68 of the 519 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz CLA250 are about the electrical system — 13% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2014.
68
Complaints
13%
Share of all complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a collision, in which another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle, causing damage to the frame and headlights; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained soreness in the neck and back and received medical assistance. A police report was filed, but the contact did not have the police report information available. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V662000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle had leaked excessive oil onto the ground. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start while pressing the Push to Start button. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that she would need to pay a fee for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The instrument cluster display intermittently failed, either showing incorrect information or going completely blank while driving. Yes, the component is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the display failed, I was unable to view critical information such as vehicle speed, warning lights, and engine performance data. This posed a significant safety risk, especially while navigating traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was reproduced and confirmed by a independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or error messages prior to the failure. The issue first appeared June 20, 2025 and began occurring intermittently before worsening over time.
NHTSA complaint #11675859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11665634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11642317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL 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)
NHTSA complaint #11638804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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
NHTSA complaint #11606153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The trunk latch system failed, causing the trunk to open unexpectedly. Yes, the component is available for inspection upon request. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The trunk opened while driving on [XXX], creating a significant blind spot. This occurred during high traffic conditions and forced me to move to the outer lane, which posed a risk to my safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem has been reported by many other owners as well, suggesting a widespread issue. Additionally, Elite Bmers & Benz in Spring, Texas, inspected the car but could not immediately identify the problem. They need to conduct further research to determine the cause. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected by Elite Bmers & Benz in Spring, Texas. However, the problem could not be pinpointed immediately, and further research is needed. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the trunk opening unexpectedly. The problem occurred without any prior indication. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11597926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As I was driving, the car is on D but it slips into N and I cannot shift to any other gear accept P. This happens randomly and happened three times. I noticed the GLA250 also had this issue. I have to turn off my engine and restart my car to get it running again normally.
NHTSA complaint #11521574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Inside the car smells gas either idle or running. Dashboard lights flactuate and sometimes the gas gage doesn't show how much fuel you have left. Command system shuts off after 3 mins even the engine is on. But mainly, the gas smell in the car. Have trouble breathing at times and I don't haveany underlying condition.
NHTSA complaint #11509389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I just got the vehicle it’s losing power already, I was driving up a hill as a school bus was behind me, and my car started losing power and rolling back. I have a transmission issue they sold it this way also electrical.
NHTSA complaint #11469754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My sister was driving across town and came across some uneven payment near a construction zone. She hit a small-medium sized pothole and it somehow triggered both the front and rear passenger airbags to deploy. There was no damage significant impact when it happened and no damage to the exterior of the car (tire, wheel, fender). It happened today (Saturday) so it was taken to a local independent repair facility. Will know more Monday. Parts available for inspection upon request, of course.
NHTSA complaint #11420687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE OTHER DAY I OPENED THE SUNROOF WHEN IT SUDDENLY MADE A STRANGE SOUND AND STOPPED. WHEN I TRIED TO CLOSE IT I NOTICED THAT THE LEFT SIDE WAS RAISED BUT THE RIGHT SIDE WAS DOWN. IT MADE A WHIRRING SOUND AND MOVED A LITTLE BUT REFUSED TO CLOSE. WHEN I GOT HOME AND LOOKED AT IT IT LOOKS LIKE THE WINDSCREEN HAS COME LOOSE AND LOOKS LIKE IT WAS PUSHED FORWARD AND BROKEN BY THE LINKAGE THAT MAKES THE ROOF GO UP. IT LOOKS LIKE THE LINKAGE IS BENDING FORWARD WHEN I SUSPECT IT SHOULD BEND BACKWARDS. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2016. SOMETIMES IT OPENED AND WHILE DRIVING I'M AFRAID IT MIGHT BLOW OUT INTO THE HIGH WAY. CAUSING AN ACCIDENT
NHTSA complaint #11414751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY ON 1/22/2021 THE CAR'S DASHBOARD DISPLAYED "COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS INOPERATIVE " AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, IT PREVENTED ME FROM ACCELERATING THE CAR BY PUSHING ONTO THE GAS PEDAL. THIS CAUSED THE CAR FROM BEHIND TO ALMOST REAR ENDED BY CAR. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY AND EXIT THE FREEWAY. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR BUT IT IS AN ONGOING ISSUE EVEN AFTER VARIOUS PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #11390562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RIGHT AIR BAG MALFUNCTION ERROR AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR CRANK CASE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT MERCEDES EXPLAINED TO ME AND ALSO TOLD ME TO CHECK BACK FOR RECALLS BECAUSE THEIR VNI SYSTEM WILL PROBABLY SHOW ONE
NHTSA complaint #11384911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOON AFTER HAVING HER OIL CHANGED, A COOLANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE COOLANT WAS ADDED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HOME SCREEN WOULD GO BLANK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11383824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE SUNROOF SOUNDS LIKE ITS COMING OUT AND LEAKING WATER
NHTSA complaint #11378262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY SON HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF THE SEAT BACK BECAUSE IT WAS TOO TIGHT AND WRAPPED AROUND HIM. THE SEATBELT STRAP WAS LOCKED AND WOULD NOT EXTEND OUT AT ALL TO LOOSEN FOR EXTRA LENGTH ON THE STRAP. THE SEATBELT STRAP WAS SO TIGHT MY SONS STOMACH WAS WAS CINCHED TO THE POINT WHERE HE COULDN'T BREATH. I'M NOT SURE WHY THE SUSPENSION ON THE STRAP WAS LOCKED EVERY OTHER SEATBELT HAD EXTENDED STRAP. THIS WAS A SCARY EXPERIENCE AND COULD HAVE SEVERELY HURT MY SON. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR THE PRICE I PAID FOR THIS VEHICLE AND NOT TO MENTION MY CHILD'S SAFETY. I DIDN'T TAKE ANY PICTURES OF THE STRAP AROUND MY SONS STOMACH BECAUSE HE WAS IN PAIN AND WAS FRANTICALLY TRYING TO GET IT LOOSE AND CUT. I HAVE PICTURES OF WHERE I HAD TO CUT THE SEATBELT. I ALSO HAVE A DEFECT WITH MY ELECTRICAL WHICH I CAUSING MY BATTERY TO DIE. THE CAR WILL STAY ON COMPLETELY WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION OR STARTED. I HAVE VIDEO OF THAT AS WELL. THIS IS COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS FOR A LUXURY VEHICLE. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS ANDY SON SIMPLY UNBUCKLING A SEATBELT AND GETTING STRAPPED IN BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION OF THE STRAP WOULD NOT LOOSEN AND WAS LOCKED IS UNACCEPTABLE. I TRIED EVERYTHING TO PUTTING THE CAR IN DRIVE PRESSING THE BRAKE TO SEE IT THE STRAP WOULD UNLOCK AND NOTHING WORKED. MY SON WAS IN PAIN BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT O HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT STRAP OFF FRANTICALLY. THIS IS NOT OKAY!
NHTSA complaint #11377974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.