MERCEDES CLA (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 12,888 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
12,888
Avg Mileage
28,983 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,582
Is the 2021 MERCEDES CLA reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 3 years old, 92% of MERCEDES CLAs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 12,888 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 28,983 miles.
How does the 2021 MERCEDES CLA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 MERCEDES CLA has 28,983 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES CLA?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 84%. The 2021 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2021 MERCEDES CLA cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES CLA by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES CLA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 MERCEDES CLA
The 2021 MERCEDES CLA is a small family car with a 1332cc petrol engine. 12,888 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 28,983 miles at 3 years old, MERCEDES CLA owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2021 MERCEDES CLA Fuel Costs
The 1332cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 MERCEDES CLA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,582 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MERCEDES CLA Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES CLAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 MERCEDES CLA
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 12,888 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2021 MERCEDES CLA
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2019) 91% pass rate (-1%) from 124,950 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (same) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2019) 88% pass rate (-4%) from 68,639 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2020) 93% pass rate (+1%) from 52,321 tests