2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Problems & Complaints

Better than average61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CLA250 at the same age

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 61% fewer than a typical CLA250 model year at the same age, making the 2021 one of the better CLA250 years. The most reported problem area is the fuel & propulsion system (2 complaints). 5 recalls cover this model year.

7complaints
5recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 problems

  • Fuel & propulsion system
    229%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    229%
  • Other / not specified
    229%
  • Suspension
    114%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    114%
  • Engine & cooling
    114%
  • Lights
    114%
  • Driver assistance
    114%

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

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 →

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 recalls (5)

Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Lock

NHTSA recall 26V-481 · Jul 24, 2026 · 310,667 vehicles

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.

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.

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 21V-354 · May 14, 2021 · 343,191 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.

Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 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.

Child seat › Vehicle latch anchor

NHTSA recall 21V-034 · Jan 29, 2021 · 231 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 A220, A35 AMG, and CLA250 vehicles. The child seat anchoring system (ISOFIX) may be missing the right-side anchoring bar from the ISOFIX bracket on the right-rear seat.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right-rear ISOFIX bracket and replace the bracket, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2021.

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl turbo7-speed dual-clutchFWD25 / 35 / 29

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 a good car?

Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 CLA250 rates better than average: 61% 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

The fuel & propulsion system — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the speed control & acceleration (2) and suspension (1).

How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 have?

There are 5 recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, the most recent from July 24, 2026 (lock). 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.

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.