2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
40 owner complaints analyzed
9 distinct recall campaigns
27,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 9 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 40 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 5 | 12.5% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 4 | 10.0% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 5.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 5.0% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 2.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 |
| Air Bags | 7 |
| Engine | 6 |
| Structure:Body | 5 |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Seats | 2 |
Electrical System: 8; Unknown Or Other: 8; Air Bags: 7; Engine: 6; Structure:Body: 5; Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette: 2; Power Train: 2; Seats: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 31 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 5 |
2018: 2; 2019: 1; 2020: 1; 2021: 3; 2022: 1; 2023: 7; 2024: 9; 2025: 11; 2026: 5
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11099669 · 2018-06-01 (June 1, 2018)
2018 MERCEDES BENZ CLA 250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH VEHICLE STARTING AND SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *LD *JS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11099669 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11143405 · 2018-10-27 (October 27, 2018)
I WAS DRIVING ON THE ACCESS ROAD GETTING READY TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I PROCEEDED ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND MADE IT INTO THE MIDDLE LANE GOING AROUND 60 MPH BUT SHORTLY AFTER MY CAR THREW ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL AND THE DASH LIT UP WITH THREE LINES OF WORDS: THE FIRST LINE SAID 'SERVICE REQUIRED', THE SECOND LINE SAID 'DO NOT SHIFT GEARS' AND THE LAST LINE SAID 'CONTACT DEALER'. I WAS ABLE TO PULL MY CAR OVER TO THE FAR LEFT HAND SIDE OF TRAFFIC. I TURNED OFF MY CAR AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT STARTED WITH NO ISSUES. SINCE THIS INCIDENT THOUGH, I H…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,274 miles reported. Look up ODI 11143405 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11179894 · 2019-02-13 (February 13, 2019)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. 20,460 miles reported. Look up ODI 11179894 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11349953 · 2020-08-17 (August 17, 2020)
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V130 REPEATED WARNING MESSAGES THAT PASSENGERS SIDE SEAT IS NOT LOCKED IN PLACE IN ADDITION TO BACK REAR SEATS MOST RECENTLY AUGUST 17, 2020. SEATS FAILS TO LOCK AFTER BEGIN USED (MOVED FORWARD TO ACCESS BACK SEAT) AND MUST BE REPEATEDLY SLAMMED INTO PLACE BEFORE THE WARNING MESSAGE DISAPPEARS. HAS CONTINUALLY HAPPENED SINCE WE LEASED THE CAR IN AUGUST OF 2018 AND HAS BEEN "CHECKED" BY MERCEDES ON 4 OCCASIONS WHERE THEY FAIL TO RECREATE THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS (1/28/19, 1/22/…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11349953 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11403589 · 2021-03-17 (March 17, 2021)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE TIRES SLOWLY STARTED TO LOSE AIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIMS WERE CRACKED. THE CONTACT STATED THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF GREENWICH (261 WEST PUTNAM AVENUE, GREENWICH, CT 06830) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE RIMS AND TIRES NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE RIMS AND TIRES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTUR…
Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11403589 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11415295 · 2021-05-05 (May 5, 2021)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V058000 (COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF ATLANTA NORTHEAST (1705 BOGGS RD NW, DULUTH, GA 30096, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD N…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11415295 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11431596 · 2021-09-03 (September 3, 2021)
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a ticking sound coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, there was a knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the control arms were faulty and needed to be replaced. The control arms were replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 27,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11431596 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11475317 · 2022-07-22 (July 22, 2022)
Back up camera stop working. Putting gear on reverse does not prompt the camera screen. Called Dealer if there is a recall. No recall for this issue and not covered. Read online article that 2018 CLA 250 are effected by this software error(issue). Want to get it fixed because this is a safety issue.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11475317 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
9 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
17V627000 · Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2017-10-06 (October 6, 2017)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V514000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
Reported: 2018-08-03 (August 3, 2018)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, and CLA45 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not be properly calibrated, resulting in the front passenger air bag not being deactivated if a child seat is in the front seat.
Consequence: If a child seat is in the front seat and the passenger air bag is not deactivated, in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began January 2, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120001.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V131000 · Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights | Exterior Lighting
Reported: 2019-02-26 (February 26, 2019)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The tail lights and the side marker lights may flicker or fail, affecting the vehicle's visibility.
Consequence: Reduced visibility increases the risk of crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected light bulb sockets, free of charge. The recall began April 5, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030009.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V892000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
Reported: 2019-12-16 (December 16, 2019)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2018 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC, and 2017-2018 CLA45 AMG vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may have been improperly calibrated, which may prevent the proper deployment of the front passenger air bag.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bag does not deploy as designed, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of an injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060012.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V058000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 5, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V072000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Communication
Reported: 2021-02-12 (February 12, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V197000 · Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
Reported: 2021-03-19 (March 19, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Consequence: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V365000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2022-05-20 (May 20, 2022)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V854000 · Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
Reported: 2023-12-15 (December 15, 2023)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
NHTSA campaign record ↗