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2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Jul 24, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
25%
of 61 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 15 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 24, 2025
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a collision, in which another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle, causing damage to the frame and headlights; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained soreness in the neck and back and received medical assistance. A police report was filed, but the contact did not have the police report information available. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V662000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle had leaked excessive oil onto the ground. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start while pressing the Push to Start button. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that she would need to pay a fee for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID
11675817
Incident
Jul 24, 2023
Mileage
80,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 22, 2025

Check Engine Light - Code P052E71 - Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve Performance. The component failure can lead to increased exhaust gas emission, oil leaks, and internal engine damage resulting in unsafe operation. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent certified service center. This specific vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but this specific problem has been identified in other similar Mercedes-Benz years, make, and models. MBUSA LLC is only willing to apply the EMISSION EXTENDED WARRANTY to certain models within a certain model year, even though the design and engine components are nearly identical if not the same. My vehicle is the same model year and class, but a different model type and not included in the EMISSION EXTENDED WARRANTY. Repair cost can be in excess of $2,000 if not covered under the added warranty.

NHTSA ID
11675411
Incident
Jul 17, 2025
Engine
Filed Nov 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the vehicle starting very rather slowly. The vehicle was diagnosed however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the vehicle operated normally; however, the following day while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to lose automotive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the highway until the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by two independent mechanics however, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

NHTSA ID
11627476
Incident
Oct 4, 2024
Mileage
124,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 2, 2024

There was a recent extended warranty issued by Mercedes-Benz to repair certain vehicle models free of charge that have a check engine light code P052E. Unfortunately my vehicle (2015 CLA 250) was not included in that recall, but the CLA250 models have the same issue and run the same risk of safety being compromised. Now myself, and many others, have to pay a hefty out of pocket price for a malfunction that is strictly the fault of the manufacturer. Please look into this and strongly consider having Mercedes-Benz include the CLA 250 models in this warranty.

NHTSA ID
11617709
Incident
Oct 2, 2024
Engine
Filed Aug 23, 2024

The component that malfunctioned is the Crankcase valve. This valve malfunction has caused issues will the car is idle. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership. The issue has been inspected by the manufacturer as the manufacturer has released extended warranties on other models. The malfunction causes the check engine light to come on, however in the past it has gone off before a diagnostic test could be run; the check engine light would come on and go off then go on and go off, the exact amount of time is unknown.

NHTSA ID
11610561
Incident
Aug 23, 2024
Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2024

Engine light come on at about 43000 miles. Code scanner is p052e. Upon research is a common problem with Mercedes and approximately $2000 dealer repair.

NHTSA ID
11593273
Incident
Feb 3, 2024
Engine
Filed May 19, 2024

Error code P052E, relates to Crankcase Ventilation System, that requires replacement. My vehicle is under 55,000 miles and the part should last the full life of the engine. This is faulty part that the dealership requires over $4,000 to fix.

NHTSA ID
11589537
Incident
Jan 8, 2024
EngineFuel system
Filed May 16, 2024

I HAVE 2 MECEDES WITH THE SAME ISSUE PER MERCEDES BENZ OF USA INSPECTION CAUSING ENGINE LIGHT TO BE TRIGGERED PER DIAGNOSIS TESTING RAN ON BOTH CARS. 2015 VIN [XXX] GLA 250 4 MATIC 2016 VIN [XXX] CLA 250 MATIC I WAS TOLD BY A MERCEDES SERVICES ADVISOR THAT BOTH CARS HAVE THE SAME ENGINE FOR A 2015GLA AND A 2016 CLA - BOTH Due to both cars stalling in traffic on multiple time when driving I took both to the shop to run further testing to discover both had the same engine light trigger which is the CRANKSHAFT (AKA) OIL SEPERATOR (AKA)INTAKE TUBE DUE TO THIS BOTH CARS HAVE SUFFERED AN ISSUE WHEN TAKING EMMISSION TEST - MERCEDES DIGNOSIS TESTING CODES -P052E71- CRANKSHAFT VENTILATION MALFUNCTION - CAR WILL NOT PASS EMISSION TEST AND THIS PART DEFECTS ALSO CAUSES CAR TO STALL THAT CAN POSSIBLE CAUSE ACCIDENT THIS PART COMPLETE REPAIR COULD COST UP TO $2500-$3000 FOR PARTS AND LABOR PART NUMBER -270-090-07-00 (CRANKSHAFT) THE ENGINE LIGHT ISSUE TRIGGERED BY CRANKSHAFT AND WILL NOT PASS EMMISSION TESTING DUE TO THIS Description of this part below: Crankcase Ventilation is the process of venting or removing blow-by from an engine's crankcase to prevent excessive pressure build-up within the engine. Blow-by gases are mixed with oil mist and other contaminants that can harm an engine's internal components and contaminate the environment. How does the crankshaft ventilation work- When the vehicle is moving, airflow across the open end of the tube creates suction (a "draught" or draft) that pulls gases out of the crankcase. To prevent too much vacuum being created, the blow-by gases are replaced by fresh air using a device called a breather. The breather is often located in the oil cap. the engine misfires, you may have trouble getting your vehicle up to speed. Misfires often happen when your vehicle is under load while accelerating. This can result in slow or sluggish acceleration or a jerking motion while pressing down on the accel INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

