2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

Routine

Owners filed 40 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 9 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System7
000
Air Bags7
202
Unknown or Other6
010
Engine5
000
Structure › Body4
000
Power Train2
000
Wheels › Rim1
000
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly1
000
Suspension1
000
Structure1
000

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars23V854000
Filed Dec 15, 20232,976 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Risk. A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification22V365000
Filed May 20, 2022242,722 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

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.

Risk. 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.

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars21V197000
Filed Mar 19, 202115,096 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.

Risk. The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V072000
Filed Feb 12, 202167 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V058000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

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.

Risk. 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 › Sensor › Occupant Classification19V892000
Filed Dec 16, 2019129 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2018 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC, and 2017-2018 CLA45 AMG vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may have been improperly calibrated, which may prevent the proper deployment of the front passenger air bag.

Risk. In the event of a crash, if the air bag does not deploy as designed, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of an injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060012.

Exterior Lighting19V131000
Filed Feb 26, 201912 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The tail lights and the side marker lights may flicker or fail, affecting the vehicle's visibility.

Risk. Reduced visibility increases the risk of crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected light bulb sockets, free of charge. The recall began April 5, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030009.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification18V514000
Filed Aug 3, 201886 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, and CLA45 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not be properly calibrated, resulting in the front passenger air bag not being deactivated if a child seat is in the front seat.

Risk. If a child seat is in the front seat and the passenger air bag is not deactivated, in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began January 2, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120001.

Air Bags › Frontal17V627000
Filed Oct 6, 2017495,290 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.

Risk. If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 26, 2026OH

Panel flew off on the highway it was terrifying.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 8, 2026NV

After a hard impact car continued to go then when came to a stop the air bags deployed which resulted in injuring my left arm

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed May 16, 2026NY

The instrument cluster gauges start giving in accurate information and the whole dash start turning on and off. I found hundreds of people posting complaints about this issue with the 2018 mercedes cla 250 but mercedes refuses to acknowledge this issue and put out a recall probably out of greed and to not loose money. This is a dangerous issue. Mercedes wants to charge people appropriately $3,000 for parts and labor to fix this issue which is ridiculous. Please look into this. There needs to be a recall. This is dangerous especially for the people that cant afford this repair.

Structure › Body
Filed May 16, 2026NY

Water coming into the car through the floor

Engine
Filed Mar 8, 2026PA

Corrosion of the fuel system (on a Flex Fuel rated vehicle that had used E85 blend regularly) causing sudden loss of power, misfires, lack of acceleration The vehicle experience sudden loss of power, multiple misfires, and potential damage to the engine. Had the vehicle been on the highway or attempting to merge with traffic this could have resulted in an accident See attached dealer diagnosis and replacement of multiple fuel injectors, fuel pump, and fuel rail. The dealer service manager stated (but did not document) that this was probably caused by using E85, despite the fact that the vehicle is rated for E85/flex fuel There were no warnings or indications prior to the incident

Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 2025GA

I have sent the below email over 100 times to Mercedes To whom it may concern, I am writing regarding the purchase of a CLA250 4matic in December. I had a 120 point inspection done that did not show any issues with this car. As I was driving down a dark road around 1 am, my life was thrown in danger as the command shaft shut off and I could not see the dashboard or any lights in the vehicle. I was alone and on a dark road. After sitting for 15 minutes, I was able to get a light to come on and drove to my destination. On my way home, the lights were acting erratic and the brake lights, bright lights, engine lights, gas gauge, rpm gauge and caution lights were flickering the entire time. The car had no problems starting, however this continued to happen. I parked the car for several days and after starting it again, the dashboard was black, I could not see to put it in park. I tried several days later and got the lights to come on and after driving through the light, the parking brake was thrown in place as I was driving, almost ejecting me from this vehicle. I immediately turned around and parked the car for over a week until bringing it to your service location at Atlanta South. The car put my life in danger, almost ejecting me out of the car. Thankfully I was not on the highway driving higher speeds or I would have been killed.. I am asking for Mercedes Benz to cover the entire amount for the command which I was told during service check was defective and wiring issues withi

Air Bags
Filed Nov 5, 2025GA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel to the left, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the electrical features on the steering wheel failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that several days later, the same failure returned with air bag and a "Front Left Malfunction - Service Required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact spoke to her mechanically inclined brother and was informed that the failure was likely related to a defective clock spring. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (Air Bags) ,which the contact linked to the failure. The contact went to the local dealer's website and communicated with an agent through the Live Chat feature. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 24, 2025CA

