RoadVitals

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
22
Latest Mar 11, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Dec 15, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 22 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and other / unspecified categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 141 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine417.4%
  • Fuel system417.4%
  • Other / unspecified313.0%
  • Visibility28.7%
  • Driver assistance28.7%
  • Electrical28.7%
  • Airbags28.7%
  • Body & structure14.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Dec 15, 2023
2,976 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
The risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

May 20, 2022
242,722 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
The risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number See Recall ScheduleView on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Mar 19, 2021
15,096 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
The risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2021070010View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE21001ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Front Roof Panel Detachment

Opened Jan 8, 2021
Closed Oct 14, 2021

On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified NHTSA that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSLed to recall 21V197000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Mar 11, 2026

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 involving a leaking fuel rail that caused the vehicle to shut down and become unsafe to operate. The failure of the fuel rail resulted in a fuel leak and engine shutdown. A failure within the fuel delivery system presents a serious safety concern, as it can cause sudden loss of power while driving and poses a potential fire hazard if fuel comes into contact with hot engine components. During the repair process, I was informed that the necessary replacement component, Fuel Rail Part Number 2700701995, is no longer being produced by Mercedes-Benz. Because this critical component is unavailable, the vehicle cannot currently be repaired and is therefore undrivable. It is deeply concerning that a safety-related fuel system component for a 2019 vehicle is no longer available. Without access to this essential part, the vehicle is effectively disabled. Additionally, based on the nature of this failure, I believe this fuel rail defect should be included in the recall list for this vehicle. A leaking fuel rail capable of shutting down the engine represents a significant safety risk that may affect other vehicles of the same model. I have attempted to contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Care at [XXX] on seven separate occasions and have left messages requesting assistance, but I have not received a return call. Because this issue involves both a serious fuel system failure and the inability to obtain a critical replacement part, I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate whether this defect affects other 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 vehicles and determine whether a recall is warranted. Vehicle Information: Year: 2019 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: CLA250 VIN: [XXX] Part in Question: Fuel Rail – Part No. 2700701995 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11723718
Incident
Mar 6, 2026
Filed Feb 19, 2026

The sunroof is off the track. There seems to have been a recall for my make and model and year of vehicle (2019 Mercedes CLA 250) though Mercedes tells me that my vin # is not among those that were recalled. However, they told me that if I could reach out to NHTSA, that it would be possible that my vehicle would be added to the recall, which would force Mercedes to have to repair the issue at their cost, so this is me doing that.

NHTSA ID
11719214
Incident
Feb 7, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 16, 2026

JUST PAID $4,154.67 TO HAVE MY 2019 MERCEDES CLA 250, WITH JUST 46,222 MILES, ENGINE REPAIRED. * REPACE FUEL INJECTOR SEALS/ORINGS $1,462.80 *REPLACE ALL 4 FUEL INJECTORS $2,512.62 SO, PLEASE TELL WHY THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY CAR????? MARK BOULTINGHOUSE (240)277.9752

NHTSA ID
11718332
Incident
Jan 21, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 23, 2025

My 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has become unsafe to drive due to strong gasoline fumes filling the cabin. The smell is overwhelming and makes it difficult — and frankly dangerous — to sit in the vehicle for more than a few minutes without feeling lightheaded. I have since learned that this issue is part of a known defect covered under NHTSA Recall #21V961, which affects 2016–2020 CLA 250 models for a fuel leak and potential fire hazard. Despite the recall directly describing this exact problem — fuel vapors entering the passenger compartment — I was told that Mercedes-Benz will not cover the repair costs, even though the recall was never performed on my car. This is deeply concerning, as gasoline fumes inside the cabin pose not only a serious health risk from inhalation but also a potential fire or explosion hazard. It’s unacceptable that a manufacturer would refuse to remedy a safety recall issue, especially one involving a known fuel system defect that could endanger both the driver and passengers. I’m left with a car that’s unsafe to drive and a manufacturer unwilling to take responsibility for a problem they’ve already acknowledged through the NHTSA.

