Owners have filed 280 complaints
about the 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA250 with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz CLA250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 52
10% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
74% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Mercedes Benz CLA250
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
2210.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
5927.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
7433.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2210.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
219.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
177.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
10.5%
150,000+ miles
20.9%
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.
Nov 2013peak 18Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA250
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...
PE21001Opened 8 Jan 2021Closed 14 Oct 2021STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Front Roof Panel Detachment
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradati...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Atmore, ALFire
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she discovered that the driver's side window was shattered. The sunroof was brown, and there was a hole in the dashboard showing the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught fire; however, the fire extinguished on its own. There were no prior warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The fire department responded and was present at the scene, and disconnected several wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11723215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atmore, ALFire
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she discovered that the driver's side window was shattered. The sunroof was brown, and there was a hole in the dashboard showing the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught fire; however, the fire extinguished on its own. There were no prior warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The fire department responded and was present at the scene, and disconnected several wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11723215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atmore, ALFire
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she discovered that the driver's side window was shattered. The sunroof was brown, and there was a hole in the dashboard showing the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught fire; however, the fire extinguished on its own. There were no prior warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The fire department responded and was present at the scene, and disconnected several wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11723215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VACrash
WHEELS
I was driving my 2014 Mercedes CLA 250 on [XXX] traveling away from Fairfax County and towards Prince William County on Christmas morning right before [XXX]. The front right passenger side wheel started shaking and then flew off. I brought the car to a stop on the left hand shoulder of the road on three wheels. My wheel hit the metal fence and then ricocheted back across to the left crossing both sides of traffic (four lanes), hitting a concrete wall and becoming airborne before landing in the stream below. It was sunny and there was no rain. Speed was 45 mph. Witnesses observed the incident and I have their contact information. A police report was filed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11571315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coppell, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
my son was driving it on highway and noticed smoke and fire from rear driver side. Thankfully he was able to get car on shoulder and the whole car lit up in flame. Firefighters and Police rescued them and there was no indication on what started this fire. Police has filed report as misc that it could be from car fuel line or such, there was no other problems with car and it has been services by Mercedes dealer all along.
NHTSA complaint #11475546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Massapequa, NYCrash1 injured
STEERING
Was driving on a road with 3 lanes .I was in the right lane was switching to middle when my stering and brakes just locked up I was not able to control the car I ended up all the way in the left lane crashed into a car and ended up on the divider
NHTSA complaint #11427684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesSacramento, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11747420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Park, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The shifter randomly stops working so I could have the car in reverse and not be able to put it in drive and be stuck in traffic or vice versa. I can have the car and drive and not be able to put it in reverse. I'd be stuck in traffic very dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11726006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atmore, ALFire
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she discovered that the driver's side window was shattered. The sunroof was brown, and there was a hole in the dashboard showing the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught fire; however, the fire extinguished on its own. There were no prior warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The fire department responded and was present at the scene, and disconnected several wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11723215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atmore, ALFire
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she discovered that the driver's side window was shattered. The sunroof was brown, and there was a hole in the dashboard showing the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught fire; however, the fire extinguished on its own. There were no prior warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The fire department responded and was present at the scene, and disconnected several wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11723215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atmore, ALFire
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she discovered that the driver's side window was shattered. The sunroof was brown, and there was a hole in the dashboard showing the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught fire; however, the fire extinguished on its own. There were no prior warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The fire department responded and was present at the scene, and disconnected several wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11723215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doylestown, PA
ENGINE
I own a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 with the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder M270 engine. The check-engine light came on and an OBD-II scan showed fault code P052E / P052E71, which indicates that the valve for crankcase ventilation (PCV / crankcase ventilation valve integrated into the valve cover) has a malfunction and the actuator is blocked. The vehicle is available for inspection and, if the repair is performed, the failed part can be retained. This appears to be the same failure that has been documented by other owners and by Mercedes-Benz on the related M274 engine used in other models (same 2.0L turbo engine family and PCV / crankcase ventilation design, but in a longitudinal layout). For those vehicles, Mercedes has issued technical service bulletins and extended emissions-related warranty coverage for the crankcase ventilation / PCV system, but vehicles like my CLA with the M270 engine are excluded even though they show the same DTCs and failure. In my case, the problem has so far shown up as a check-engine light and stored fault codes, without obvious drivability symptoms yet. However, a blocked or failed crankcase ventilation valve can increase crankcase pressure, cause oil leaks, fuel vapor or oil smells, and potential turbocharger or drivability issues, which may create a safety risk if the problem worsens (loss of power or stalling). The problem has been reproduced multiple times with different OBD-II scan tools. I contacted Mercedes-Benz and was told there are no recalls or warranty coverage for this issue on my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11699978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
ENGINE
P052e common crankcase ventilator issue mercedez extended warranty for later models for this same consistent issue in all the cars excluding 2014 starting at 2015 vehicles making us pay over $2000 for a fix supposed to be free being that it's all mercedes even the year before Should be a recall along with the hundreds of thousands of people with same issue online same car.
