Most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 problems
Share of the 41 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 →
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 recalls (9)
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.
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.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
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…
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.
Communication › Auto crash notification
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.
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.
Communication › Auto crash notification
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.
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.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
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.
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.
Show 3 more recalls
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
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.
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.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal
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…
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 defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250:
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…
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
What 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 owners say
Electrical system
My car randomly caught on fire, it was parked in my apartment garage for a week while I was out of town. I came back to use my car and my car remote wasn't unlocking the car so i unlocked it manually. When I opened the car it wreaked of smoke, the windows were covered in soot, the visors were bubbled up, the passenger seat had a chunk missing. It was investigated by a car shop for My insurance and the car shop Said they felt like the fire started from the wires under the passenger seat. Of course it was deemed a total loss and now I'm out of car. I hadn't even had the car a year.
The cluster panel lights that indicate speed, fuel, brakes, lights, turn signal, engine light, high beams and all other components of safety of car continue to black out altogether or flash on and off continuous while driving. Safety is an issue if your driving and cluster panel blacks out. You do not know the speed your driving at and no turn signals work. The problem was reported to Mercedes and the software was reset. The problem continues to happen while driving and is dangerous on highways as speedometer and turn signals do not work. Gas gage spins from full to empty and brake and engine lights flash on and off or cluster again goes black. There are or have never been warnings. While driving it just happens. This has been happening on and off for a few months. Mercedes does not know the cause.
Air bags
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel made a clicking sound while turning, and the mileage button on the steering wheel was inoperable. An independent mechanic was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure could be related to a faulty clockspring; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but stated that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel to the left, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the electrical features on the steering wheel failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that several days later, the same failure returned with air bag and a "Front Left Malfunction - Service Required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact spoke to her mechanically inclined brother and was informed that the failure was likely related to a defective clock spring. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (Air Bags) ,which the contact linked to the failure. The contact went to the local dealer's website and communicated with an agent through the Live Chat feature. …
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic replaced the coolant reservoir cap. Several months later, the warning light re-appeared, and the contact topped off the coolant level and the warning light disappeared. Recently, the check engine warning light illuminated and took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective fuel injector and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
I am driving around 55K miles in this car, and my check engine light comes up. I head to a local place to get a code check. The guy looks it up and tells me this is pretty much with EVERY Mercedes CLA around that mile point.. So, I look up on reddit and other forums, and it's exactly what he said. Pretty much the PCV valve is faulty and costs around $1800-2500 to fix after 50-60K miles which causes emission problems and other safety concerns if not taken care of. It makes no sense how this is not a recall. Of what I read, Mercedes knows all about this and has done nothing, just leaving the drivers to take care of a problem that they did nothing to cause. I am not sure if this is for the NHTSA or what, but it is kind of unacceptable.
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 24 / 37 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 a good car?
Based on 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 CLA250 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the CLA250 at the same age. 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
The electrical system — 10 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery. Next are the air bags (8) and engine & cooling (6).
How many recalls does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 have?
There are 9 recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, the most recent from December 15, 2023 (roof and pillars). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 27,000 miles; 56% 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.