2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Electrical Problems

While turning my steering wheel during normal operation, I heard what appeared to be a popping or snapping sound from inside the steering wheel. Immediately afterward, my horn stopped working, all steering-wheel control buttons became inoperative, and the airbag warning light illuminated with the message “Front Left Malfunction – Service Required.” All these failures occurred suddenly and at approximately the same time, without any prior warning or symptoms. The instrument cluster still lights up, but I can no longer access the mileage display using the steering-wheel controls. The last mileage I recall was approximately 80,000 miles. These symptoms suggest a possible steering-column clock spring failure, although the exact cause has not yet been professionally diagnosed. I am particularly concerned because NHTSA recall 17V627000 previously addressed a safety risk involving the steering-column clock spring and driver’s airbag system. Mercedes-Benz lists this recall as completed for my vehicle. However, the recall remedy did not routinely replace the clock spring, and my vehicle has now experienced symptoms consistent with its failure. This vehicle was also purchased as a Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with an extended warranty and was represented as having undergone a comprehensive inspection, including safety-related systems. My concern is that a clock spring or related steering-column electrical component may fail suddenly, disabling the horn and potentially compromising the driver’s airbag, even after the previous recall remedy was completed. I request that NHTSA investigate whether similar failures are occurring in other vehicles, whether an ongoing safety defect exists, and whether additional corrective action or an expanded recall may be warranted.

NHTSA ID

11773381

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

My 2016 CLA 250 having multiple electrical and driving issues that are not recalled. I’ve researched online and found most of these issues are common. 1. Dashboard screen and radio console lights turn off completely. USB connection triggers electrical symptoms. Front and Back seat window control (driver) triggers electrical symptoms and sometimes corrects the problems. Trunk opens by itself while parked and/or stopped at red lights. The instrument cluster has times multiple warning lights turn on and stay on. At times the fuel needle drops completely down as if I have no fuel in the car. The instrument cluster lights stay on after I have turned the car off and locked it as if the system is confused. I have more issues but those are a few to name. I also have video and pictures to prove these things happen randomly then the vehicle can go back to operating normally. I’ve taken it to service and all they have done is reset the warnings.

NHTSA ID

11665634

Incident

Jun 8, 2025

Check engine light with error code P052E. From my research, this is a very common issue with this engine and one that either has been recalled or is planning to be recalled. According to some online forums for Mercedes Benz, Mercedes is being sued over this problem and has issued an extended warranty on certain models because of how common this problem has become. The list of models needs to be expanded to include other models experiencing the same problem.

NHTSA ID

11642317

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

Vehicle Performance Issues - Detailed Timeline [XXX] •First issue occurred: the car wouldn’t start at a store. Engine turned over, failed to start. •After sitting overnight, it would start but stall after 10 minutes of driving. •Parked the car and began using alternative transportation. •Diagnostic tests by three mechanics revealed the following codes: oP0087: Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. oP052E: Crankcase Ventilation (PCV). [XXX] •Picked up the car from Midland Mercedes after repairs. Paid $3,069.16 for crankcase ventilation service. •Mercedes Customer Summary Report had no reference to any fuel-related issues or the P0087 code. •Drove 10 minutes to a gas station; the car wouldn’t start, repeating the same issue of why I brought it in to have repaired. •Returned to the shop; Said a New Code came up and replaced the fuel pump: oCost of part: $670.47 (no labor charged). I refused to pay $2200! [XXX] •Finally after 3 months! I got my car and drove back to San Angelo on half a tank, avoiding stops to prevent starting problems. I now had PTSD! •Filled the tank upon arrival; no issues that day. [XXX] •On the way to work, turned on the heat and noticed: oA strong gas odor inside the car. oThe radio volume control wasn’t working, and the ECO mode indicator wasn’t functioning as usual. [XXX] Filled the gas tank halfway to reduce the gas smell. •1st start up cycle immediately after getting gas, no issue. •2nd start up cycle , the dashboard lights started flickering and all indicator lights came on. Traction control warning along with message to check the owner’s manual. Can not accelerate. Check engine light stays on. •3rd cycle start up, all lights turned off except the check engine light. •4th cycle start up, no check engine light This occurs every time I get fuel. I only get $10 at a time. Noticing the pattern, I coded the car. A new code came up. •P2187: System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 1). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11638804

Incident

Aug 20, 2024

When we are driving the transmission slip intro neutral ramdomly message appear « do not shift in gear, visit dealer » we need to stop the car on the high way put it in park and after in drive . Its happen really often and my wife d’ont want to drive it any more because its to dangerous with kid, we need a solution

NHTSA ID

11606153

Incident

Mar 12, 2024

Inside the car smells gas either idle or running. Dashboard lights flactuate and sometimes the gas gage doesn't show how much fuel you have left. Command system shuts off after 3 mins even the engine is on. But mainly, the gas smell in the car. Have trouble breathing at times and I don't haveany underlying condition.

NHTSA ID

11509389

Incident

Jan 15, 2023

WHILE MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY ON 1/22/2021 THE CAR'S DASHBOARD DISPLAYED "COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS INOPERATIVE " AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, IT PREVENTED ME FROM ACCELERATING THE CAR BY PUSHING ONTO THE GAS PEDAL. THIS CAUSED THE CAR FROM BEHIND TO ALMOST REAR ENDED BY CAR. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY AND EXIT THE FREEWAY. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR BUT IT IS AN ONGOING ISSUE EVEN AFTER VARIOUS PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED.

NHTSA ID

11390562

Incident

Jan 22, 2021

Mileage

62,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, AND THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE POLICE ASSISTED WITH MOVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF LOS ANGELES (801 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90015, (213) 425-3100) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT A NEW STARTER WAS NEEDED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,100.

NHTSA ID

11255117

Incident

Sep 10, 2019

Mileage

21,100 mi

MY CAR HAS SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING TWO TIMES AND ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE CAME OUT TWO DIFFERENT OCCASION. I KEPT UP WITH MAINTENACE ON THE VEHICLE. I WENT TO PEP BOYS UP THE ST FROM MY HOUSE INSTEAD OF MERCEDES FOR OIL CHANGES. OUT OF NO WHERE MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOWED MY CAR TWO MERCEDES TO FIX. THEY SAID MY ENGINE BLEW N THE TURBO . THEY WON'T COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY SINCE I GAVE THEM ALL MY MAINTENCE RECEIPTS FROM PEP BOYS . THIS WAS A DEMO CAR I ORIGINALLY LEASED AND HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS WITH 9 MONTHS LEFT ON THE CAR. THE RECALLS ON THE VIN WERE NOT FIXED AND MERCEDES IS TRYING TO SEND ME AWAY WITH A UNFIXED CAR. PLEASE HELP

NHTSA ID

11230845

Incident

Jun 30, 2019

Mileage

40,000 mi