NHTSA complaint #11696266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
P052e common crankcase ventilator issue mercedez extended warranty for later models for this same consistent issue in all the cars excluding 2014 starting at 2015 vehicles making us pay over $2000 for a fix supposed to be free being that it's all mercedes even the year before Should be a recall along with the hundreds of thousands of people with same issue online same car.
NHTSA complaint #11696266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAdelanto, CA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed excessive rust underneath the rear subframe. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Extended Warranty–Rear Subframe Damage Code: 35441 47. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adelanto, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
my rear subframe rusted from the inside out and due to the rust my control arm broke off
NHTSA complaint #11644583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Paul, MN
ENGINE
Check engine code p052e - PCV valve replacement (Crankcase Ventilation valve) - common issue on car and known recall for other models
NHTSA complaint #11639110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Paul, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Check engine code p052e - PCV valve replacement (Crankcase Ventilation valve) - common issue on car and known recall for other models
NHTSA complaint #11639110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesTucson, AZ
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the sunroof was inoperable. The contact stated that the glass panel had detached, and the contact became aware of a crack on the glass panel. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11630599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway without any vehicles in front of me at around 65mph when all of a sudden my panoramic roof exploded out of nowhere, it sounded like a gunshot going off inside the car and I nearly crashed my vehicle from the sudden explosion, I luckily had the glass shade cover up and glass did not fall in my face, I had my [XXX] daughter and [XXX] son in the backseat and they are now terrified to get back into any vehicle. This is extremely dangerous situation and will cause a serious accident in the future if not fixed. Nothing hit my roof and I wasn’t even using it at the time no one touched the thing, it just exploded out of nowhere. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11622502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,850 milesTulsa, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that when the vehicle stalled, an audible chime sounded, and the air bag warning light illuminated, and a RED triangle symbol flashed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went blank, and the vehicle lost power steering assist. Additionally, the brake pedal was very difficult to depress. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts, and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and the vehicle had not taken back to the dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,850.
NHTSA complaint #11616572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,850 milesTulsa, OK
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that when the vehicle stalled, an audible chime sounded, and the air bag warning light illuminated, and a RED triangle symbol flashed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the instrument cluster went blank, and the vehicle lost power steering assist. Additionally, the brake pedal was very difficult to depress. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts, and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and the vehicle had not taken back to the dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,850.
NHTSA complaint #11616572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apparently the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) which is built into the gas pedal on this 2014 MB CLA250 only lasts so long before it becomes defective under highway conditions and causes the vehicle to go into LIMP MODE. When full acceleration is necessary, the unit will work for perhaps a few months or less, and then continue to fail worse and more frequently with each attempt at full acceleration. At highway speeds, this is an essential feature in a 4-cylinder vehicle such as this one and without the necessary acceleration capability, can expose the driver to serious risk of collision with other on-coming vehicles traveling at highway speeds. This "Limp Mode" features is extremely dangerous and hazardous to not only the driver of their vehicle, but to other drivers around them since they are left in a devastating position of being unable to accelerate normally and as necessary and as one would expect in any vehicle, let alone a Mercedes Benz. Never before have I driven a car that falls out of full acceleration mode only to subject the driver to serious collision circumstances. Whoever the imbecile is at MB engineering who incorporated this Limp Mode Feature should be fired!!! To make matters worse, this cheaply built TPS, which is the cause of the problem in my vehicle specifically, was only warrantied twice by the dealer and now they will not replace it under warranty which is a two-year period. I've only had the part 5 months before it failed again due to poor manufacturing and I had to pay all over again for a new one despite my warranty validity. There have been many other MB owners who have the same complaint for Limp Mode, which tells me that it's definitely not me, but rather the poorly built or engineered vehicle, as a matter of fact. MB has denied having these complaints to me, which of course, is a lie. That's misleading and deceptive business practices in my State and MB needs to live up to its warranty provisions and respect its customers.
