Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Complaints

490 consumer complaints on file.

#11773381October 24, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
While turning my steering wheel during normal operation, I heard what appeared to be a popping or snapping sound from inside the steering wheel. Immediately afterward, my horn stopped working, all steering-wheel control buttons became inoperative, and the airbag warning light illuminated with the message “Front Left Malfunction – Service Required.” All these failures occurred suddenly and at approximately the same time, without any prior warning or symptoms. The instrument cluster still lights up, but I can no longer access the mileage display using the steering-wheel controls. The last mileage I recall was approximately 80,000 miles. These symptoms suggest a possible steering-column clock spring failure, although the exact cause has not yet been professionally diagnosed. I am particularly concerned because NHTSA recall 17V627000 previously addressed a safety risk involving the steering-column clock spring and driver’s airbag system. Mercedes-Benz lists this recall as completed for my vehicle. However, the recall remedy did not routinely replace the clock spring, and my vehicle has now experienced symptoms consistent with its failure. This vehicle was also purchased as a Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with an extended warranty and was represented as having undergone a comprehensive inspection, including safety-related systems. My concern is that a clock spring or related steering-column electrical component may fail suddenly, disabling the horn and potentially compromising the driver’s airbag, even after the previous recall remedy was completed. I request that NHTSA investigate whether similar failures are occurring in other vehicles, whether an ongoing safety defect exists, and whether additional corrective action or an expanded recall may be warranted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772157October 19, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
The check engine light on the vehicle came on and remained on each time the vehicle is running. An independent service center in an effort to fix the problem, ran a diagnostic test and found that the check engine light is on due to two codes. (1) P052E-71 crankcase ventilation system has a malfunction (PCV has failed, needs tube assembly). (2) P06DA-00 oil pump solenoid circuit failure. Additionally, the independent service center found a Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC News Channel Update Warranty to Mercedes-Benz Dealer Principals, General Managers, Sales Managers, Service Managers, Parts Managers dated August 25, 2023 regarding Emission Extended Warranty - Intake Line Assembly. Specifically, the partial-load ventilation valve (a part of the intake line assembly} may not work as intended, resulting in the illumination of the check engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp ('MIL'). A faulty partial-load ventilation valve might also increase exhaust gas emission. MBUSA fault code associated with the vehicle extended warranty from 4 years/50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles is: P052E71 - Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction. Damage code 0101D - Solenoid valve crankcase ventilation system. Part(s) code A274090560080 - Intake Line assembly (inclusive of oil separator, partial load ventilation valve and full-load ventilation valve). And an ECU software update will be provided for certain vehicle variants. This vehicle's vin number is not included in the list for the extended warranty even as this vehicle is experience the same malfunctions described in the extended warranty enumerating the same necessary repairs the independent service center has recommended for this vehicle. The intent here is to add this vehicle's vin number to the many other vehicles within the same model years whose warranties have been extended to the 15 years/150,000 miles warranty, so that the repairs can be performed with warranty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770966October 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. The suspected component is the rear differential/rear axle assembly in my 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC. The vehicle has developed abnormal knocking, popping, and drivetrain noises, particularly during turning and low-speed maneuvering. A repair facility provided an estimate of approximately $8,180 to replace the rear differential assembly. I am requesting further review to confirm the exact cause of the failure. The vehicle and any removed components may be made available for inspection upon request, subject to repair arrangements and retention of the original parts. 2. The abnormal rear drivetrain noises raise concerns about the reliability and safe operation of the vehicle. Because the suspected issue involves the rear differential/drivetrain, I am concerned that an unresolved mechanical problem could worsen and potentially affect vehicle control or safe operation. I have not established that a loss of control or other specific safety event has occurred, but I am requesting that the condition be investigated to determine whether it presents a safety risk. 3. An independent repair facility evaluated the vehicle and provided an estimate of approximately $8,180 for rear differential replacement. However, I am seeking further confirmation of the precise failure and its cause. 