My clock spring is no longer working, it made all the buttons on my steering wheel stop working and i am afraid the airbag will deploy at random since there was a recall on cla models 2015-2018. I own a Mercedes cla 250 2018 but it is not showing a recall on my specific vehicle. Not only that but they no longer sell just the clock spring for my car, im assuming because of the recall. I am scared that my airbag will randomly deploy while im driving or that it will not deploy at all in case of an accident. It was diagnosed by an independent mechanic There was no other messages except when my left side airbag service needed message popped up

Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2025IL

P052E Check Engine light on. Same part is defective on other models that use the same parts. My car is not included in the recall.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 28, 2025NJ

The panoramic sunroof opens and closes but will not shut completely in the back. When calling around for a quote mechanics were aware of the issue occurring with this specific make model and class of vehicle.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 25, 2025NC

When you start off at a slow speed, the rear end of the car starts making a knocking noise. We had it inspected by Mercedes-Benz and they said that it is the rear differential.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 11, 2025NY

Crank venting system. Wheel looses power. Oil us getting into sensors.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 8, 2025TN

My car clock spring has went out, and it affects my car airbag deploy. I see it’s a problem with the Mercedes Cla250. It’s very dangerous it causes your horn not to work as well!

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jan 30, 2025CA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof switch was enabled to open the sunroof; however, the sunroof failed to open as intended. The contact stated that the left side of the sunroof did not open as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with sunroof assembly failure. The contact was informed that the sunroof assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 28, 2025AL

Within 2 weeks after purchasing this vehicle the front stationary roof panel flew off the car. I noticed it when I parked at work in the parking lot. I do not know where the panel is. I retraced my route and did not see it anywhere. I work less than 2 miles from work with no turns. I am very concerned that the panel may cause water damage/leaking and even be a danger / damage to another drivers safety. I went to MB they said that there was no recall. They said that I should file claim to repair it. Claim and repair done be MB. NOW the same thing happened again. The panel has flown off again while I was driving on the highway around 3:00pm the panel nowhere to be found. MB said file a claim. 2 repair companies said the glue /sealant could be the issue. There were no notifications that this would happen. Pictures have been taken for both incidents. Upon referencing Vehicle Compliance & Analysis there is a recall Campaign Description: 23P2197658 NHTSA ID 23V854 I am having a difficult time getting my vehicle repaired without having to file another claim or paying for it myself.

Structure
Filed Jan 23, 202561,050 milesCO

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the car wash, water entered through the overhead center console. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front roof panel needed to be replaced and resealed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 61,050.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 11, 2024NY

Water comes in the car and fills the back seat floors with water. I think its comming in from the frame.

Engine
Filed Nov 19, 2024PA

Check engine code PO52E - Positive Crankcase Ventilation regulator valve performance. Needs to be recalled

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 28, 2024NJ

I am driving around 55K miles in this car, and my check engine light comes up. I head to a local place to get a code check. The guy looks it up and tells me this is pretty much with EVERY Mercedes CLA around that mile point.. So, I look up on reddit and other forums, and it's exactly what he said. Pretty much the PCV valve is faulty and costs around $1800-2500 to fix after 50-60K miles which causes emission problems and other safety concerns if not taken care of. It makes no sense how this is not a recall. Of what I read, Mercedes knows all about this and has done nothing, just leaving the drivers to take care of a problem that they did nothing to cause. I am not sure if this is for the NHTSA or what, but it is kind of unacceptable.

Power Train
Filed Sep 5, 2024MD

My 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC is experiencing a knocking noise from the rear differential at low speeds. The issue poses potential driving hazards, including possible loss of control and increased wear on drivetrain components. The noise may indicate a failing differential, which could suddenly fail while driving. I have contacted the dealer, but no specific recalls or factory service announcements have been identified for this problem. This appears to be a common issue reported by other owners. At the recommendation of the service technician, I replaced the rear solenoid, at the cost of $400, but no improvement. A rebuild of the rear differential was the recommendation.

20 of 40 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20251000Routine
20242000Routine
20236000Routine
20221000Routine
20217500Routine
2020201100Routine
201922600Routine
2018 — this page40910Routine
2017271000Routine
201666811Fatalities reported
201561700Routine
2014177630Routine
20139000Routine
20127000Routine

Compare every CLA 250 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 15, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.