Known Faults Database

Mercedes-Benz CLA problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLA, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 3 known faults for this model, 2 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA has 3 known faults in our database, 2 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (timing chain stretch and leaking hydraulic tensioners on the M270 turbo petrol) and electrics (the steering column clock spring breaks). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Mercedes-Benz CLA years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2012 to 2018, 1.6 / 2.0 Turbo Petrol (M270), e.g. A180/A200/A250, B180/B200/B250, CLA 180/200/250, GLA 180/200/250: timing chain stretch and leaking hydraulic tensioners on the M270 turbo petrol
  • 2011 to 2017, All variants: the steering column clock spring breaks

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 13 known faults · 2 owner reports · 4 good notes

Mercedes-Benz CLA W176 / C117 / X156 (2013 to 2018) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Timing chain stretch and leaking hydraulic tensioners on the M270 turbo petrol. The chain rattles on cold start as the tensioner loses oil pressure; left alone the plastic guides wear, the chain can skip a tooth and throw camshaft timing codes (P0016/P0017 family), and in the worst case the valves contact the pistons. The transverse installation in these front drive cars makes the repair far more labour intensive than on rear drive Mercedes

Rough guide
£Unknown

Typical symptoms

  • metallic rattle from the engine for several seconds on cold start-up
  • engine management light with camshaft timing fault codes
  • rough running or misfire once the chain has jumped

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6 / 2.0 Turbo Petrol (M270), e.g. A180/A200/A250, B180/B200/B250, CLA 180/200/250, GLA 180/200/250
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
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Transmission/ClutchMedium severity🔧 Specialist mechanic

The 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic suffers low-speed judder and jerky shifts as the wet clutch packs wear, and mechatronic (electrohydraulic control unit) failures that cause delayed engagement, harsh 2nd-3rd shifts, limp mode or loss of drive. Mechatronic replacement is quoted at 1200-1800 pounds by UK specialists; clutch pack replacement is similar. Neglected 40k-mile fluid changes accelerate both

Rough guide
£1200-2500

Typical symptoms

  • shuddering or juddering when pulling away from a stop
  • hesitation or a lurch when setting off, worse when cold
  • clunk into P, N or R, or harsh low-gear shifts
  • gearbox warning and limp mode in advanced cases

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All with 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic (Getrag 724.0)
Typical mileage:
50000-100000 miles
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ElectricalHigh severity🏛️ Official recall

The steering column clock spring breaks and, with the steering airbag wiring insufficiently earthed, can short-circuit and set off the steering wheel airbag unexpectedly. DVSA covers it with seven recall campaigns launched between December 2017 and July 2018 (R/2017/282, R/2018/006, R/2018/055, R/2018/069, R/2018/098, R/2018/130 and R/2018/154), spanning the A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, CLA, E-Class, GLA and GLC built from June 2011 to July 2017. The largest single campaign covers 84,879 cars and the seven campaign totals add up to over 400,000. The work is free and has no time limit, but cars still change hands with it outstanding.

Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)

Typical symptoms

  • Airbag warning light appearing on the dashboard
  • Unexpected airbag deployment

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
All mileages miles
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What owners report on the W176 / C117 / X156

2 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Interior · May 2018The driver's seat leather side bolster on a 2016 Mercedes CLA 220D Shooting Brake split after 18,000 miles.
  • Engine · October 2017A late 2013 Mercedes CLA with 37,000 miles had an engine misfire on cylinder 4 due to no compression, requiring internal repairs.

What owners like about the W176 / C117 / X156

4 notes
  • The car offers good handling characteristics, despite the steering lacking some feedback for the driver.
  • The boot, while not perfectly square, provides practical space and can accommodate items like a pushchair.
  • Its stylish exterior design ensures the CLA Shooting Brake consistently attracts attention on the road.
  • The vehicle provides a comfortable and relaxed driving experience, especially during long journeys on motorways.
Other years0 known faults · 1 owner report · 1 good note

Other Mercedes-Benz CLA years: owner reports

What owners report

1 single report, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Engine · December 2019A new 2020 Mercedes CLA 220 Premium Plus experienced multiple issues, including a faulty turbo, engine, and coolant tank.

What owners like

1 note
  • September 2019The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA coupe achieved a 5-star NCAP safety rating, with high scores across all categories.

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

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Mercedes-Benz CLA recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 72 DVSA recalls for the CLA, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ August 2026Cars built October 2025 to March 2026

Electric drive unit power electronics

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that in certain CLA (174 platform) and GLB (244 platform) vehicles the circuit board for the power electronics of the rear electric drive unit might not meet the specifications.

Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will replace the power electronics of the rear electric drive unit on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2026/3153 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2026Cars built May 2025 to January 2026

Software version of communication module

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain CLA (174 platform) and GLB (244 platform) vehicles the software of the communication module might not meet the intended specification.

Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will update the software on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2026/2035 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2026Cars built May 2025 to July 2025

Bolting of front seats and belt buckles

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain CLA (174 platform) vehicles the bolting of the front seats and/or belt buckles might not meet specifications.

Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will rework the front seat and belt buckle bolting on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2025/53322 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2026Cars built November 2025 to December 2025

SRPC2523 - Variant of 48V Wiring Harness

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain CLA (178 platform) vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engine the 48V wiring harness might not meet specifications.

Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will check the wiring harness on the affected vehicles and rework it if necessary.

DVSA R/2025/55682 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2025Cars built January 2025 to September 2025

SRPC2516 - Mechanics of the seat belt buckle

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain CLA (174 platform) vehicles the belt buckles of the driver and passenger seats might not meet specifications respectively.

Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will replace the seat belt buckles on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2025/459349 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2025Cars built May 2025 to October 2025

SRPC2518 - Routing of window-airbag wiring harness

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain CLA (174 platform) vehicles the routing of a window-airbag wiring harness in the area of the D-pillar might not meet specifications.

Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will check the routing of the wiring harness on the affected vehicles and rework it if necessary.

DVSA R/2025/460109 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2025Cars built May 2025 to September 2025

SRPC2517 - Software of driving assistance system

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain CLA (174 platform) vehicles the software of the driving assistance system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will update the software of the driving assistance system on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2025/461649 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2025Cars built August 2025 to August 2025

Composition of window-airbag fabric

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain CLA (174 platform) vehicles the composition of the window-airbag fabric might not meet specifications.

Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will replace the window-airbags on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2025/46216 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2025Cars built May 2025 to July 2025

SRPC2514 - Driving Assistance System Software

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain CLA (174 platform) vehicles the software of the driving assistance system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will update the software of the driving assistance system on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2025/40819 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2025Cars built February 2024 to March 2024

SRPC2503 - Variant of rear axle brake hose

Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain A-Class (177 platform) and CLA (118 platform) vehicles the length of the brake hoses on the rear axle might not meet specifications.

Put right by: As a remedy Mercedes-Benz AG via its Mercedes-Benz service partners will check the brake hoses on the rear axle on the affected vehicles and replace them if necessary.

DVSA R/2025/131254 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2024Cars built November 2018 to January 2024

SRPC2404 - Backup function of steering software

On affected vehicles the backup function of the steering software might not meet specifications. As a result the steering power support might be impaired and a loss of steerability cannot be ruled out.

Put right by: Update the software of the electric steering on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2024/16652,400 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2024Cars built April 2013 to August 2015

On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.

On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.

Put right by: Check the front fixed element of the panoramic sliding sunroof and replace if necessary.

DVSA R/2024/02445 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2023Cars built December 2022 to December 2022

On affected vehicles the tyres might not meet specification resulting in a leak and possible sudden loss of air pressure.

On affected vehicles the tyres might not meet specification resulting in a leak and possible sudden loss of air pressure.

Put right by: Replace the tyres.

DVSA R/2023/1161 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2022Cars built March 2022 to March 2022

Bowden cables with an insufficient length may have been installed in the front doors

Bowden cables with an insufficient length might have been installed in the front doors

Put right by: Check the bowden cables of the front doors on the affected vehicles and replace if necessary.

DVSA R/2022/19512 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2022Cars built July 2018 to September 2019

A particle in the fuel rail might lead to a leak between the fuel rail and the injector

A particle in the fuel rail might lead to a leak between the fuel rail and the fuel injector.

Put right by: Replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2022/06126 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2022Cars built December 2019 to November 2021

Bolting on brake caliper housing might not meet specifications

The bolting on the brake caliper housing might not meet torque specifications.

Put right by: Check and if necessary rework the bolting of the brake caliper housings on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2022/06217 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2022Cars built June 2020 to July 2020

Power supply connection of power steering might have been contaminated with adhesive

On certain vehicles the power supply connection of the electric power steering might have been contaminated with melted adhesive.

Put right by: Check the connection on the affected vehicles and perform repair measures if necessary.

DVSA R/2021/444113 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2022Cars built January 2020 to February 2021

Locking pawl spring of the left hand side door locks might not be greased correctly

On certain vehicles with an additional door lock the locking pawl spring of the left side door locks might not be greased according to specifications.

