2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1523.1%
- Airbags812.3%
- Body & structure710.8%
- Powertrain (other)69.2%
- Driver assistance69.2%
- Electrical69.2%
- Visibility46.2%
- Brakes46.2%
- Suspension34.6%
- Fuel system23.1%
- Other / unspecified11.5%
- Interior & seats11.5%
- Seat belts11.5%
- Tires & wheels11.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
1) THE TRUCK OPENS FOR NO REASON WHETHER THE CAR IS PARKED OR DRIVEN WITHOUT TRUNK FEATURE BEING ACTIVATED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING DOWN A 4 LANE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT AND DAY. 2) COLLISION PREVENTION OF LIGHT DISPLAYED & WON'T GO OFF. (SEE ATTACHED). GOOGLE INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HAS AN ISSUE.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact arrived at his destination and became aware that the roof panel had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was confirmed that the adhesive used to hold the glass panel was insufficient. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a loaner vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
On May 10th while driving on I-35 Texas highway, San Antonio Texas, the panoramic sunroof of our 2015 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 completely shattered while wife driving and daughter as a passenger, they heard a big bang and suddenly pieces of shattered glass fell all over the interior some of the glass hitting my wife and daughter in the face, they immediately pulled over to evaluate the situation. This could have caused an accident or significant injury. She had SAPD meet her at a gas station as she thought someone has shot at the glass, but officer confirmed that indeed the panoramic sunroof completely shattered. We tried to fix the panoramic roof and both Mercedes dealerships in San Antonio and Boerne Texas refused to repair the panoramic sunroof, we had to file a claim with our insurance and take the car to a collision center. The collision center stated that the sunroof was on back order from Mercedes Corp and had no timeline as to when the part would be available. Due to the car was not safe to drive and timeline on the parts, our insurance offered to total the car, but the car is almost new, low miles and in perfect mechanical condition so we declined. We received a call 4 months later that the car was fixed and the panoramic roof was installed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
In November 2024, while at a stop, the car shut off. A few weeks later, while driving the car over speed tables/humps, the car shifted from drive into neutral. No warning or error lights appeared on the dashboard. It just showed that the car was now in neutral. I was able to shift back into drive and continue. Fortunately, I was in a residential neighborhood, going about 10 miles per hour and had only one car behind me. This happened again in December, with the same scenario and on the same road, so I took the car to the dealer. They did a diagnostic and was not able to duplicate the problem, but said there were some error codes and it could possibly be the starter, auxiliary battery or transmisson service, since I had not done one. They also stated there was a Coolant Thermostat electrical fault code. They scheduled me to come back in January 2025 since I needed a loaner car. They kept my car for a couple of days to do a more detailed diagnostic. In the end they replaced the auxiliary battery and did a transmission service because they could not replicate the problem. Said that there was nothing in the transmission fluid of concern and, the starter code had not returned. Stated that it could have been an electrical fluke. No other codes were showing. They did say that some time in the future I would need a coolant thermostat. Car ran well for a few weeks and then in February 2025, going over the same road with speed humps, the car went into neutral. The car has been in the shop for the last 7 days and they are trying to figure out what is happening. I am submitting this because I found many other people posting on forums about having the same issue. My concern is what will happen if my car moves into neutral while I am going at a high speed. It puts me, my family and others lives in danger if my car stops suddenly.
The head unit for the sound system begins a reset loop when navigating radio station and/or connecting bluetooth device. Seems to be a glitch in the head unit software. This is preventing use of navigation/GPS screen, backup camera, and Bluetooth connection.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Incident on 10/18/21, while coasting into a parking space, my car suddenly accelerated and smashed into a concrete wall. Damage was extensive and car was determined a loss. Service was maintained throughout ownership. There was no warning, no lights, messages, no ABS brakes. Airbag did not deploy. Extensive seatbelt bruising. I'm upset car was a loss but I would never feel safe driving it. It was as if someone else had taken over control and I was powerless to alter the situation.
