Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | −16% | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2021 | 7 | −61% | 5 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2020 | 21 | typical | 11 | Electrical | Average |
| 2019 | 23 | −25% | 6 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2018 | 41 | typical | 9 | Electrical | Average |
| 2017 | 28 | −44% | 10 | Electrical | Good |
| 2016 | 66 | 2.1× | 8 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2015 | 61 | 1.8× | 7 | Engine | Caution |
| 2014 | 179 | 5.5× | 6 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2013 | 9 | −79% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2012 | 7 | −83% | — | Airbag | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median CLA250 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercedes-Benz CLA250 problems
Latest Mercedes-Benz CLA250 recalls
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Lock
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
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…
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads.
Remedy: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024.
Communication › Auto crash notification
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.
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.
Back over prevention › Display function
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 should you avoid?
2014, 2016 and 2015 — these years have the most complaints relative to other CLA250 years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2014.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other CLA250 years at the same age, followed by 2013 and 2021. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz CLA250 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (124), electrical system (86) and air bags (57). Engine complaints peak in the 2014 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 had?
27 recalls across 2012–2023. The model year with the most is 2020. See all Mercedes-Benz CLA250 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.