2017 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 2017 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
- Electrical721.2%
- Airbags515.2%
- Engine515.2%
- Powertrain (other)412.1%
- Visibility39.1%
- Body & structure39.1%
- Other / unspecified26.1%
- Steering26.1%
- Interior & seats13.0%
- Fuel system13.0%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The instrument cluster display intermittently failed, either showing incorrect information or going completely blank while driving. Yes, the component is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the display failed, I was unable to view critical information such as vehicle speed, warning lights, and engine performance data. This posed a significant safety risk, especially while navigating traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was reproduced and confirmed by a independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or error messages prior to the failure. The issue first appeared June 20, 2025 and began occurring intermittently before worsening over time.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The trunk latch system failed, causing the trunk to open unexpectedly. Yes, the component is available for inspection upon request. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The trunk opened while driving on [XXX], creating a significant blind spot. This occurred during high traffic conditions and forced me to move to the outer lane, which posed a risk to my safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem has been reported by many other owners as well, suggesting a widespread issue. Additionally, Elite Bmers & Benz in Spring, Texas, inspected the car but could not immediately identify the problem. They need to conduct further research to determine the cause. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected by Elite Bmers & Benz in Spring, Texas. However, the problem could not be pinpointed immediately, and further research is needed. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the trunk opening unexpectedly. The problem occurred without any prior indication. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The airbag spontaneously deployed while driving. No impact with any other vehicle and no previous damage.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY MADE A LEFT TURN INTO THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF HER VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO ACCELERATE AND JUMP THE CURB EVENTUALLY COMING TO A STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HOWEVER AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION WARNING ALERT ILLUMINATED. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND THE WHOLE DRIVER SIDE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FOUR BROKEN TEETH, EYE DAMAGE, TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, SHOULDER DAMAGE, SEIZURES, AND SPEECH DAMAGE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNDRIVABLE HOWEVER REPAIRABLE BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AS THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. I was extremely stressed receiving this notification as I recently purchased this vehicle, and I am being told by the State of RI my car is unsafe to drive and my transportation for work is being removed. I had to contact the State of RI and advised that no one will fix the safety check engine light problem and I need a time extension to contact the Mercedes Dealer. I then scheduled an appointment with Mercedes, Warwick RI and was told that the part for this repair was back ordered and that there is an extended warranty on this repair. (Exhibit A). This immediately put my mind at ease, and I could see a solution to this two-month long problem. Then I was informed that the extended warranty is only for 14 models all within the same year as my vehicle. The Dealership also advised that Mercedes may add the recall for the CLA 250 in the future and I would be reimbursed for the repair. I then contacted Mercedes of USA by letter requesting that my vehicle experiencing the same design errors on the crankcase ventilation system be included in their extended warranty. Unfortunately they would not add my vehicle to the extended warranty and did not provide a detailed explanation.
UPON STARTUP IN COLD WEATHER...STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE CAN BE NOTICED IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL LINE CONNECTED TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP.
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
Component or System That Failed or Malfunctioned: The component that failed was the partial-load ventilation valve, which is part of the engine’s crankcase ventilation system. This valve is responsible for regulating airflow and pressure within the crankcase during partial engine loads. A malfunction in this valve can lead to increased engine pressure, oil leaks, and potential damage to engine components. The component is still available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The failure of the partial-load ventilation valve put my safety, and that of others, at risk in the following ways: •Engine stalling or reduced power while driving, especially during acceleration, which increases the risk of an accident. •In some cases, oil leakage caused by excess crankcase pressure could lead to engine compartment smoke or a potential fire hazard. •If the engine performance is compromised, it may suddenly lose power on highways or intersections, posing a serious risk. Problem Reproduced or Confirmed: Yes, the issue was confirmed. The technician verified the faulty valve during a diagnostic inspection after I noticed performance issues and warning messages. Inspected by Manufacturer, Dealer, or Others: Yes, the vehicle was inspected Warning Lamps, Messages, or Other Symptoms: Yes, there were warning signs prior to the failure: •Check Engine Light illuminated on the dashboard. •Engine running rough or hesitating, particularly during acceleration.
