Engine complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My vehicle's cylinder head needs to be replaced due to a leak in the valve seat. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were at risk because the engine of the vehicle could of failed at anytime while the vehicle was in use. This could have lead to an accident. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer and the dealer is recommending I replace the cylinder head. The dealer's service center had a certified technician perform a diagnostic test on my vehicle. There were no warnings, messages, or symptoms prior to the check engine light coming on. I brought my vehicle in to the dealership for a diagnosis of the check engine light as soon as the check engine light appeared. That is when I was informed that I needed to replace my cylinder head.
Approximately several weeks ago, the check engine light illuminated in my vehicle. No issues were present at that time. Shortly after, approximately a week later, the vehicle began to stutter when reversing or driving on surface streets after being on the highway. The vehicle also would stall after the check engine light flashed several times. The vehicle would need to be turned off and turned back on to accelerate correctly and not stall. This has not been inspected by the dealer yet, a service appointment has been made. Mercedes recently recalled other models due to a water intrusion issue, but this model was not included, however it is exhibiting nearly the exact same symptoms.
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. …
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. …
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.
Approximately 6 months I noticed my vehicle began to emit an odor and is not responsive immediately when I press on the gas. During this time period a yellow check engine light appeared on my dashboard. My local mechanic recommended Christopher Motors in Warwick Rhode Island and German Motors in Providence, Rhode Island, who specializes in Mercedes. I scheduled an appointment and took the vehicle to Christophers Motors to get a diagnostics check for $130. Christopher motors did a diagnostic check and revealed that the car needs a crank shift ventilator that will cost approximately $1500-$1800 and could not guarantee if the service engine light would be removed. During this time I received a Vehicle Registration Suspension notification for the State of RI for a failed safety inspection. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled, but was able to restart. All the warning indicators were illuminated on the instrument panel. Additionally, the radio turned off on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to open road of bridgewater (1250 us-22 bridgewater, nj 08807, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the software needed to be updated and the battery needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 40,458.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes-Benz) is recalling certain model year 2015 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, and 2016 SLK300 roadster vehicles manufactured July 17, 2015, to August 31, 2015. The affected vehicles have intake or exhaust camshafts whose welds may fail and possibly cause engine damage.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected camshafts, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 9, 2015. The recall began on December 23, 2015.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (68), 2016 (16), 2015 (15), 2018 (6) and 2017 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 38% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Mercedes-Benz CLA250 engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 15V-662 (engine, Oct 16, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercedes-Benz CLA250 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles; 78% happened 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.