MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250 · model year

2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250

37 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017MERCEDES-BENZCLA250 carries 37 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, 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 2017 CLA250 is electrical system with 7 filings, followed by air bags (5) and engine (4). 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 10 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 2017 CLA250. 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.

37
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

37 filings

Crashes Reported

2 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 SYSTEM7
AIR BAGS5
ENGINE4
POWER TRAIN4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
STRUCTURE:BODY2
STEERING2
WHEELS2
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY2
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
STRUCTURE1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1

Recalls (10)

17V11400023/02/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 C300 4Matic, C300, CLA250, CLA250 4Matic and CLA45 AMG vehicles, 2017 C300 4Matic Cabrio, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 Cabrio, C300 Coupe, E300, E300 4Matic, E400 4Matic Wagon, E43 AMG 4Matic, GLA250, GLA250 4Matic and GLC300 4Matic Coupe veh

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

19V89200016/12/2019

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2018 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC, and 2017-2018 CLA45 AMG vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may have been improperly calibrated, which may prevent the proper deployment of the front passenger air bag.

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

17V08000008/02/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E550 Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, E550 Cabriolet, E300, E300 4Matic, E400 Wagon, GLA250, and GLA250 4Matic vehicles. The pelvis air bag or the front passenger air bag inflator initiator may fail

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

21V22900001/04/2021

STEERING

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 B250e, CLA250, 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250, and AMG GLA45 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.

Recent Complaints

20250724ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 ap

20250616POWER TRAIN

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 Reprod

20240715FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 remov

20240715ENGINE

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 remov

20240701VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

Mileage: 90,000

20240701ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20240701LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

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

20240506STRUCTURE

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.

Mileage: 134,000

20230316POWER TRAIN

Just replaced water pump and still need to replace positive Crankcase ventilation system hose

20230316UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Just replaced water pump and still need to replace positive Crankcase ventilation system hose

20230202AIR BAGS

The airbag spontaneously deployed while driving. No impact with any other vehicle and no previous damage.

20220128WHEELS

Wheel Rim cracks in normal driving conditions.

20210716STEERING

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

20210628CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

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 t

20210628VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

Mileage: 61,500

20201223ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 65,000

20201216EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOON AFTER HAVING HER OIL CHANGED, A COOLANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE COOLANT WAS ADDED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HOME SCREEN WOULD GO BLANK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

20201216ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOON AFTER HAVING HER OIL CHANGED, A COOLANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE COOLANT WAS ADDED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HOME SCREEN WOULD GO BLANK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

20201216ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOON AFTER HAVING HER OIL CHANGED, A COOLANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE COOLANT WAS ADDED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HOME SCREEN WOULD GO BLANK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

20200529CrashAIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 20,000

Compare 2017MERCEDES-BENZCLA250 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250 have?
The 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250 has 37 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250?
Yes, the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250 has 10 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250?
The most-complained component for the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and ENGINE.
Is the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250 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.