Just replaced water pump and still need to replace positive Crankcase ventilation system hose
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 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact heard a loud pop inside the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the contact observed that the sunroof panel was missing. A Police Officer passing by stated that he observed that the panel had detached and land on the street. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at various speeds, the panoramic sunroof detached from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that the roof remained exposed with the wires from the sunroof hanging from the ceiling. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer twice where the replacement part for the sunroof were ordered. An independent glass technician repaired the panoramic sunroof however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by email however, there was no response. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 61,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving 68-70 MPH, the front roof panel separated from the vehicle and flew off. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V854000 (Structure) and 21V197000 (Structure). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
The Panoramic Sunroof Glass front cover has detached three times from my 2017 CLA 250 (VIN#[XXX]). The first time that it detached was with the previous owner and was repaired at a Mercedes dealership in Tampa Florida. It has since detached twice with ME and I have only owned it for 12 months. The first time that it detached with me, I was driving approximately 60 MPH on I-85 in Montgomery. AL. It blew off and could have definitely caused a VERY SERIOUS accident, but luckily no vehicles were behind me at the time 4/29/21. So I went to the local Montgomery, AL. Mercedes dealership, Jack Ingram, and they said that there was No RECALL and there was nothing that they could do. So I had to purchase my own replacement glass from Mercedes and have an auto glass repair co. install it. Fast-forward to 6/18/21, the newly installed roof glass blew off again as I was driving down S.R. 115 in Montgomery, AL. I was going 55 at the time. This time it blew off and several cars had to swerve to miss it. One vehicle did run over it a broke it in two. Traffic has to stop while I jumped out and picked it up from the ROW. I guess MercedesBenz USA will make this right once it flies off for the 4th time and seriously injures someone or worse. Can someone PLEASE help me with this issue? [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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
Wheel Rim cracks in normal driving conditions.
SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, BATTERY POWER LOSS WITH COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWN, FAULTY WIRE HARNESSES, LOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL WHILE IN MOTION ON FREEWAY, HEAD UNIT DEFAULTS, FAULTY TIRES WITH BLISTERING, COUNTLESS RECALLS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hello, My 2017 CLA Mercedes was recalled April 1 2021. They said its a hole in the steering shaft and it can lead to noises and crash! Its been over 3 months and the manufacturer has not fixed my car. Everytime I call they don't have an update on when it's going to be fixed. I have my family who I drive around in this car and I'm worried the steering might cause harm to us. We need assistance in getting this resolved. Thanks
SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, BATTERY POWER LOSS WITH COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWN, FAULTY WIRE HARNESSES, LOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL WHILE IN MOTION ON FREEWAY, HEAD UNIT DEFAULTS, FAULTY TIRES WITH BLISTERING, COUNTLESS RECALLS.
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
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The trunk latch system failed, causing the trunk to open unexpectedly. Yes, the component is available for inspection upon request. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The trunk opened while driving on [XXX], creating a significant blind spot. This occurred during high traffic conditions and forced me to move to the outer lane, which posed a risk to my safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem has been reported by many other owners as well, suggesting a widespread issue. Additionally, Elite Bmers & Benz in Spring, Texas, inspected the car but could not immediately identify the problem. They need to conduct further research to determine the cause. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected by Elite Bmers & Benz in Spring, Texas. However, the problem could not be pinpointed immediately, and further research is needed. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the trunk opening unexpectedly. The problem occurred without any prior indication. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
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. I was extremely stressed receiving this notification as I recently purchased this vehicle, and I am being told by the State of RI my car is unsafe to drive and my transportation for work is being removed. I had to contact the State of RI and advised that no one will fix the safety check engine light problem and I need a time extension to contact the Mercedes Dealer. I then scheduled an appointment with Mercedes, Warwick RI and was told that the part for this repair was back ordered and that there is an extended warranty on this repair. (Exhibit A). This immediately put my mind at ease, and I could see a solution to this two-month long problem. Then I was informed that the extended warranty is only for 14 models all within the same year as my vehicle. The Dealership also advised that Mercedes may add the recall for the CLA 250 in the future and I would be reimbursed for the repair. I then contacted Mercedes of USA by letter requesting that my vehicle experiencing the same design errors on the crankcase ventilation system be included in their extended warranty. Unfortunately they would not add my vehicle to the extended warranty and did not provide a detailed explanation.
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 .