NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class Safety Record
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 0 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has no crash-test ratings from NHTSA. Without this federal assessment, a complete structural safety profile cannot be determined. The federal record shows zero open recall campaigns for this model year and only five owner complaints filed with the agency. This limited data set, while not a cause for alarm, offers an incomplete picture of safety performance.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries zero recalls on file, and falls in the Light recall and complaint burden band, according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Light |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has no federal crash-test ratings. The NHTSA did not publish frontal, side, or rollover crash-test results for this model year. This absence of data means no star ratings are available, and the vehicle's rollover risk is unstated. With zero recalls and only five owner complaints filed with the NHTSA, the 2021 CLA-Class maintains a "Light" burden band designation, reflecting a minimal federal paper trail. A single crash and a single injury were reported among these five complaints. Two of these complaints specifically cite issues with Vehicle Speed Control, a critical safety system. However, the overall volume of complaints remains very low for a full model year.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class have any recalls?
The federal recall record for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class shows zero recall campaigns on file. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories tied to this model year in the NHTSA recall database. Shoppers should still verify their specific VIN at nhtsa.gov, as recall status can change.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class?
NHTSA has logged five owner complaints against the 2021 CLA-Class, all unverified consumer allegations. The top reported components are Vehicle Speed Control (2 reports), followed by single allegations each touching Exterior Lighting, Power Train, Engine, and Fuel/Propulsion System. One complaint involved a reported crash and one reported an injury.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class?
Any used 2021 CLA-Class buyer should run the vehicle's VIN through nhtsa.gov before purchase to confirm no open recall has been issued since the vehicle left the lot. Recall status is unit-specific and can change at any time.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2021 CLA-Class, meaning no federal star ratings or Safety Index score exists for this specific model year.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 CLA-Class in the NHTSA database, placing it in the Light burden band for this model year.
- Five unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Vehicle Speed Control appearing in two of those allegations and one complaint each referencing Exterior Lighting, Power Train, Engine, and Fuel/Propulsion System.
- Buyers should verify their specific vehicle's VIN at nhtsa.gov, as recall filings can be added after a vehicle's model year closes and status is unit-specific.
FAQ2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class safety questions
Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 0 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mercedes-Benz Cla-Class 2021.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.