MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 250 · model year

2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 250

50 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018MERCEDES-BENZCLA 250 carries 50 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 2 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 CLA 250 is electrical system with 8 filings, followed by unknown or other (7) and air bags (6). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2018 CLA 250. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

50
Complaints
1
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

50 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
AIR BAGS6
ENGINE5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
SEATS2
STEERING2
POWER TRAIN2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
WHEELS:RIM1
COMMUNICATION1
SUSPENSION1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS1

Recalls (6)

22V36500020/05/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

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 de

21V19700019/03/2021

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

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 C

23V85400015/12/2023

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

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 t

21V07200012/02/2021

COMMUNICATION

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-201

17V62700006/10/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe

21V05800005/02/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod

Recent Complaints

20251113ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have sent the below email over 100 times to Mercedes To whom it may concern, I am writing regarding the purchase of a CLA250 4matic in December. I had a 120 point inspection done that did not show any issues with this car. As I was driving down a dark road around 1 am, my life was thrown in danger as the command shaft shut off and I could not see the dashboard or any lights in the vehicle. I was alone and on a dark road. After sitting for 15 minutes, I was able to get a light to come on and drove to my destination. On my way home, the lights were acting erratic and the brake lights, bright lights, engine lights, gas gauge, rpm gauge and caution lights were flickering the entire time. The car had no problems starting, however this continued to happen. I parked the car for several days and after starting it again, the dashboard was black, I could not see to put it in park. I tried several days later and got the lights to come on and after driving through the light, the parking brake

20251105AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel to the left, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the electrical features on the steering wheel failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that several days later, the same failure returned with air bag and a "Front Left Malfunction - Service Required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact spoke to her mechanically inclined brother and was informed that the failure was likely related to a defective clock spring. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (Air Bags) ,which the contact linked to the failure. The contact went to the local dealer's website and communicated with an agent through the Live Chat feature. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mile

20250924AIR BAGS

My clock spring is no longer working, it made all the buttons on my steering wheel stop working and i am afraid the airbag will deploy at random since there was a recall on cla models 2015-2018. I own a Mercedes cla 250 2018 but it is not showing a recall on my specific vehicle. Not only that but they no longer sell just the clock spring for my car, im assuming because of the recall. I am scared that my airbag will randomly deploy while im driving or that it will not deploy at all in case of an accident. It was diagnosed by an independent mechanic There was no other messages except when my left side airbag service needed message popped up

20250820ENGINE

P052E Check Engine light on. Same part is defective on other models that use the same parts. My car is not included in the recall.

20250728ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The panoramic sunroof opens and closes but will not shut completely in the back. When calling around for a quote mechanics were aware of the issue occurring with this specific make model and class of vehicle.

20250625UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When you start off at a slow speed, the rear end of the car starts making a knocking noise. We had it inspected by Mercedes-Benz and they said that it is the rear differential.

20250411FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Crank venting system. Wheel looses power. Oil us getting into sensors.

20250208AIR BAGS

My car clock spring has went out, and it affects my car airbag deploy. I see it’s a problem with the Mercedes Cla250. It’s very dangerous it causes your horn not to work as well!

20250208STEERING

My car clock spring has went out, and it affects my car airbag deploy. I see it’s a problem with the Mercedes Cla250. It’s very dangerous it causes your horn not to work as well!

20250130VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof switch was enabled to open the sunroof; however, the sunroof failed to open as intended. The contact stated that the left side of the sunroof did not open as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with sunroof assembly failure. The contact was informed that the sunroof assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

20250128STRUCTURE:BODY

Within 2 weeks after purchasing this vehicle the front stationary roof panel flew off the car. I noticed it when I parked at work in the parking lot. I do not know where the panel is. I retraced my route and did not see it anywhere. I work less than 2 miles from work with no turns. I am very concerned that the panel may cause water damage/leaking and even be a danger / damage to another drivers safety. I went to MB they said that there was no recall. They said that I should file claim to repair it. Claim and repair done be MB. NOW the same thing happened again. The panel has flown off again while I was driving on the highway around 3:00pm the panel nowhere to be found. MB said file a claim. 2 repair companies said the glue /sealant could be the issue. There were no notifications that this would happen. Pictures have been taken for both incidents. Upon referencing Vehicle Compliance & Analysis there is a recall Campaign Description: 23P2197658 NHTSA ID 23V854 I am having a difficult

20250123STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the car wash, water entered through the overhead center console. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front roof panel needed to be replaced and resealed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 61,050.

Mileage: 61,050

20241211UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Water comes in the car and fills the back seat floors with water. I think its comming in from the frame.

20241211STRUCTURE:BODY

Water comes in the car and fills the back seat floors with water. I think its comming in from the frame.

20241211SEATS

Water comes in the car and fills the back seat floors with water. I think its comming in from the frame.

20241119ENGINE

Check engine code PO52E - Positive Crankcase Ventilation regulator valve performance. Needs to be recalled

20241028UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am driving around 55K miles in this car, and my check engine light comes up. I head to a local place to get a code check. The guy looks it up and tells me this is pretty much with EVERY Mercedes CLA around that mile point.. So, I look up on reddit and other forums, and it's exactly what he said. Pretty much the PCV valve is faulty and costs around $1800-2500 to fix after 50-60K miles which causes emission problems and other safety concerns if not taken care of. It makes no sense how this is not a recall. Of what I read, Mercedes knows all about this and has done nothing, just leaving the drivers to take care of a problem that they did nothing to cause. I am not sure if this is for the NHTSA or what, but it is kind of unacceptable.

20241028ENGINE

I am driving around 55K miles in this car, and my check engine light comes up. I head to a local place to get a code check. The guy looks it up and tells me this is pretty much with EVERY Mercedes CLA around that mile point.. So, I look up on reddit and other forums, and it's exactly what he said. Pretty much the PCV valve is faulty and costs around $1800-2500 to fix after 50-60K miles which causes emission problems and other safety concerns if not taken care of. It makes no sense how this is not a recall. Of what I read, Mercedes knows all about this and has done nothing, just leaving the drivers to take care of a problem that they did nothing to cause. I am not sure if this is for the NHTSA or what, but it is kind of unacceptable.

20240905POWER TRAIN

My 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC is experiencing a knocking noise from the rear differential at low speeds. The issue poses potential driving hazards, including possible loss of control and increased wear on drivetrain components. The noise may indicate a failing differential, which could suddenly fail while driving. I have contacted the dealer, but no specific recalls or factory service announcements have been identified for this problem. This appears to be a common issue reported by other owners. At the recommendation of the service technician, I replaced the rear solenoid, at the cost of $400, but no improvement. A rebuild of the rear differential was the recommendation.

20240902AIR BAGS

Air says it will malfunction nothing has happened but wish for it to be repaired before an accident

Compare 2018MERCEDES-BENZCLA 250 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 250 have?
The 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 250 has 50 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 250?
Yes, the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 250 has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 250?
The most-complained component for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 250 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 8 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 250 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.