Put right by: Conduct greasing of the locking pawl spring on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2021/4372,829 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/10623 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/13021 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/376100,780 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2021Cars built July 2013 to October 2019

Vehicles with a panoramic sunroofthe polycarbonate panel may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair

The polycarbonate panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.

Put right by: Remove the bonded panel and install a new polycarbonate panel if required.

DVSA R/2021/27461 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2021Cars built November 2016 to February 2017

A bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications

A bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Check the steering shaft on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.

DVSA R/2021/20213,707 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2021Cars built April 2019 to May 2019

The bolting of a side crash sensor might not meet specifications

The bolting of a side crash sensor may not meet specifications.

Put right by: Check the bolting of the side crash sensor on the affected vehicles and rework it if necessary.

DVSA R/2021/24619 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/110108,971 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/120173,208 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/111181,432 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/1287 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/131162,534 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/13220,820 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/133213,330 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2021Cars built January 2016 to January 2021

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications

The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

DVSA R/2021/134325,162 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2021Cars built September 2019 to August 2020

The variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications

The variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications.

Put right by: Replace the spark plugs on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2021/0847 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2021Cars built May 2016 to July 2020

The communication module may be deactivated

The communication module may be deactivated

Put right by: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.

DVSA R/2021/08224 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2021Cars built July 2020 to September 2020

The right handle for attaching the child seat to the isofix bracket may be missing on the rear right seat

The ISOFIX bracket might be missing on the right rear seat.

Put right by: Check the ISOFIX bracket on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.

DVSA R/2021/030543 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2020Cars built December 2019 to January 2020

An electrical contact inside the engine control unit may not meet the specification

An electrical contacting inside the engine control unit might not meet the specification

Put right by: Replace the engine control unit on the affected vehicles

DVSA R/2020/27737 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2020Cars built October 2019 to November 2019

VEHICLES MAY BE FILLED WITH THE REFRIGERANT R-134a INSTEAD OF R-1234yf

The air conditioning system on the affected vehicles might erroneously be filled with the incorrect refrigerant

Put right by: Replace the refrigerant in the air conditioning system on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2020/23730 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2020Cars built October 2019 to June 2020

The oil supply line of the turbocharger may leak

The oil supply line of the turbocharger might leak

Put right by: Check the oil supply line of the turbocharger on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary

DVSA R/2020/2621,074 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2020Cars built March 2017 to September 2018

THE EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM (eCall) DOES NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATION

On affected vehicles the software of the communication module for the emergency call system does not meet the specification

Put right by: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system

DVSA R/2020/2363,127 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2020Cars built April 2015 to November 2017

The calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat may not meet the specification

The calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat might not meet the specification.

Put right by: Replace the passenger seat cushion

DVSA R/2019/44675 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2020Cars built May 2019 to May 2019

The mounting of the gas line to the gas generator of the inerter system may not meet specifications

The mounting of an argon gas line to generator of the inerter system might not meet specifications.

Put right by: Check the mounting of the gas line to the gas generator on the affected vehicles and rework it if necessary.

DVSA R/2020/134134 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2019Cars built November 2012 to October 2013

The refrigerant used in the air condition system does not meet legal requirements

The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements.

Put right by: Adapt the air conditioning system for usage of the new refrigerant.

DVSA R/2019/3541,407 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2019Cars built August 2018 to September 2019

The four locknuts securing the air bag might be missing

Certain driver airbag modules might not be bolted onto the base plate.

Put right by: Check the driver airbag on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.

DVSA R/2019/3372,345 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2019Cars built November 2012 to October 2013

The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system may not meet legal requirements

The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements

Put right by: The air conditioning system will be adapted for the usage of the new refrigerant.

DVSA R/2019/34858 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2019Cars built November 2012 to October 2013

The refrigerant used in the air condition system does not meet legal requirements

The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements.

Put right by: The air conditioning system will be adapted for the usage of the new refrigerant.

DVSA R/2019/347432 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2019Cars built February 2017 to July 2019

The software of the radar control unit may not meet specification

; The software of the radar control unit might not meet the specification

Put right by: Update the software of the radar sensor control unit on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2019/269294 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2019Cars built July 2018 to February 2019

The software of the transmission control unit might not meet specification.

Under certain circumstances it might not be possible to shift into Drive or Reverse mode.

Put right by: Update the transmission control unit software of the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2019/2171,209 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2019Cars built February 2018 to February 2018

The electrical contact of the tail lamps might be impaired

The electrical contact of the tail lamps might be impaired.

Put right by: The bulb sockets of the affected vehicles are to be replaced.