NHTSA complaint #11578613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, MA
ENGINE
Apparently the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) which is built into the gas pedal on this 2014 MB CLA250 only lasts so long before it becomes defective under highway conditions and causes the vehicle to go into LIMP MODE. When full acceleration is necessary, the unit will work for perhaps a few months or less, and then continue to fail worse and more frequently with each attempt at full acceleration. At highway speeds, this is an essential feature in a 4-cylinder vehicle such as this one and without the necessary acceleration capability, can expose the driver to serious risk of collision with other on-coming vehicles traveling at highway speeds. This "Limp Mode" features is extremely dangerous and hazardous to not only the driver of their vehicle, but to other drivers around them since they are left in a devastating position of being unable to accelerate normally and as necessary and as one would expect in any vehicle, let alone a Mercedes Benz. Never before have I driven a car that falls out of full acceleration mode only to subject the driver to serious collision circumstances. Whoever the imbecile is at MB engineering who incorporated this Limp Mode Feature should be fired!!! To make matters worse, this cheaply built TPS, which is the cause of the problem in my vehicle specifically, was only warrantied twice by the dealer and now they will not replace it under warranty which is a two-year period. I've only had the part 5 months before it failed again due to poor manufacturing and I had to pay all over again for a new one despite my warranty validity. There have been many other MB owners who have the same complaint for Limp Mode, which tells me that it's definitely not me, but rather the poorly built or engineered vehicle, as a matter of fact. MB has denied having these complaints to me, which of course, is a lie. That's misleading and deceptive business practices in my State and MB needs to live up to its warranty provisions and respect its customers.
NHTSA complaint #11578613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VACrash
WHEELS
I was driving my 2014 Mercedes CLA 250 on [XXX] traveling away from Fairfax County and towards Prince William County on Christmas morning right before [XXX]. The front right passenger side wheel started shaking and then flew off. I brought the car to a stop on the left hand shoulder of the road on three wheels. My wheel hit the metal fence and then ricocheted back across to the left crossing both sides of traffic (four lanes), hitting a concrete wall and becoming airborne before landing in the stream below. It was sunny and there was no rain. Speed was 45 mph. Witnesses observed the incident and I have their contact information. A police report was filed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11571315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winsted, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As I was driving yesterday afternoon, I heard a noise and normally we don't hear any type of noise or air coming into the car. I decided to open the sunroof to see if there was something wrong with it like if it was stuck open or if something was stuck in it, and the whole sunroof almost flew off the car. I had to pull over as fast as I could into the break down lane and it took me a while to close it and it still seems to be open, I didn't see anything stuck in the guide rails or in the area when closing it. I was very scared for the safety of my children and myself and for the other drivers on the highway. I have made an appointment so the shop and check the car out and run some diagnostics. There are no warning lights or messages prior to the sunroof almost flying off the car.
NHTSA complaint #11565567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winsted, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As I was driving yesterday afternoon, I heard a noise and normally we don't hear any type of noise or air coming into the car. I decided to open the sunroof to see if there was something wrong with it like if it was stuck open or if something was stuck in it, and the whole sunroof almost flew off the car. I had to pull over as fast as I could into the break down lane and it took me a while to close it and it still seems to be open, I didn't see anything stuck in the guide rails or in the area when closing it. I was very scared for the safety of my children and myself and for the other drivers on the highway. I have made an appointment so the shop and check the car out and run some diagnostics. There are no warning lights or messages prior to the sunroof almost flying off the car.
NHTSA complaint #11565567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coral Springs, FL
AIR BAGS
Component failure was steering column module. Safety issue was air bag could inadvertently deploy while driving. Recall NHTSA # 17V627 was issued. Vehicle inspected by Stargate Garage, Caliber Collision and Mercedes of Pompano Beach FL. Message displayed was front left malfunction and red warning light for SRS system. Warning message and red light appeared 18 months after dealer supposedly repaired this recalled item. Vehicle was returned to dealer to make proper repair on this recalled item and they refused to replace it. Steering column module was replace by Stargate Garage and the message left front malfunction and red light warning SRS no longer appears on instrument panel. Stargate Garage was paid $685 to make this repair which should have been the dealer's responsibility. Therefor I am requesting that the dealer reimburse me my out of pocket expense of $685.00 since it was there responsibility to make this repair under the recall that was issued. I was unable to upload my documentation so I will also be sending this information in the mail.
NHTSA complaint #11563709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West ST Paul, MN
ENGINE
Common issue with this make and model and many others Check engine code P052E
NHTSA complaint #11560875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
ENGINE
My engine light is and as per mechanics I have seen it is a very common problem with mercedes benz around crankcase ventilation actuator. As per mechanics its faulty part and mercedes have changed it for new models but there is no recall on the older models. Cost to repair the part is around $3500. Issue with the part if causing environment problem as mileages is reduced and more fuel burning. This eventually impacts the engine and car.
NHTSA complaint #11552114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMobile, AL
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that the front panel around the panoramic roof was separating. The contact called a dealer and was informed that there was a recall for the panel separation, however, the VIN was not included. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11550618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.