4. The vehicle has been evaluated by an independent repair facility, which provided an estimate for rear differential replacement. Mercedes-Benz has not yet inspected the vehicle or confirmed the diagnosis. I have not had the vehicle inspected by police or insurance representatives in connection with this issue. Before the proposed repair, I noticed abnormal knocking and popping noises while driving and turning. The symptoms prompted me to seek a mechanical evaluation, after which I received an estimate for rear differential replacement. To my knowledge, no warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before the symptoms began. I do not have a confirmed date of the noises.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770991October 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Roof Panel flew off on highway, not safe for anyone if this happens can cause accidents. It is available for inspection. This incident has happened to other cars of my same make and model and has been confirmed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765760September 21, 2026
WHEELS
1. Left front wheel assembly lug bolts. All five lug bolts sheared off completely while driving, resulting in a wheel separation and structural failure. Yes, four of the five physical sheared lug bolts are preserved and immediately available for independent forensic laboratory inspection upon request. 2. The left front wheel assembly separated while operating the vehicle on a public roadway at speed. This caused an immediate loss of directional vehicle control and severe chassis instability, posing an imminent, life-threatening risk of a high-speed rollover, collision with oncoming traffic, or total wheel detachment on a major highway. 3. Yes. Following the incident, the vehicle was towed directly to B&H Auto Body. Their certified technicians physically inspected the remaining wheel hubs on-site and confirmed in writing that widespread over-torquing of lug fasteners was present across the vehicle's remaining wheel assemblies. 4. Yes. Independent Repair Facility: B&H Auto Body physically inspected the vehicle, wheel assemblies, and remaining hubs post-incident. Third-Party Claims Administrator / Consultant: [XXX] (TPA for Costco Wholesale) retained GT Technical Consultants ([XXX]), who conducted a photo-only desktop review. However, the consultant refused physical inspection of the preserved hardware and issued a denial based on disproven third-party dealer mileage assumptions (refuted by official Mercedes-Benz Repair Order #XXX). 5. No prior warning lamps or diagnostic messages. The failure occurred suddenly without dashboard warning indicators. The vehicle experienced an immediate catast INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765806September 21, 2026
WHEELS
. Left front wheel assembly lug bolts. All five lug bolts sheared off completely while driving, resulting in a wheel separation and structural failure. Yes, four of the five physical sheared lug bolts are preserved and immediately available for independent forensic laboratory inspection upon request.\n\n2. The left front wheel assembly separated while operating the vehicle on a public roadway at speed. This caused an immediate loss of directional vehicle control and severe chassis instability, posing an imminent, life-threatening risk of a high-speed rollover, collision with oncoming traffic, or total wheel detachment on a major highway.\n\n3. Yes. Following the incident, the vehicle was towed directly to B&H Auto Body. Their certified technicians physically inspected the remaining wheel hubs on-site and confirmed in writing that widespread over-torquing of lug fasteners was present across the vehicle's remaining wheel assemblies.\n\n4. Yes.\n\nIndependent Repair Facility: B&H Auto Body physically inspected the vehicle, wheel assemblies, and remaining hubs post-incident.\n\nThird-Party Claims Administrator / Consultant: [XXX] (TPA for Costco Wholesale) retained GT Technical Consultants ([XXX]), who conducted a photo-only desktop review. However, the consultant refused physical inspection of the preserved hardware and issued a denial based on disproven third-party dealer mileage assumptions (refuted by official Mercedes-Benz Repair Order #XXX).\n\n5. No prior warning lamps or diagnostic messages. The failure occurred suddenly without dashboard warning indicators. The vehicle experienced an immediate catast INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765012September 17, 2026
ENGINE
The check engine light illuminated and the engine began running rough with misfires. Stored fault codes included P0301 and P0302 (cylinder 1 and cylinder 2 misfire detected) and P0315. An initial repair facility replaced spark plugs, ignition coils, the main battery and the auxiliary battery, which did not resolve the condition, and the vehicle was referred to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. The Mercedes-Benz dealer performed an engine inspection and found compression of approximately 80 PSI caused by severely leaking intake and exhaust valves. The dealer determined the complete cylinder head requires replacement and estimated the repair at $7,545.72. The vehicle is currently not drivable and is available for inspection. This failure matches the condition described in Mercedes-Benz technical service bulletin LI01.30-P-072328, which identifies a leaking valve seat in the cylinder head on M260 and M264 engines and states the complete cylinder head must be replaced because valve