DVSA R/2019/1011 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2019Cars built January 2018 to February 2018

The calibration of the front passenger seat occupant clasification system may not correspond to specifications

Incorrect calibration of the front passenger occupant classification system.

Put right by: Replace the seat cushion of the front passenger seat.

DVSA R/2018/349163 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2018Cars built October 2017 to April 2018

Doors on left vehicle side (passenger side) remain permanently locked after the vehicle has been locked/unlocked with the remote control key

Possible inability to open the left hand door externally or internally.

Put right by: Replace the affected door locks on the left side of the vehicle.

DVSA R/2018/2685,030 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2018Cars built November 2011 to July 2017

Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded

The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.

Put right by: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components

DVSA R/2018/13078,608 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2018Cars built November 2011 to July 2017

Steering components may be insufficiently grounded

It has been determined that the steering airbag electrical components are insufficiently grounded. Failure of the steering column module clock spring could result in an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag which may cause risk of injury to the driver and an increased risk of a potential collision.

Put right by: On affected vehicles the manufacturer will fit a contact bridge to the outer race of the steering column top bearing which will provide correct grounding.

DVSA R/2018/09874,329 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2018Cars built November 2011 to July 2017

Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded

The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.

Put right by: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.

DVSA R/2018/06967,027 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2017Cars built November 2011 to July 2017

Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded

The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.

Put right by: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.

DVSA R/2017/28246,093 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2017Cars built February 2014 to February 2017

Starting current limiter may overload

Where the car incurs severe engine damage resulting in the engine failing to turn over (engine seizure) and if the driver repeatedly attempts to start the engine despite the engine not cranking the very high electrical current could lead to overheating of the starting current limiter and the potential for a fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter.

DVSA R/2017/09674,444 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2017Cars built August 2016 to March 2017

Left window airbag may not deploy as intended

The left widow airbag may not meet specification. As a result it may not deploy in the event of an accident.

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the left window air bag.

DVSA R/2017/16115 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2017Cars built August 2016 to March 2017

Right window airbag may fail to deploy as intended

The right widow airbag may not meet specification. As a result it may not deploy in the event of an accident.

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the right window air bag.

DVSA R/2017/16217 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2017Cars built August 2016 to March 2017

Airbag may not deploy correctly

The propellant mixing ratio in the igniters of the front passenger airbag assembly may not meet specification. If the airbag is required and activated it might not deploy or not completely deploy. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag assembly.

DVSA R/2017/1771,034 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2017Cars built April 2011 to April 2013

Vacuum line brake booster may break

The connection fitting of the vacuum line to the brake booster is not to specification and my not be durable. If the connection fails the brake booster will no longer be supplied with vacuum. After a few brake applications the driver will have to apply additional pressure to the brake pedal to gain the appropriate braking effect.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the vacuum line on the brake booster with a quality assured component.

DVSA R/2017/1794,787 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2017Cars built January 2004 to March 2017

Faulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification

Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.

DVSA R/2017/12442 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2016

Rear seat backrest may collapse in a collision

It has been identified on the CLA Shooting Brake models with load compartment package the rear seat back-rest retaining bracket threaded connection may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. If the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision and the rear seat back-rest is subjected to heavy loadings from heavy items moving in the truck then the retaining bracket can work loose and allow the rear seat back-rest to collapse and possible cause an injury to any occupants.

Put right by: Recall the affected vehicle and replace the rear seat back-rest retaining bracket mounting bolts.

DVSA R/2016/2711 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2016Cars built October 2015 to November 2015

Vehicle may stall

A potentially faulty weld between the plate carrier and the hub of a clutch could be faulty/cracked and could fail. This can cause limp-home mode to be adopted or all drive to be lost. As a result the risk of a collision is heightened.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the dual clutch of the transmission.

DVSA R/2016/12438 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2016Cars built September 2015 to September 2015

Risk of fire

The mounting nut for the battery ground line at the body may not have been tightened correctly. If the connection is loose there could be sparks and localised heating which increases the risk of fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check and rework the threaded connection as necessary.

DVSA R/2016/0854 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2016

Possible loss of power steering assistance

The torque sensor of the electric power steering assistance may be damaged which can adversely affected the tightness of the housing and allow water ingress. The defect could lead to failure of the torque sensor and consequently shut off the steering power assistance and lead to an elevated risk of collision.

Put right by: Recall the vehicle that is likely to be affected and replace the electric power steering.

DVSA R/2016/0881 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2016Cars built October 2015 to November 2015

Risk of fire

The high pressure fuel lines have not been manufactured to the correct specification which over time can lead to crack formation and fuel leaking. Fuel escaping in the presence of an ignition source could lead to fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the high pressure fuel lines.

