Owners have filed 54 complaints
about the 2018 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 72
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz CLA 250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 57
11.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2018 compares with every other Mercedes Benz CLA 250
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
216.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
216.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
216.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
325.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
325.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2018peak 3Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2018 Mercedes Benz CLA 250
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Pahrump, NVCrash1 injured
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
NHTSA complaint #11755695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Owings Mills, MDFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car randomly caught on fire, it was parked in my apartment garage for a week while I was out of town. I came back to use my car and my car remote wasn’t unlocking the car so i unlocked it manually. When I opened the car it wreaked of smoke, the windows were covered in soot, the visors were bubbled up, the passenger seat had a chunk missing. It was investigated by a car shop for My insurance and the car shop Said they felt like the fire started from the wires under the passenger seat. Of course it was deemed a total loss and now I’m out of car. I hadn’t even had the car a year.
NHTSA complaint #11521136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Owings Mills, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car randomly caught on fire, it was parked in my apartment garage for a week while I was out of town. I came back to use my car and my car remote wasn’t unlocking the car so i unlocked it manually. When I opened the car it wreaked of smoke, the windows were covered in soot, the visors were bubbled up, the passenger seat had a chunk missing. It was investigated by a car shop for My insurance and the car shop Said they felt like the fire started from the wires under the passenger seat. Of course it was deemed a total loss and now I’m out of car. I hadn’t even had the car a year.
NHTSA complaint #11521136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,460 milesMission Eiego, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250C. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY A SPEEDING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEADACHES, HIP PAIN, WHIPLASH, AND VISION ISSUES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,460.
NHTSA complaint #11179894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Pahrump, NVCrash1 injured
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
NHTSA complaint #11755695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
Water coming into the car through the floor
NHTSA complaint #11738289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison, NY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11738287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carnegie, PA
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11722825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairburn, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 within the command. The cost is over $2,900. I believe this is a manufacturing defect whether you have any recalls on it or not. I will file a safety recall complaint with the NHTSA Nation vehicle recall for these vehicles of this make and model advising that you could be killed while driving this car without further recall. I have had other Mercedes benz vehicles and never had this problem. This is a matter of life or death. The car is currently parked at the dealer after inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11699248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loganville, GA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11697599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CA
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11689310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale Hts., IL
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11681776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Windsor, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11676772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11669091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley Stream, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Crank venting system. Wheel looses power. Oil us getting into sensors.
NHTSA complaint #11654157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cordova, TN
AIR BAGS
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!
NHTSA complaint #11641460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cordova, TN
STEERING
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!
NHTSA complaint #11641460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11639713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntsville, AL
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11639023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,050 milesAurora, CO
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11638024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison, NY
SEATS
Water comes in the car and fills the back seat floors with water. I think its comming in from the frame.
NHTSA complaint #11630127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Water comes in the car and fills the back seat floors with water. I think its comming in from the frame.
NHTSA complaint #11630127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
Water comes in the car and fills the back seat floors with water. I think its comming in from the frame.
NHTSA complaint #11630127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
ENGINE
Check engine code PO52E - Positive Crankcase Ventilation regulator valve performance. Needs to be recalled
NHTSA complaint #11626114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11622361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, NJ
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11622361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chestertown, MD
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11612753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
AIR BAGS
Air says it will malfunction nothing has happened but wish for it to be repaired before an accident
NHTSA complaint #11612161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
roof front panel coating peeling off - there has been a recall for this issue on most mercedes benz of my year - not just my model- seems to consistently be an issue for the front panel between windshield and sunroof- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCMN-21V197-6244.pdf my specific VIN wasnt included in the recall but i am having the exact same issue- Mercedes told me to reach out to NHTSA to see about getting my VIN batch included in recall or re-issue broader recall to include my VIN # - they will not replace otherwise - so many people online have same issue as me and obviously it was enough of a hazard that the first recall was issued but there are more cars affected by it than what was covered.
NHTSA complaint #11588237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.