seats cannot be reworked. Mercedes-Benz USA has issued an emission extended warranty covering the exhaust valve system on these vehicles, describing wear of the valve guide and seat ring due to increased lateral forces during operation, causing misfires on cylinders 1 through 4 and illumination of the check engine light. The vehicle is within the stated 15 year / 150,000 mile coverage limit, but the warranty claim was denied on the basis of maintenance history. The vehicle was serviced continuously, including three Mercedes-Benz dealership services, with oil and filter changes at intervals of roughly 13,000 miles and no gaps. The safety concern is loss of engine power and misfiring during operation. The condition caused the engine to run rough, surge, and stall while driving, including in traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760530August 29, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has a check engine light for code P052E, which points to a broken crankcase ventilation valve. My car has only 59,000 miles on it, but this same exact part already broke once before and was replaced under the original warranty. Now, the replacement part has failed too. This proves the part is defective and keeps breaking. Mercedes-Benz already knows this part is defective. They gave a free 15-year or 150,000-mile extended warranty to fix this exact issue for free on the C-Class and other longitudinal M274 engine platforms. However, they are actively denying coverage for my CLA 250's M270 engine variant, despite the two vehicles sharing nearly identical engine blocks, matching subcomponents, and the exact same broken part. Because of this unfair engine code technicality, Mercedes-Benz is forcing CLA owners to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for a recurring problem they fix for free on a C-Class. I urge the NHTSA to look into this engine loophole and force Mercedes-Benz to include the M270 engine variants under the 15-year/150,000-mile free repair program.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760635August 29, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle would unexpectedly stall out while driving at slow speeds or stopped. Car was brought to an independent car shop and it was determined the Fuel pump had started to come apart sending debris into the fuel tank/system causing low fuel pressure. The fuel tank with fuel level sensor and suction jet pump was replaced along with, fuel injectors and other fuel system components. This looks very similar to other Mercedes Fuel system recalls that does not seem to cover the GLA250 but has the same manufacturer parts. NHTSA campaign numbers 23V880 and 23V881 represent a massive safety recall issued by Mercedes-Benz USA due to a defective fuel pump The problem: A component inside the fuel pump was made from faulty materials and may fail prematurely. If this happens, the vehicle’s engine may shut off while driving, and the car may lose power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759619August 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Panel flew off on the highway it was terrifying.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759627August 26, 2026
ENGINE
The turbo and turbo charger is going out on my car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759720August 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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 sad the whole fact that Mercedes-Benz has just ran you know a bunch of these vehicles through a bin filter and just because mine isn’t on the recall list even though it’s doing exactly what is one of the main major safety recalls. They are not taking responsibility for it and I feel like I should not have to come out of pocket to fix this because my car will not connect to the Mercedes-Benz online won’t connect to Mercedes-Benz so it is just stuck in like an activation loop and the SOS emergency is an operative
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758250August 20, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving at 50mph, the vehicle came to a full stop in 2 seconds by auto breaking (to avoid collision) when there was no object or vehicle in front of the car. I almost got rear-ended as stopping from 50mph to 0 mph on a highway was extremely dangerous but luckily the car behind me was able to use the lane to my right to avoid the collision. When the vehicle was taken to the service center, the computer systems showed no record of this incident. However, I do have a dashcam footage of it. In the video, you can clearly see a stopped car on the left turn lane (the break lights of the car is visible and the car is stationary when the video is analyzed frame by frame.) The driving lane is curving to the right and the vehicle is also turning to the right following the lane. (this is verified by following the double yellow line - then the single solid white line and vehicle's motion to the right.) Despite all this, the car slammed the breaks and stopped. The video is seen by the service center workers as well. They updated the software on the car at the time of service. An escalated ticket was also created with Mercedes corporate office with case number: 23763407. At the very least, the cars should be keeping records of collision avoiding breaking administered by the car's system so when you're at the service center, there's a record of what happened. This incident could have resulted into a high-speed collision with severe injuries to the people in