DVSA R/2015/2591,327 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2015Cars built July 2015 to September 2015

Engine may fail

The camshaft could break and damage the engine due to it not being manufactured to the correct specification. If the condition occurs it will lead to a sudden loss of drive thereby increasing the risk of a collision.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the intake camshaft.

DVSA R/2015/20814 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2015Cars built July 2015 to September 2015

Engine may fail

The camshaft could break and damage the engine due to it not being manufactured to the correct specification. If the condition occurs it will lead to a sudden loss of drive thereby increasing the risk of a collision.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the exhaust camshaft.

DVSA R/2015/210395 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2015Cars built September 2014 to November 2014

Front passenger airbag may not deploy

Certain fuses in the passenger's footwell may not have been fitted correctly. This may adversely affect the instrument cluster windscreen wipers and the passenger seat occupancy recognition system. In certain conditions this may cause the passenger's air bag not to deploy in an accident.

Put right by: On affected vehicles check fuses and if necessary replace fuse box.

DVSA R/2015/1451,028 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2015Cars built September 2011 to June 2013

Possibility of loss of drive

The drive shaft and the hub of the outer joint may separate. In very rare cases it cannot be excluded that the vehicle stops. The steering and braking system remain fully available to the driver.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the snap ring both sides together with the respective outboard boots on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2015/0993,890 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2015Cars built February 2014 to November 2014

Oil may leak

On certain diesel engines the 'O' ring may not have been produced to the correct specification. This may allow oil to leak and contaminate the environment. If excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur.

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the chain tensioner sealing ring.

DVSA R/2014/18261,672 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2014Cars built May 2014 to May 2014

Seatbelt anchorage point may not be secure

On affected vehicles individual threaded seat belt connections may not have been tightened to the correct torque. This may affect the anchoring of seat belts window bags and ground points. The manufacturer cannot completely rule out that the affected components may not fulfil their designated functions as the seat belt anchorage points may not be fully secure. It is also possible that this may cause erroneous messages to appear in the instrument cluster

Put right by: Recall vehicles and check torque settings on affected threaded connections. Correct where necessary.

DVSA R/2014/0752 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2014Cars built May 2014 to May 2014

Seat belt anchorate and window bags may not perform correctly

On affected vehicles individual threaded seat belt connections may not have been tightened to the correct torque. This may affect the anchoring of seat belts window bags and ground points. The manufacturer cannot completely rule out that the affected components may not fulfil their designated functions as the seat belt anchorage points may not be fully secure. It is also possible that this may cause erroneous messages to appear in the instrument cluster

Put right by: Recall vehicles and check torque settings on affected threaded connections. Correct where necessary

DVSA R/2014/0767 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Mercedes-Benz CLA timing chain, and service intervals

A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used CLA, and check the oil has been changed on time. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing chainChain
M270, M274, 1.6 TURBO, W176, W246
No fixed replacement interval

Dual-stage chain system: an upper cam chain plus a lower oil-pump and balance-shaft chain. Cam phasers (Y49/1, Y49/2) wear from around 60,000-80,000 km giving a cold-start tick; chain and guide wear shows from about 80,000 km on urban short-trip cars but 120,000-140,000 km on motorway cars. A metallic cold-start rattle needs prompt attention. The M274 DE16 is the longitudinal C-Class version of the same 1.6.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026

Mercedes-Benz CLA buying questions

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?

Three stand out. Engine: timing chain stretch and leaking hydraulic tensioners on the M270 turbo petrol. Electrics: the steering column clock spring breaks. Gearbox: the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic suffers low-speed judder (typically 50000 to 100000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Mercedes-Benz CLA years should I avoid?

No Mercedes-Benz CLA year is a write-off, but the W176 / C117 / X156 (2013 to 2018) carries the most serious faults: engine and electrics. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Ask the seller about the engine, electrics and gearbox faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for metallic rattle from the engine for several seconds on cold start-up, airbag warning light appearing on the dashboard and shuddering or juddering when pulling away from a stop. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 3 known faults before you travel. Check a Mercedes-Benz CLA advert →

Are there any recalls on the Mercedes-Benz CLA?

The DVSA lists 72 safety recalls for the Mercedes-Benz CLA issued between 2014 and 2026. The most recent, from August 2026, is "Electric drive unit power electronics". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Owners report 40.6 mpg on average across the Mercedes-Benz CLA engines with data, about 75% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 261 owner submissions. Mercedes-Benz CLA Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLA right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Mercedes-Benz CLA fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Mercedes-Benz CLA owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Mercedes-Benz CLA goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

All buyer's guides →

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