NHTSA ID
11701109
Incident
Nov 23, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Nov 10, 2025

My 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has become unsafe to drive due to strong gasoline fumes filling the cabin. The smell is overwhelming and makes it difficult — and frankly dangerous — to sit in the vehicle for more than a few minutes without feeling lightheaded. I have since learned that this issue is part of a known defect covered under NHTSA Recall #21V961, which affects 2016–2020 CLA 250 models for a fuel leak and potential fire hazard. Despite the recall directly describing this exact problem — fuel vapors entering the passenger compartment — I was told that Mercedes-Benz will not cover the repair costs, even though the recall was never performed on my car. This is deeply concerning, as gasoline fumes inside the cabin pose not only a serious health risk from inhalation but also a potential fire or explosion hazard. It’s unacceptable that a manufacturer would refuse to remedy a safety recall issue, especially one involving a known fuel system defect that could endanger both the driver and passengers. I’m left with a car that’s unsafe to drive and a manufacturer unwilling to take responsibility for a problem they’ve already acknowledged through the NHTSA.

NHTSA ID
11698613
Incident
Nov 10, 2025
Body & structure
Filed Sep 26, 2025

As i was driving on the freeway the front acylic panel conected to the sun roof just fell off the car nearly striking another vehicle. I have bein seeing alot of other ppl are having this issue yet it has not been recalled

NHTSA ID
11690040
Incident
Sep 14, 2025
Engine
Filed Feb 4, 2025

Nov 29, 2024. Check engine light goes on. Took it to the dealership and says P052E-71, crank ventilation malfunction, first they said it was on recall now they say it isn’t so Mercedes Benz of Huntington does not want to repair it.

NHTSA ID
11640643
Incident
Nov 29, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Jan 14, 2025

Fuel lines, strong gas smell inside the cabin, the gas leak posed a significant safety hazard, risk of fire or explosion, risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, risk of injury or death to myself and/or others. It has happened while driving, while parked, during refueling, this vehicle has been inspected twice, the last inspection was done at Star Motors Auto Repair Shop in Sacramento, CA, I request that the Manufacturer investigate this serious safety issue. I request that Manufacturer take appropriate action to repair the vehicle and ensure my safety. I request compensation for any expenses incurred due to the gas leak, I believe this gas leak presents a serious safety hazard and demands immediate attention.

NHTSA ID
11635924
Incident
Jan 3, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI 27.10-P-080851

POWER TRAIN

Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur in all drive modes. Cause Dual‑clutch transmissions (DCT) inherently exhibit more dynamic shifting behavior compared to other types of transmissions. This is due to the use of physical clutches for starting and gear changes. In certain situations, dynamic driving behavior can lead to a slight jerk sensation which is a normal technical characteristic of the transmission. A typical example is a "Change of Mind" situation: • The customer is coasting towards a red traffic light. • The traffic light turns green while the vehicle is still coasting. • The customer then presses the accelerator pedal. In these situations, a slight jerk may occur briefly because the transmission must quickly engage the appropriate gear and control the clutches accordingly. Since shift forks are responsible for engaging the gears during shifting, a slight shifting noise may also be noticeable. Please note driving programs S, S+, and M are designed to provide sportier vehicle behavior and are not optimized primarily for maximum comfort, so this operation may be more audible. Remedy Verify the customer's concern and confirm proper transmission operation. If no faults or abnormal operating conditions are identified by IPR (Intelligent Predictive Repair), no hardware replacement is necessary. Inform the customer that the transmission has been designed to provide direct gear engagement and responsive vehicle performance. Under certain operating conditions, brief shift sensations may be perceptible and are consistent with the operating characteristics of the dual‑clutch transmission

CL - Tank Leak Detection

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. Why the Warranty extension? On certain Model Year 2018 - 2024 A / C / CLA / CLS / E / G / GLA / GLB / GLC / GLE / GLS / GT / S / SL Mercedes-Benz vehicles, under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("MIL"). Any repairs under this warranty extension must be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. • If your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership performs a diagnosis and confirms that your vehicle has the issue, the repair will be covered under this extended warranty and performed at no cost to you. • This extended warranty does not apply to any other components or conditions beyond the ones mentioned above, and standard warranty terms apply, including the exclusions with respect to extra expenses, as identified in the Service and Warranty Information booklet.

LI54.65-P-080132

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide.

LI82.85-P-079087

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics. Note: Please do not create TIPS. Please do not replace any components. HU/Hermes SW update / SCN coding will not fix the issue.

LI82.62-P-078631

STRUCTURE:BODY

Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Information: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, after completing diagnosis, select the damage code corresponding to the component part that caused the problem. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10-P-067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!

LI35.30-P-058566

POWER TRAIN

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025100—
2024200—
2023600—
2022100—
2021750—
20202011061.1
2019Viewing226163.8
2018409265.6
20172710258.5
2016668267.9
2015617259.1
20141796259.4
2013900—
2012700—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.