both vehicles and one pet. And if it did, the car would have shown zero record of functions performed and the drivers would have been blamed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758052August 19, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I believe that my vehicle is subject to Recall Campaign # 21V197000. The vehicle is a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. I've had to have this part ( Front Stationary Roof panel) adhered 5 times in the last 10 months. Mercedes refuses to acknowledge the above campaign #. Not only is this a safety risk to my self and other drivers, there is risk of water damage any electrical components. When this issue was brought to their attention I was told this was VIN specific and no recalls were attached to this vehicle. The photos are from 2 separate incidents. There are no warning lights. My vehicle has had at least 2 unbiased inspections and available upon requet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755695August 8, 2026
AIR BAGS
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
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11747420June 30, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal snapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a code reader retrieved information that there was a fault with the SRS sensor. The contact was charged for a diagnostic test and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747510June 30, 2026
AIR BAGS, STEERING
My mechanic said that he believes there is a recall on a recalled part this was previously repaired per Mercedes notice of safety recall dated April 2018. The recall remedy provided by the manufacturer has failed to permanently fix the safety defect, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive. "On certain Model Year (“MY”) 2014-2017 B-Class electric, MY 2012-2018 C-Class, MY 2012-2017 E-Class, MY 2014-2018 CLA, MY 2015-2018 GLA, MY 2016-2018 GLC, and MY 2013-2015 GLK-Class vehicles, an electrostatic discharge, when combined with a broken steering column module clock spring and an insufficient grounding of the steering components, could lead to an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag. An inadvertent driver airbag deployment may cause a risk of injury to the driver and might increase the risk of a crash." Currently my airbag and horn do not work as a result of this defect and Mercedes said there is no current safety recalls, however this is the exact issue that was replaced and fixed before I purchased it. They want to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, (when my mechanic has already looked at it), I am not wanting to pay the dealership for an issue that is clearly related to the recall issue that was not properly fixed. My car is a safety issue to myself and anyone if I drive it, my horn does not work, so that makes it hard to prevent accidents and my airbag, upon reading further online, could potentially deploy and CAUSE and accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747511June 30, 2026
AIR BAGS, STEERING
My mechanic said that he believes there is a recall on a recalled part this was previously repaired per Mercedes notice of safety recall dated April 2018. The recall remedy provided by the manufacturer has failed to permanently fix the safety defect, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive. "On certain Model Year (“MY”) 2014-2017 B-Class electric, MY 2012-2018 C-Class, MY 2012-2017 E-Class, MY 2014-2018 CLA, MY 2015-2018 GLA, MY 2016-2018 GLC, and MY 2013-2015 GLK-Class vehicles, an electrostatic discharge, when combined with a broken steering column module clock spring and an insufficient grounding of the steering components, could lead to an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag. An inadvertent driver airbag deployment may cause a risk of injury to the driver and might increase the risk of a crash." Currently my airbag and horn do not work as a result of this defect and Mercedes said there is no current safety recalls, however this is the exact issue that was replaced and fixed before I purchased it. They want to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, (when my mechanic has already looked at it), I am not wanting to pay the dealership for an issue that is clearly related to the recall issue that was not properly fixed. My car is a safety issue to myself and anyone if I drive it, my horn does not work, so that makes it hard to prevent accidents and my airbag, upon reading further online, could potentially deploy and CAUSE and accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744845June 17, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
My vehicle is exhibiting the same problem as MB Recall Campaign #2021070010 but my MB Vin is not included in the recall even though my make/model of car is on the list. This MB recall campaign is to replace the front stationary sunroof panel. According to recall,"The panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle. The adhesion of the front panel might partially or fully detach from the vehicle increasing the risk/injury to other road users." This campaign which was updated 9/3/2021 should include ALL vehicles on the recall list that exhibit this issue. I contacted an authorized MB dealer show quoted me $2225.41 for a repair that we know is known DEFECT. PLEASE HELP!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738287May 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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