The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 9 of 22 complaints (41%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 48 in 2019 to 22 in 2020.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 22
- Recall campaigns
- 10
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $2,750–$2,850
- Combined MPG
- 27–28
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | vs. 2020 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,750 | 2,750–2,850 | 2,650–3,100 | 2,750–3,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 27–28 | 25–29 | 25–28 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 24 / 34–35 | 24 / 31–35 | 22–25 / 29–36 | 22–25 / 30–35 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 313–324 | 313–334 | 309–360 | 312–356 | |
| Complaints filed | 48 | 22 | 11 | 3 | |
| Recalls issued | 14 | 10 | 4 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class have?
10 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
Electrical: 9 of 22 NHTSA complaints (41%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class get?
EPA rates it 27–28 MPG combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
EPA estimates $2,750–$2,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 7-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 24 mpg | 34 mpg | 28 mpg (high) | $2,750 (low) | 324 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 7-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 24 mpg | 35 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | $2,750 (low) | 313 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (AM7) | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 24 mpg | 31 mpg (low) | 27 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 334 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (10)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK
- Defect
- 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
- Defect
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Consequence
- Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION
- Defect
- 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Defect
- 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.
STEERING; SUSPENSION:FRONT
- Defect
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 AMG GLB35, 2019-2020 A220, and 2020 GLB250 vehicles. The integral carrier that supports the front axle may corrode, causing it to fail.
- Consequence
- Front axle carrier failure may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the integral carrier, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022070009.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
- Defect
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
- Consequence
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Defect
- Mercedes-Benz LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 C300, 2019-2020 A220, AMG C43, AMG C63, 2020 GLE580, GLB250, 2020-2021 GLE450, GLE350, 2021 AMG GLE63, and AMG GLE53 vehicles. The LED headlights may have been incorrectly adjusted during a vehicle repair. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence
- Incorrectly adjusted headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the LED headlights, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed August 13, 2021. A second notice will be sent once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Defect
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION
- Defect
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Defect
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A 220 and A 220 4MATIC, 2020 CLA 250, CLA 250 4 MATIC, GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC vehicles. The driver's side front airbag modules may not have been properly bolted down.
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's front airbag, the airbag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver airbag module and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019100001.