CLA without external interference. The glass shattered everywhere causing a loud explosion and Major safety issue.

Look up ODI 11702433 at NHTSA ↗

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-07026V481000

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

2021: 0 complaints · 2022: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2021000
2022112
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2021100
2022200

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentUnknown Or Other
Unknown Or Other—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

0 patterns with matching reports.

No narratives match the published patterns.