Mercedes-Benz CLA known issues by generation

Chassis:

C117 (CLA 250, CLA 45 AMG)

Years:

2014–2019

Engine:

M270 2.0L turbo four; M133 2.0L AMG four

The CLA's 7G-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is a common complaint source. Owners describe shudder or jolting at low speed, a jerk on some upshifts, and hard or delayed engagement when pulling away or selecting Drive, Reverse or Park. Reported causes include worn wet clutch packs, old or contaminated fluid, a failing mechatronic control unit and outdated software. The usual first steps are a fluid service to Mercedes' specification, a software update and a clutch adaptation reset. Persistent slipping may require clutch packs or a mechatronic unit. No manufacturer bulletin or warranty extension specific to this complaint has been confirmed.

Sources: [6]

Chassis:

C117 (CLA 250)

Years:

2015

Engine:

M270 2.0L turbo four

A small recall covered 857 2015 CLA 250 and GLA 250 models and 2016 SLK 300s built between July 17 and August 31, 2015, whose intake or exhaust camshafts had welds that could fail. A broken camshaft can damage the engine and cause a stall. Dealers replace the affected camshafts. The build window is narrow, so most CLAs are unaffected, but cars built in late summer 2015 should be checked.

Sources: [1]

Chassis:

C117 (CLA 250, CLA 45 AMG)

Years:

2014–2018

Engine:

All

In 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA recalled about 495,000 vehicles across the CLA, GLA, C-, E- and GLC/GLK lines because insufficient grounding of the steering components meant that, if the airbag clockspring was already broken, an electrostatic discharge could set off the driver airbag unexpectedly. Dealers add grounding to the steering components. The CLA is covered from 2014 through 2018. The recall does not replace the clockspring itself, so a lit airbag warning still needs separate diagnosis.

Sources: [3]

Chassis:

C117 (CLA 250, CLA 45 AMG)

Years:

2015–2017

Engine:

M270 2.0L turbo four; M133 AMG four

2015–2017 CLAs are part of the roughly 308,000-vehicle starter recall shared with the C-Class, GLA, GLC and E-Class. If the engine or transmission cannot turn over and the starter is cranked repeatedly, the starting current limiter can overheat and raise fire risk. Dealers fit an additional fuse in the starter line. In normal use there are no symptoms, so confirm completion by VIN. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer regardless of the vehicle's age or ownership history, and the NHTSA recall lookup shows whether the campaign is still open on a specific VIN.

Sources: [2]

Chassis:

C117 (CLA 250, CLA 45 AMG)

Years:

2014–2019

Engine:

All

Campaign 21V-197 covers panoramic-roof vehicles across several lines, including 2014–2019 CLAs, whose front roof panel between the windshield and the sunroof may not have been bonded correctly during an earlier repair. A poorly bonded panel could detach. Dealers remove the panel and reinstall a new one with the approved primer and adhesive. A further expansion (23V-854) added more vehicles. This mostly affects cars that already had roof or windshield-area repairs.

Sources: [4]

Chassis:

C118 (CLA 250, AMG CLA 35/45)

Years:

2020–2021

Engine:

All

A 2026 recall covers about 311,000 compact and mid-size Mercedes models, including 2020–2021 CLAs. A micro-switch in the driver's door lock can corrode and fail to detect that the door is open. The automatic electronic parking brake or Auto-Park function then may not engage when the driver exits, which can let the vehicle roll away. Dealers replace the driver's door lock in a phased campaign, with remedy timing varying by model.

Sources: [5]