NHTSA ID
11589101
Incident
Sep 11, 2023
Engine
Filed Dec 13, 2021

I noticed for the last several weeks my car sometimes hesitates when I start the engine. I hadn't looked into it and wasn't sure what it could be because I changed my battery less than 2 years ago. I hoped it was a fluke or do to the increasing cold weather. Also the car occasionally shudders and hesitates when I increase and decrease speed and one or two the radio shut off on it's own. This morning, the automatic windshield wipers came on even though it was not raining and my windshield was not wet. This lasted for a few minutes before it stopped on it own. Then I drove about a mile and was at a stop light. When I eventually tried to accelerate, I wasn't able to and it was then that I noticed my car had slipped to neutral on it's own. I was on a busy road when this happened. The car also restarted on its own and I was able to shift to drive and continue driving. Thinking this was a fluke or perhaps a battery issue, I continued to drive for a few more minutes and again I found myself at a stop light and again, the car slipped into neutral. I quickly put my emergency lights on and restarted the car. The radio came but on, but I noticed the A/C did not come back on. I didn't bother turning it back on. I was able to drive 23 miles to my destination with no other incident. The majority of the 23 mile drive, after the car had stopped 2 times, was highway driving, so I did not need to stop much.

NHTSA ID
11443577
Incident
Dec 13, 2021
Engine
Filed Dec 16, 2020

)N 6/15/20 WHILE DRIVING TO A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT ON THE HIGHWAY, MY ENGINE SUDDENLY OVERHEATED AND IT WARNED ME TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE HAD 37,800 MILES ON IT. ON DIAGNOSIS, IT WAS FOUND THAT A VALVE IN THE WATER PUMP HAD SEIZED FROM A COOLANT LEAK, PREVENTING IT FROM OPENING AND CIRCULATING COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY.,

NHTSA ID
11383815
Incident
Jun 15, 2020
Mileage
37,800 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 15, 2019

THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE WATER PUMP, MB HAS SINCE REPLACED THE PRODUCT WITH A NEW ONE BECAUSE OF ISSUES WITH THE OLD STYLE NOT WORKING. MY CAR IS JUST OVER THE WARRANTY AND HAS ON 10,270 MILES ON IT AND IS NOW EXPERIENCING THE OVERHEATING ISSUE (WARRANTY ENDED DECEMBER 2018). IF THE PROBLEM WITH OLD STYLE WATER PUMP WAS KNOWN WHY NOT NOTIFY CUSTOMERS? WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON, DRIVING OR RUNNING STATIONARY THE ENGINE OVERHEATS.

NHTSA ID
11196214
Incident
Apr 14, 2019
Mileage
10,270 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceEngine
Filed Dec 29, 2017

IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENTERING A FREEWAY FROM AN ON-RAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH, WARNING CHIMES FOR COLLISION INDICATOR DEACTIVATED CAME ON, AUTO-DAMPENING OF ENGINE SPEED OCCURRED, AND AUTO-BRAKING OCCURRED. NO VEHICLES WERE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF VEHICLE, NOR NEAR ENOUGH TO SIDE OR REAR CAUSE PROXIMITY SENSORS TO ACTIVATE. THE ONLY REMEDY FOR THIS WAS TO LIMP TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD (IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC), TURN OFF CAR, AND THEN TURN BACK ON. ALL INDICATORS AND WARNINGS WERE CLEARED UPON RESTARTING VEHICLE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITHIN 12-MONTHS.

NHTSA ID
11057296
Incident
Dec 28, 2017
Mileage
39,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 24, 2017

IF SOMETHING IN THE ROADWAY HITS THE OIL PAN IT WILL CRACK AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP WITHOUT NOTICE. IT SEEMS THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING PROTECTING THE OIL PAN PREVENTING THIS FROM HAPPENING AND MORE TIME NOTIFYING OF LOW OIL SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO MOVE OFF THE ROAD WAY AND SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN. I ALSO QUESTION THE STRENGTH OF THE MATERIAL OR DESIGN OF THE OIL PAN.

NHTSA ID
10980274
Incident
Apr 1, 2017
Mileage
34,046 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 24, 2017

IF SOMETHING IN THE ROADWAY HITS THE OIL PAN IT WILL CRACK AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP WITHOUT NOTICE. IT SEEMS THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING PROTECTING THE OIL PAN PREVENTING THIS FROM HAPPENING AND MORE TIME NOTIFYING OF LOW OIL SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO MOVE OFF THE ROAD WAY AND SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN. I ALSO QUESTION THE STRENGTH OF THE MATERIAL OR DESIGN OF THE OIL PAN.

NHTSA ID
10980269
Incident
Oct 11, 2016
Mileage
17,089 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Oct 14, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA ID
10916140
Incident
Sep 2, 2016
Mileage
12,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

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