My collision assist keeps deactivating while driving. This causes my car to go into neutral. However there is not read of an issue with my vehicle per dealership
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
1) THE TRUCK OPENS FOR NO REASON WHETHER THE CAR IS PARKED OR DRIVEN WITHOUT TRUNK FEATURE BEING ACTIVATED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING DOWN A 4 LANE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT AND DAY. 2) COLLISION PREVENTION OF LIGHT DISPLAYED & WON'T GO OFF. (SEE ATTACHED). GOOGLE INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG HAS AN ISSUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that after the vehicle was washed at the Car Wash, the contact opened the sunroof; however, moments later while attempting to close the sunroof, the sunroof failed to close properly. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,080.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that the sunroof panel was not working properly and failed to close. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 32,610.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CONCERN IS BRAKE AND ROTORS. I REPLACED BRAKES A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE IN 2020. MY DEALERSHIP WAS NOT HELPFUL ABOUT EXPERIENCE. I ASKED WHY BRAKES WERE NOT INSPECTED B4 PURCHASE AND AFTER SEVERAL CALLS REPAIRS WERE DONE. IT'S BEEN 1 YEAR AND VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN MUCH DUE TO COVID. NOW HAVING SAME PROBLEMS WITH SHAKING AGAIN.. I FEEL BRAKES ARE A ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND I NEED ANSWERS. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON LINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH BRAKES ROTORS ON CLA250 MERCEDES BENZ .PLEASE HELP
I HAVE 2015 CLA250 COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST DOSE NOT WORK AND IT’S ALWAYS ON AS ALARM ON MY DASHBOARD AFTER I SEARCH TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAME ISSUES I WANT TO THE DEALER THE ASK 190$ FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THEN WILL CHARGE MY FOR RE PROGRAM AND SUSPENSION TO HARSH NOTICE MY CAR MILEAGE 33000 ONLY THANKS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Mercedes subframes that prematurely rust or deteriorate. Mercedes has extended warranty for the mentioned parts on some models. But clearly it is not enough because more models have the same issues. This is a serious safety issues and Mercedes should have taken more responsibility.
ML 250 BLU TECH DIESEL. 55,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY MAINTAINED ONLY BY MERCEDES BENZ AND EVERY RECOMMENDED SERVICE HAD BEEN COMPLETED TIMELY BY ONLY MERCEDES BENZ. 1 MONTH OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE CAR WAS INSPECTED BY MERCEDES 30 DAYS PRIOR AND GIVEN A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. NO WARNING LIGHTS EVER CAME ON PRIOR TO OR DURING THE INCIDENT. THIS COMPLAINT IS VERY SIMILAR TO ANOTHER ON YOUR WEBSITE ALSO INVOLVING THE SAME PARTS. VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AT A MAJOR 4 WAY INTERSECTION. WHEN I TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN A HORRIBLE LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE JUST SEIZED. WHEN I TRIED TO GO SHIFT INTO PARK, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK, STEERING WAS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT. THE CAR HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TOWED TO MERCEDES. DIAGNOSES WAS FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BROKEN AND 2 REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN SIMULTANEOUSLY. I HAVE HAD MANY VEHICLES NEVER HAD I HEARD OF A DRIVE SHAFT BREAKING AT 55,000 AND CERTAINLY NEVER SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH REAR COIL SPRINGS. THE CAR IS DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, NO TOWING NO EXCESSIVE WEIGHT, ETC. MERCEDES WAS CONTACTED, THE OFFERED A 5% DISCOUNT AS A "GOOD WILL" GESTURE BUT REFUSED TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND ADVISED THIS WAS NOT PART OF A PRIOR RECALL. THEY FURTHER STATED WHEN THE CAR WAS CHECKED 30 DAYS PRIOR THE DRIVE SHAFT AND COIL SPRINGS ARE NOT DISCOVER-ABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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),
Inyector down after fueling gas
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL 4 TIRES HAVE BLOWN OUT, SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER HIT ANYTHING TO MAKE THEM BLOW, JUST NORMAL CAREFUL DRIVING. THEY ARE BLOWING OUT FOR NO REASON AND IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD DATES 2/11/2018 2/17/2018 3/1/2018 AND THE FIRST TIRE BLEW APPROX MARCH 2016
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE STATIONARY, THE TRUNK INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED AND OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT INFORMED THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE LEFT OVERNIGHT HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE SEAT BELT BECAME TOO TIGHT AROUND THE CONTACT'S WAIST. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MOVE THE CONTACT'S WAIST AND THIGHS. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PARK PLACE MOTORCARS MERCEDES-BENZ FORT WORTH (817-310-9745, LOCATED AT 5601 BRYANT IRVIN RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76132) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILLURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Normal driving, daily driver. The rubber around the inner and outer sidewalls seems soft and tears easily. I have a matching set of these tires on my car, same brand and type, 4 altogether. I have multiple large torn chucks & tears in the rubber around the sidewall of these tires. The middle section (non-sidewall) seems fine with normal wear. I have lifetime alignment and rotate and balance on these tires when purchased, and maintain this service. I have not seen this issue on other continentals in the past, and the wear is excessive on this brand.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .