Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Complaints (2016)

68 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
#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
#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
#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
#11735001April 30, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
Factory window tint of the back window & the driver/passenger side(s) windows are bubbling and peeling causing visual impairment while operating motor vehicle. Examples of impairment are backing the vehicle and changing lanes & these affected areas are blurry. Panaramic Sunroof does not seal properly when closed. Factory vehicle paint bubbling and peeling causing depreciation of the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696324October 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The incident that occurred is that my sunroof exploded on me while I was driving. There was know one in front of me nor next to me. Nothing hitting it to cause this, it just exploded.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676639July 28, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Hi there - I know my vin number doesn't recall the front stationary roof panel replacement but this came to my attention as I saw that the panel has faded the top coating and the edges have some very thin cracks I will say. I was not aware of such a thing but googling the issue I found out that NHTSA did start a campaign for this particular safety issue last year. Campaign No. 2024010012, March 2024. My Mercedes falls completely on the requirements for repairing/replacing this front panel as the model, year, and type of material of this panel but yet no recall with my vin number. Just wondering if this is a mistake or something else that I don't know. For now I haven't driven the car for the safety concerns until I have any explanations. Your response in this matter will be very appreciated ! Thank you, [XXX] 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
#11665634June 8, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2016 CLA 250 having multiple electrical and driving issues that are not recalled. I’ve researched online and found most of these issues are common. 1. Dashboard screen and radio console lights turn off completely. USB connection triggers electrical symptoms. Front and Back seat window control (driver) triggers electrical symptoms and sometimes corrects the problems. Trunk opens by itself while parked and/or stopped at red lights. The instrument cluster has times multiple warning lights turn on and stay on. At times the fuel needle drops completely down as if I have no fuel in the car. The instrument cluster lights stay on after I have turned the car off and locked it as if the system is confused. I have more issues but those are a few to name. I also have video and pictures to prove these things happen randomly then the vehicle can go back to operating normally. I’ve taken it to service and all they have done is reset the warnings.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656409April 23, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed thermostat. The contact was informed that the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact performed an inspection on the vehicle and determined there was a melted hole in the air intake valve. The contact stated that the dealer had not provided information of the condition of the melted air intake valve. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642317February 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Check engine light with error code P052E. From my research, this is a very common issue with this engine and one that either has been recalled or is planning to be recalled. According to some online forums for Mercedes Benz, Mercedes is being sued over this problem and has issued an extended warranty on certain models because of how common this problem has become. The list of models needs to be expanded to include other models experiencing the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638804January 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle Performance Issues - Detailed Timeline [XXX] •First issue occurred: the car wouldn’t start at a store. Engine turned over, failed to start. •After sitting overnight, it would start but stall after 10 minutes of driving. •Parked the car and began using alternative transportation. •Diagnostic tests by three mechanics revealed the following codes: oP0087: Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. oP052E: Crankcase Ventilation (PCV). [XXX] •Picked up the car from Midland Mercedes after repairs. Paid $3,069.16 for crankcase ventilation service. •Mercedes Customer Summary Report had no reference to any fuel-related issues or the P0087 code. •Drove 10 minutes to a gas station; the car wouldn’t start, repeating the same issue of why I brought it in to have repaired. •Returned to the shop; Said a New Code came up and replaced the fuel pump: oCost of part: $670.47 (no labor charged). I refused to pay $2200! [XXX] •Finally after 3 months! I got my car and drove back to San Angelo on half a tank, avoiding stops to prevent starting problems. I now had PTSD! •Filled the tank upon arrival; no issues that day. [XXX] •On the way to work, turned on the heat and noticed: oA strong gas odor inside the car. oThe radio volume control wasn’t working, and the ECO mode indicator wasn’t functioning as usual. [XXX] Filled the gas tank halfway to reduce the gas smell. •1st start up cycle immediately after getting gas, no issue. •2nd start up cycle , the dashboard lights started flickering and all indicator lights came on. Traction control warning along with message to check the owner’s manual. Can not accelerate. Check engine light stays on. •3rd cycle start up, all lights turned off except the check engine light. •4th cycle start up, no check engine light This occurs every time I get fuel. I only get $10 at a time. Noticing the pattern, I coded the car. A new code came up. •P2187: System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 1). 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
#11625109November 13, 2024
ENGINE
My car has slipped into neutral twice while driving. Once while turning left from red light and once while sitting still at red light.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613010September 6, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the regulator valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11606153August 2, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When we are driving the transmission slip intro neutral ramdomly message appear « do not shift in gear, visit dealer » we need to stop the car on the high way put it in park and after in drive . Its happen really often and my wife d’ont want to drive it any more because its to dangerous with kid, we need a solution
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11601535July 12, 2024
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was a loud explosion coming from the vehicle. The contact later pulled over, and upon inspection, discovered that the sunroof glass had shattered. The contact stated that there was no impact to the sunroof that could have caused the sunroof glass to shatter. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass retailer, who installed a plastic cover over the sunroof; however, the sunroof glass was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11599319July 5, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mercedes CLA 250 2016 rear differential breakdown Making noise
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589107May 16, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE 2 MECEDES WITH THE SAME ISSUE PER MERCEDES BENZ OF USA INSPECTION CAUSING ENGINE LIGHT TO BE TRIGGERED PER DIAGNOSIS TESTING RAN ON BOTH CARS. 2015 VIN [XXXXX] GLA 250 4 MATIC-P052E71 2016 VIN [XXXXX0 2013 CLA 250 MATIC -P052E71 I WAS TOLD BY A MERCEDES SERVICES ADVISIOR THAT BOTH CARS HAVE THE SAME ENGINE FOR A 2015GLA AND A 2016 CLA - BOTH Due to both cars stalling in traffic on multiple time when driving I took both to the shop to run further testing to discover both had the same engine light trigger which is the CRANKSHAFT (AKA) OIL SEPERATOR (AKA)INTAKE TUBE DUE TO THIS BOTH CARS HAVE SUFFERED AN ISSUE WHEN TAKING EMMISSION TEST - MERCEDES DIGNOSIS TESTING CODES -P052E71 - CRANKSHAFT VENILATION MALFUNCTION - CAR WILL NOT PASS EMMISSION TEST AND THIS PART DEFECTS ALSO CAUSES CAR TO STALL THAT CAN POSSIBLE CAUSE ACCIDENT THIS PART COMPLETE REPAIR COULD COST UP TO $2500-$3000 FOR PARTS AND LABOR PART NUMBER -270-090-07-00 (CRANKSHAFT) THE ENGINE LIGHT ISSUE TRIGGERED BY CRANKSHAFT AND WILL NOT PASS EMMISSION TESTING DUE TO THIS Description of this part below: Crankcase Ventilation is the process of venting or removing blow-by from an engine's crankcase to prevent excessive pressure build-up within the engine. Blow-by gases are mixed with oil mist and other contaminants that can harm an engine's internal components and contaminate the environment. How does the crankshaft ventilation work- When the vehicle is moving, airflow across the open end of the tube creates suction (a "draught" or draft) that pulls gases out of the crankcase. To prevent too much vacuum being created, the blow-by gases are replaced by fresh air using a device called a breather. The breather is often located in the oil cap the engine misfires, you may have trouble getting your vehicle up to speed. Misfires often happen when your vehicle is under load while accelerating. This can result in slow or sluggish acceleration or a jerking motion while pressing down on acc
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572393February 16, 2024
SEAT BELTS
The right passenger seat belt is faulty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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