Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ CLA Class vs FORD F 150
How the Mercedes BENZ CLA Class and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ CLA Class vs FORD F 150: the CLA logged 166 complaints over 10 years (about 17 per year) and 0 recalls, while the F-150 logged 11,621 complaints (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls. The F-150’s dominant issue is power train limp mode and lead frame failure; the CLA’s is electrical and engine power loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ CLA Class or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ CLA Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Class is a compact luxury car with a relatively low complaint volume: about 17 per year over the past decade, with no recalls on record. Owners most often report electrical gremlins (trunk latches, blank instrument clusters), engine power loss, and air bag concerns, plus a startling sunroof shatter. Living with one means budgeting for potential electronic and powertrain diagnostics, but the overall rate of reported problems is modest.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume—over 1,100 per year—and 151 recalls in the same period. The dominant theme is power train trouble, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, along with electrical issues and rear-window shattering. Buyers should expect a higher likelihood of recurring repairs and safety recalls, though the truck remains widely used.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ CLA Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 166 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 15 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ CLA Class
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER32
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32
- 03ENGINE25
- 04POWER TRAIN22
- 05AIR BAGS21
Owners report the trunk latch opening unexpectedly and the instrument cluster going blank or showing wrong information while driving. These failures can distract the driver and affect basic vehicle security.
Complaints include a yellow check-engine light with delayed throttle response and repeated loss of acceleration on the highway. Such power loss is dangerous in traffic and often requires dealer diagnosis.
A partial-load ventilation valve in the crankcase ventilation system has failed, and some owners report the car losing power to accelerate on multiple occasions. This can leave the car undrivable or cause hesitation when merging.
There are 21 air bag complaints, though the sample text does not detail specific failures. Buyers should verify that any open air bag recalls or service campaigns have been completed.
“On Friday, September 27, around 12 pm, while driving on i880S near Union City, California, something horrific happened. The sunroof of my 2021 Mercedes CLA 250, with just 49,000 miles, suddenly exploded without any warning. The sound was so loud and violent,…”
“My 2021 CLA 250 that I reached purchased as a used vehicle in the last three months and now is saying SOS unresponsive so in my vehicle where to get a motor vehicle accident, it will not be alerting any emergency personnel authorities and I think it’s really…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission limp mode, often stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. Owners describe near-collisions and repeated repairs without a permanent fix.
Lead frame issues also appear under electrical complaints, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. These faults can strand a driver or force reduced speed on the highway.
A rear-window defroster short has caused the back window to shatter outward without impact. This is a sudden, startling failure that could injure occupants or leave the cabin exposed.
Engine-related complaints are less frequent than power train but still present, often tied to the same limp-mode events. Buyers should check for stored codes and any outstanding recalls.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ CLA Class
No recalls on record.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ CLA Class or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 17 vs. over 1,100 for the F-150) and zero recalls versus 151. In practice, the CLA is less likely to generate repeated repair visits, while the F-150’s much higher volume means a greater chance of encountering transmission limp mode or a recall campaign.
Key differences
- The F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years versus 166 for the CLA, a roughly 70-fold difference in reported problem volume.
- Power train complaints dominate the F-150 (3,648) with recurring limp-mode and lead-frame failures, while the CLA’s power train complaints (22) center on a ventilation valve and power loss.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls on record; the CLA has none, meaning the Ford is more likely to require recall-related service.
- Both vehicles show electrical faults, but the F-150’s include speed-sensor-driven limp mode, while the CLA’s include trunk latches and blank instrument clusters.
- Test the trunk latch repeatedly and check for any history of unexpected opening; also verify the instrument cluster lights and displays work steadily while driving.
- Ask for service records related to engine hesitation, check-engine lights, and the crankcase ventilation valve; a test drive should include highway acceleration to check for power loss.
- Scan for transmission codes and ask specifically about lead frame replacement or output speed sensor repairs; a test drive should include highway speeds to check for limp mode or harsh shifting.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster operation for signs of overheating or prior shattering; confirm all open recalls (including 26S28) have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are closed for the specific VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, including a scan for stored transmission and engine codes.
- For the F-150, test drive at highway speed and check for limp mode, delayed engagement, or stuck gears.
- For the CLA, test all electronics (trunk latch, instrument cluster, SOS system) and listen for sunroof integrity.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically whether any power-loss or transmission complaints have been diagnosed.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mercedes BENZ CLA Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 6 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 4 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 7 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 24 | 44 |
| 2019 | 52 | 52 |
| 2018 | 46 | 79 |
| 2017 | 27 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ CLA Class or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ CLA Class vs FORD F 150
- Mercedes BENZ CLA Class total complaints
- 166
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mercedes BENZ CLA Class total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mercedes BENZ CLA Class avg complaints/year
- 16.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ CLA Class
- Mercedes BENZ CLA Class top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN