CSR

Mercedes-Benz · NHTSA safety record

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

177

Complaints

4

Crashes

3

Fires

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 have filed 177 safety complaints with NHTSA between November 2013 and June 2026. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 66 of them (37%). The typical failure was reported at 16,769 miles, the median across the 136 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 6 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (6)

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

23V854000 · December 15, 2023

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, LLC · up to 2,976 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

21V197000 · March 19, 2021

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, LLC · up to 15,096 vehicles across all model years covered

COMMUNICATION

19V787000 · November 1, 2019

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf
The risk
An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 24,226 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

17V627000 · October 6, 2017

The defect
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, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
The risk
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 495,290 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

16V901000 · December 14, 2016

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2014 CLA250 vehicles manufactured December 14, 2012, to April 24, 2013 equipped with gasoline engines. The affected vehicles have a fitting that connects the vacuum line to the brake booster which may break causing increased forced to be needed to apply the brakes.
The risk
If the vehicles unexpectedly need increased pressure on the brake pedal to apply the brakes, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector end fitting at the brake booster, free of charge. The recall began July 21, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 10 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY/WIPER

15V426000 · July 6, 2015

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2014 CLA 250C vehicles manufactured September 10, 2014, to September 11, 2014, 2014 CLA 250C 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 13, 2014, to September 25, 2014, and 2014 CLA 45 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 10, 2014, to September 25, 2014. The affected vehicles have fuses that may have been incorrectly installed in the passenger side interior fuse boxes.
The risk
If the fuses were not properly installed, they may lose electrical contact. In the event of a loss of electrical contact, certain systems may be impacted, including the function of the front passenger seat occupancy recognition system, the passenger side air bag indicator lamp, the instrument cluster and the windshield wipers. Should the function of the front passenger seat occupancy recognition system or the passenger side airbag indicator lamp be affected, the risk of injury for passengers in the event of a crash would be increased. Should the function of the instrument cluster and the windshield wipers be affected, the risk of a crash would be increased.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the position and orientation of the fuses, and if necessary, replace the fuse box, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2015. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2015060007.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 43 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (2)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

EA21002

Still open engineering analysis · opened September 17, 2021

the air bags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Front Roof Panel Detachment

PE21001

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened January 8, 2021 · closed October 14, 2021 · led to recall 21V197000

the body structure

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

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 177.

ENGINE 66 37%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 44 25%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 36 20%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 21 12%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 20 11%
POWER TRAIN 20 11%
AIR BAGS 11 6%
STRUCTURE 11 6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10 6%
STEERING 8 5%
VISIBILITY 7 4%
WHEELS 7 4%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2015 at 44.

2013 2015 2026
2013 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ENGINE

1 injured · crash · towed · 40,300 miles

ON THIS DAY, I WAS NEARLY KILLED IN MY 2014 MERCEDES CLA250 4MATIC THAT STALLED ON A HIGHWAY IN NEW YORK CITY. THE CAR HAS ROUGHLY 40,300 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I WAS DRIVING ON THE BROOKLYN QUEENS EXPRESSWAY AT 4:00AM. THE CAR'S MOTOR STALLED AND THE CAR CAME TO A STOP IN THE LEFT LANE. THERE WERE NO SHOULDERS. I ATTEMPTED TO GET THE CAR RESTARTED BUT ALL I GOT WERE FLASHING DASHBOARD LIGHTS. I ATTEMPTED TO PUT UP A WARNING TRIANGLE TO THE REAR OF THE CAR, BUT THE TRAFFIC WAS MOVING TOO QUICKLY FOR ME TO SAFELY DO THAT. I SAT IN MY CAR AND BUCKLED MY SEAT BELT. I CALLED 911 TO ANNOUNCE MY EMERGENCY AND I CONTACTED MY CAR'S INSURER FOR A TOW TRUCK (THEY PROVIDE SUCH A SERVICE). WITHIN

NHTSA complaint 11340450, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 injured · crash · towed

Was driving on a road with 3 lanes .I was in the right lane was switching to middle when my stering and brakes just locked up I was not able to control the car I ended up all the way in the left lane crashed into a car and ended up on the divider

NHTSA complaint 11427684. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 injured · crash · 20,000 miles

PURCHASED A MERCEDES CLA 250C, AND HAVE HAD IT BECAME INOPERATIVE WHILE DRIVING ON THE BELTWAY IN WASHINGTON D.C. TRAFFIC, AND MORE RECENTLY ON THE I-5 IN SAN DIEGO ON 1/21/2017 DURING RAIN AT SPEEDS OF 60+ MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED QUICKLY AND LOST SPEED. THE CONSOLE POPPED UP FLASHING MESSAGE 'PRE-SAFE FUNCTIONS LIMITED' ON THE CONSOLE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR. AFTER COASTING TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER I WAS HIT, BY A PASSING CAR, AND THE MOTORIST KEPT ON GOING.THIS HAD HAPPENED ABOUT 10 TIME, AND I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW. MERCEDES AWARE, YET THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY SAID IF THE ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT ON WE CANT DIAGNOSE IT. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10948978. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 injured · 29,000 miles

EARLY AFTERNOON WHILE JUST DRIVING OFF AN EXIT IN TN. MY SUNROOF EXPLODED CAUSING SHARDS OF GLASS TO FLY INTO MY CAR. I HAD MINOR CUTS ON MY LOWER BACK AND ARM FROM THE GLASS COVERING ME WHILE DRIVING. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO ASSESS WHAT HAPPEN BECAUSE MY INITIAL THOUGHT WAS THAT SOMEONE WAS SHOOTING AT ME. THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT CLAIMING ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT . THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND SO THE DAMAGED COULD NOT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A ROCK OR FALLING OBJECT.

NHTSA complaint 11067174. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

150,000 miles

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal snapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a code reader retrieved information that there was a fault with the SRS sensor. The contact was charged for a diagnostic test and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint 11747420. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The shifter randomly stops working so I could have the car in reverse and not be able to put it in drive and be stuck in traffic or vice versa. I can have the car and drive and not be able to put it in reverse. I'd be stuck in traffic very dangerous.

NHTSA complaint 11726006. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she discovered that the driver's side window was shattered. The sunroof was brown, and there was a hole in the dashboard showing the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught fire; however, the fire extinguished on its own. There were no prior warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The fire department responded and was present at the scene, and disconnected several wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint 11723215. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I own a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 with the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder M270 engine. The check-engine light came on and an OBD-II scan showed fault code P052E / P052E71, which indicates that the valve for crankcase ventilation (PCV / crankcase ventilation valve integrated into the valve cover) has a malfunction and the actuator is blocked. The vehicle is available for inspection and, if the repair is performed, the failed part can be retained. This appears to be the same failure that has been documented by other owners and by Mercedes-Benz on the related M274 engine used in other models (same 2.0L turbo engine family and PCV / crankcase ventilation design, but in a longitudinal layout).

NHTSA complaint 11699978, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
P052e common crankcase ventilator issue mercedez extended warranty for later models for this same consistent issue in all the cars excluding 2014 starting at 2015 vehicles making us pay over $2000 for a fix supposed to be free being that it's all mercedes even the year before Should be a recall along with the hundreds of thousands of people with same issue online same car.

NHTSA complaint 11696266. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE

towed · 100,000 miles

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed excessive rust underneath the rear subframe. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Extended Warranty–Rear Subframe Damage Code: 35441 47. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA complaint 11644909. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2020 19 11
2019 22 6
2018 39 9
2017 27 10
2016 64 8 1
2015 61 7

Other 2014 Mercedes-Benz models

Every Mercedes-Benz on this site — 216 vehicles, 576 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst