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2016 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.
16
Latest Apr 23, 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 64 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.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

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 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 16 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

Engine
Filed Apr 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed thermostat. The contact was informed that the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact performed an inspection on the vehicle and determined there was a melted hole in the air intake valve. The contact stated that the dealer had not provided information of the condition of the melted air intake valve. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ID
11656409
Incident
Apr 9, 2025
Mileage
116,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 12, 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
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jan 27, 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
Engine
Filed Nov 13, 2024

My car has slipped into neutral twice while driving. Once while turning left from red light and once while sitting still at red light.

NHTSA ID
11625109
Incident
Nov 13, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the regulator valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID
11613010
Incident
Sep 6, 2024
Mileage
50,000 mi
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 [XXXXX] GLA 250 4 MATIC-P052E71 2016 VIN [XXXXX0 2013 CLA 250 MATIC -P052E71 I WAS TOLD BY A MERCEDES SERVICES ADVISIOR 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 VENILATION MALFUNCTION - CAR WILL NOT PASS EMMISSION 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 acc

NHTSA ID
11589107
Incident
Sep 25, 2023
Engine
Filed Mar 7, 2022

Code: 052E71 - Valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction or block. This car has 48, 182 miles and is requiring $2000 worth of repairs.

NHTSA ID
11455477
Incident
Feb 18, 2022
Engine
Filed May 24, 2021

Automatic start /stop failed on highway car would not move, almost caused an accident. This has been repaired twice and now it has happened again. CLIENT STATES VEHICLE CUTS OFF AT IDLE Cause: . Correction: 540650 ON-BOARD POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE MAINTAIN (WHEN CHECKING/ TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING) Tech Number: 20 Labor Type: WNC8 541011 PERFORM QUICK TEST Tech Number: 20 Labor Type: WNC8 275002 REPLACE ELECTROHYDRAULIC CONTROLLER UNIT OF DUAL-CLUTCHTRANSMISSION Tech Number: 20 Labor Type: WNC8 272388 REPLACE CONTROL UNIT OF DUAL- CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (ELECTROHYDRAULIC CONTROLLER UNIT REMOVED) ON VEH. WITH Tech Number: 20 Labor Type: WNC8 540991 PROGRAM AND CODE CONTROL UNIT .................... (AFTER QUICK TEST) Tech Number: 20 Labor Type: WNC8 271254 CHECK/CORRECT OIL LEVEL OF DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (AFTER LEAK TEST) Tech Number: 20 Labor Type: WNC8 271048 ADAPTATION PERFORM (AFTER REPAIRS)

NHTSA ID
11418331
Incident
May 22, 2021
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 28, 2021

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
Engine
Filed Dec 28, 2020

MY 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 AFTER UNDERGOING THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE VIA THE MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE PUBLIC ROAD LOST POWER, THE LOST OF POWER WITH NO WARNING TO ME OR ANY OTHER DRIVERS AROUND ME, THE VEHICLE WENT FROM 45 MPH TO 10 MPH THIS WAS DUE TO A DECENTIGRATING PISTON, THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURE ADVERTISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CUT POWER TO PROTECT THE ENGINE FROM CAUSING IT SELF FURTHER DAMAGE, THIS SEEMED LIKE A GREAT SAFETY FEATURE UNTIL IT JUST HAPPEN, I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE, IT JUST SEEMED TO TAKE ON A LIFE OF ITS OWN, THE VEHICLES BEHIND OR ADJACENT TO ME HAD NO WARNING THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DECREASE THE SPEED, SO I HAD TO MUSCLE THE CARE OUT OF THE SWIRLING TRAFFIC, I WAS DEVISTATED THAT MY CAR CAUSED ME SUCH FEAR AND DEALING WITH THE FACT THAT THE CAR COULD HAVE KILLED ME OR SOME ONE ELSE NEAR ME, I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO HAD SERVICED THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS NEW AND THE DEALER EXPLAINED THAT THE PISTON IN THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE HAD DECENTAGRATED THUS CAUSING METAL SHAVINGS TO BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE ENGINE, AND I WOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR OF THE ENGINE. IT APPEARED THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE OR PLACED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL, BUT THE ONLY RESPONSE FROM MERCEDES WAS WE CHANGE OUT THESE ENGINES ALL THE TIME THEY ALWAYS BLOW ENGINES, YOU CAN CALL MERCEDES-BENZ ADVOCACY TO DISCUS THE WARRANTY FROM WHICH I NEVER RECEIVE A RESPONSE. IF THE MANUFACTURE PLACES KNOW BAD PARTS IN TO A VEHICLE AND SALES IT TO THE PUBLIC, THEN THAT MANUFACTURE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE CUSTOMERS VEHICLES EITHER INDIVIDUALLY OR THRU A RECALL PROCESS.

NHTSA ID
11385248
Incident
Dec 21, 2020
Mileage
88,000 mi
BrakesEngine
Filed Feb 15, 2020

AUTOMATIC ENGAGING OF EMERGENCY BREAK WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY TOGETHER WITH SIGNALS OF COLLISION PREVENTION ASSISTANT PLUS INOPERATIVE AND TWO OTHER ERRORS (IN PICTURES). CAR WAS BOUGHT RECENTLY BOUGHT AND DELIVERED TO ME ON JANUARY 1ST , 2020. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK TO DEALER TWICE FOR SAME ERRORS. IT WAS REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE AS DEALER INDICATED IT HAD TO DO WITH AUXILIARY BATTERY MALFUNCTIONING WHICH WAS ALSO ANOTHER ERROR SHOWING IN THE PANEL.

NHTSA ID
11309432
Incident
Jan 1, 2020
Mileage
31,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 21, 2020

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE JANUARY 2019, THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING SMOOTH FOR A COUPLE MONTHS. NOW IT IS JANUARY 2020 AND BETWEEN THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER AND NOW I HAVE BEEN TO MERCEDES ABOUT 4 TIMES. THE CAR DOESN'T REVERSE SOMETIMES WHILE I AM DRIVING. THE WORDS 'CAR CANNOT REVERSE' COMES UP ON THE DASHBOARD. I COULDN'T USE THE HEAT IN NOVEMBER DUE TO A GAS SMELL COMING IN THE CAR. SOMETIMES I WILL BE IN GEAR 3 AND THE CAR WILL CHANGE TO GEAR 5 ON ITS OWN. AS OF RIGHT NOW THERE IS A BURNING SMELL SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE WHEN YOU ARE DONE DRIVING IT.

NHTSA ID
11300834
Incident
Dec 6, 2019
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 12, 2019

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
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Jul 10, 2019

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
Engine
Filed Feb 20, 2019

WATER PUMP CRACKS IN VERY COLD WEATHER OVER HEATS WHILE IN DRIVE AND FLOODS INTO ENGINE

NHTSA ID
11181405
Incident
Feb 1, 2019
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
10980280
Incident
Dec 19, 2016
Mileage
18,606 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

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .