A genetic deficiency of any early component of the classical pathway (C1q, C1r/s, C2, C4, and C3) that is associated with autoimmune diseases due to the failure of clearance of immune complexes (IC) and apoptotic materials, and the impairment of normal humoral response. The disease is classic complement early component deficiency (Monarch Disease Ontology identifier MONDO_0000015). Also known as: genetic deficiency of early component of the classical complement pathway.