2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Problems & Complaints

Average25% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CLA250 at the same age

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the CLA250 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the wheels & tires (4 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles). 6 recalls cover this model year.

23complaints
6recalls
2crashes
0fires
2injuries
0deaths

Most common 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 problems

  • Wheels & tires~50,000 miles
    417%
  • Engine & cooling
    417%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    417%
  • Other / not specified
    313%
  • Air bags~52,000 miles
    29%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~5,000 miles
    29%
  • Electrical system
    29%
  • Equipment & accessories
    29%
  • Steering~1,000 miles
    14%
  • Speed control & acceleration~20,000 miles
    14%
  • Driver assistance~50,000 miles
    14%
  • Lights~50,000 miles
    14%
  • Body & structure
    14%

Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mercedes-Benz CLA250 complaints by model year

201220132014201520162017201820192020202120237917961662841232176
Owner complaints per model year, Mercedes-Benz CLA250. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best CLA250 years: 2012, 2013, 2021. Years to avoid: 2014, 2016, 2015. Compare all years →

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 recalls (6)

Structure › Body › Roof and pillars

NHTSA recall 23V-854 · Dec 15, 2023 · 2,976 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 22V-365 · May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 21V-197 · Mar 19, 2021 · 15,096 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 21V-072 · Feb 12, 2021 · 67 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 21V-058 · Feb 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles

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.

Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch

NHTSA recall 19V-219 · Mar 20, 2019 · 5 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The right side door locks may not have been properly manufactured. As a result, the right-side doors may not be able to be opened from outside of the vehicle.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door locks, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030020.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250:

Front Roof Panel Detachment

NHTSA investigation PE21001 · opened Jan 8, 2021 · closed Oct 14, 2021 · led to recall 21V-197

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…

What 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 owners say

Wheels & tires

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that on several occasions, several cracks were discovered on all four rims upon inspection. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer, and the contact was informed that the rims needed to be replaced. The contact stated that some of the cracks had recently been formed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

50,000 miles · Jun 2022

The rims of the Mercedes continually crack with moderate low speed driving. Has happened 4 to 5 times with under 50,000 miles, leaving me with constant flat tires, once on the George Washington bridge and once at night in a deserted area with zero warning. Luckily, I was able to remove my vehicle to the side. I was towed to Mercedes and they suggested changing out all 4 tire rims without a warranty as will happen again. VERY EXPENSIVE. The coupe models have this problem after 2019. Material for rims came from China, not Germany. I found a good rim repair shop and have done 4 times. He said he gets these all the time and there can be no warranty as the design of the tire and rims is flawed. 175.00 per rim. Mercedes of 2019 and forward as well as BMW's of this model (a Coupe) have this as recurring problem so no warranty on the work. …

Nov 2023

Engine & cooling

My 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has become unsafe to drive due to strong gasoline fumes filling the cabin. The smell is overwhelming and makes it difficult - and frankly dangerous - to sit in the vehicle for more than a few minutes without feeling lightheaded. I have since learned that this issue is part of a known defect covered under NHTSA Recall #21V961, which affects 2016-2020 CLA 250 models for a fuel leak and potential fire hazard. Despite the recall directly describing this exact problem - fuel vapors entering the passenger compartment - I was told that Mercedes-Benz will not cover the repair costs, even though the recall was never performed on my car. This is deeply concerning, as gasoline fumes inside the cabin pose not only a serious health risk from inhalation but also a potential fire or explosion hazard. …

Nov 2025

Although I bought this 2019 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 less than 1 year ago with 18,600 miles on it, in May 2024 the check engine light came on and the dealer service shop gave the following diagnosis: CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSE. Comments: THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSE HAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE AND IS CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE CRANKCASE VENT HOSE IS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. Repair Estimate: $1769.00 They told me that it is a known issue and that many other models have been recalled, but because my exact make, year, and model was not yet included I would have to pay out of pocket. This seems wrong since the issue is so prevalent among Mercedes models that there is a national backorder on the part with no definite end. When I reached out to Mercedes about this, they were unwilling to do anything. …

May 2024

Fuel & propulsion system

My 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has become unsafe to drive due to strong gasoline fumes filling the cabin. The smell is overwhelming and makes it difficult - and frankly dangerous - to sit in the vehicle for more than a few minutes without feeling lightheaded. I have since learned that this issue is part of a known defect covered under NHTSA Recall #21V961, which affects 2016-2020 CLA 250 models for a fuel leak and potential fire hazard. Despite the recall directly describing this exact problem - fuel vapors entering the passenger compartment - I was told that Mercedes-Benz will not cover the repair costs, even though the recall was never performed on my car. This is deeply concerning, as gasoline fumes inside the cabin pose not only a serious health risk from inhalation but also a potential fire or explosion hazard. …

Nov 2025

My 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has become unsafe to drive due to strong gasoline fumes filling the cabin. The smell is overwhelming and makes it difficult - and frankly dangerous - to sit in the vehicle for more than a few minutes without feeling lightheaded. I have since learned that this issue is part of a known defect covered under NHTSA Recall #21V961, which affects 2016-2020 CLA 250 models for a fuel leak and potential fire hazard. Despite the recall directly describing this exact problem - fuel vapors entering the passenger compartment - I was told that Mercedes-Benz will not cover the repair costs, even though the recall was never performed on my car. This is deeply concerning, as gasoline fumes inside the cabin pose not only a serious health risk from inhalation but also a potential fire or explosion hazard. …

Nov 2025

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl turbo7-speed dual-clutchFWD24 / 37 / 29

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 a good car?

Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 CLA250 rates average: 25% fewer complaints than 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 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

The wheels & tires — 4 complaints, 17% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and fuel & propulsion system (4).

How many recalls does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 have?

There are 6 recalls for the 2019 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 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 50% 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.