Most common 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz CLA250 complaints by model year
Best CLA250 years: 2012, 2013, 2021. Years to avoid: 2014, 2016, 2015. Compare all years →
What 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 owners say
Air bags
Was notified by Mercedes Benz that my vehicle was included in the Takata airbag recall and that replacement parts would not be available until dec 2018. Since it was the only vehicle I owned and I had to continue work I drove the vehicle with defective parts until I was involved in an automobile accident in July 2018. I am now disabled after a lengthy hospital & rehab stay and had to several surgeries in order to walk/limp again in 2019. I was hit almost head on and was okay until the airbag deployed and I felt a sharp burning sensation in my lower extremities and could not move afterwards. Ems pulled me out of my car and I was admitted to hospitalicu. I am unable to fully function with my mobility, lost my job, cannot drive due to nerve damage to my ankle, leg and hip and currently receiving disability pay. …
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16V081000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was unknown.
Engine & cooling
The cam shaft intake and exhaust adjusters need to be replaced at 77K mi, this is a $5K repair. I initially replaced the cam shaft position senors at 65K mi and the vehicle has been regularly serviced. Consistent with reports across the country this cam shaft component will fail around 50K-80K miles and at that point the repair is 2/3 the value of the car if it was in good working order. No engine should give out after 75K miles, this component needs to be recalled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Mercedes Benz cls 550. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Mercedes-Benz of alexandria (200 s pickett st, alexandria, va 22304) where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that an oil leak had caused damage to a wiring harness, the engine control module and several other unstated electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. There was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was 610,708.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 CLA250 rates better than average: 83% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CLA250 at the same age. It is one of the best CLA250 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
The air bags — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2013 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2016 and 2015. See the full Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.