According to Au7o's analysis of 1,600+ owner reports, the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA has 21 documented known issues, with 9 rated critical. The most serious are Panoramic Roof Front Panel Detachment — Safety Recall, Electric Power Steering 'Power Steering Malfunction' Warning and Loss of Assist (Steering Rack / Torque Sensor) ($300-$3,500 repair), CLA45 AMG M133 Turbocharger Bearing Failure from Oil Feed Line Contamination — Service Campaign 2014120001 ($0-$5,000 repair), M270/M274 Camshaft Breakage from Defective Weld (Engine Stall) — Safety Recall ($0-$0 repair), 7G-DCT (724.0) Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder and Mechatronics Failure ($250-$3,200 repair), Front Passenger Seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) Miscalibration — Safety Recall 19V-892 ($0-$0 repair), 4MATIC Rear Differential Premature Internal Wear and Clunking/Whine (C117).
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,600+ owner reports, the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA has 21 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Panoramic Roof Front Panel Detachment — Safety Recall, Electric Power Steering 'Power Steering Malfunction' Warning and Loss of Assist (Steering Rack / Torque Sensor), CLA45 AMG M133 Turbocharger Bearing Failure from Oil Feed Line Contamination — Service Campaign 2014120001. Of these, 9 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?
The 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA has 21 known issues documented across 1,600+ owner reports. 9 issues are rated critical: Panoramic Roof Front Panel Detachment — Safety Recall and Electric Power Steering 'Power Steering Malfunction' Warning and Loss of Assist (Steering Rack / Torque Sensor) and CLA45 AMG M133 Turbocharger Bearing Failure from Oil Feed Line Contamination — Service Campaign 2014120001 and M270/M274 Camshaft Breakage from Defective Weld (Engine Stall) — Safety Recall and 7G-DCT (724.0) Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder and Mechatronics Failure and Front Passenger Seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) Miscalibration — Safety Recall 19V-892 and 4MATIC Rear Differential Premature Internal Wear and Clunking/Whine (C117) and Inadvertent Driver Airbag Deployment from Broken Clock Spring and Insufficient Steering Column Grounding — Safety Recall 17V-627 and Driver's Door Lock Micro-Switch Corrosion Defeats Auto-Park Brake — Rollaway Recall 26V-481 (C118). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes-Benz CLA problems?
Repair costs for known Mercedes-Benz CLA issues range from $0 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Mercedes-Benz CLA is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA with 21 documented issues documented across 1,600+ owner reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
Filter:
Mercedes-Benz AG determined that on certain MY2015-2018 CLA (117 platform) vehicles the calibration of the front-passenger Occupant Classification System might not meet production specification because seat supplier Adient installed some seats with incorrect OCS calibration parameters. A child seat could be classified as an adult occupant (airbag stays ON with a child seat mounted) or a small, light adult could be classified as a child seat (airbag OFF with a person seated). The affected US population is 2015-2018 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC and 2017-2018 CLA45 AMG; MB internal recall number 2020060012.
Common Symptoms
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF lamp with an adult seated
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON lamp with a child seat installed
No symptom in many cases — status only visible on the console lamp
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer replaces the front passenger seat cushion with one carrying the correct OCS calibration parameters (seat cushion part numbers A1179100001 family). Check the VIN at mbusa.com/recall or nhtsa.gov; watch the PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF lamp for implausible status in the meantime.
Daimler determined that on 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA45 AMG 4MATIC (117 platform, alongside C-, E-, GLA-, GLC-, GLK- and B-Class electric) an electrostatic discharge, combined with a worn/broken steering column module clock spring and insufficient grounding of the steering components, could trigger an inadvertent driver airbag deployment. A broken clock spring first shows up as a driver-airbag warning message and the red SRS lamp. The recall covered 495,290 vehicles across models with an estimated 1% defect rate; MB's investigation traced five field reports of unintended deployment.
Common Symptoms
Red SRS/airbag warning lamp
Driver airbag malfunction message in the instrument cluster
Horn or steering-wheel control faults consistent with a failing clock spring
Unintended driver airbag deployment (rare)
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers add sufficient grounding to the steering column/steering components. Any car showing the SRS lamp with a driver-airbag fault should have the clock spring (steering column module) inspected and replaced, and the grounding recall completed, before the fault can combine into a deployment.
NHTSA acknowledged on July 29, 2026 a Mercedes-Benz USA recall of 310,667 vehicles including 2020-2021 CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC, AMG CLA35 and AMG CLA45 (plus 2019-2022 A-Class, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2023-2024 GLC and 2024 CLE). The housing material of the micro-switch inside the driver's door lock is susceptible to moisture permeation; over time it corrodes and stops detecting an open driver door, so the electronic parking brake / 'Auto-Park' function does not engage automatically when the driver gets out, creating a rollaway risk.
Common Symptoms
Vehicle does not auto-engage the parking brake when the driver door opens
Door-ajar warning not shown with driver door open
Interior lights or lock logic not responding to driver door
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers replace the driver's door lock with a lock meeting the moisture-robustness requirement. Owner letters were scheduled for September 18, 2026 and VINs searchable on nhtsa.gov from July 31, 2026. Until repaired, set the parking brake manually and shift to P before exiting.
On 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG (C117, M133 2.0L turbo) Mercedes-Benz USA opened Service Campaign 2014120001 in January 2015 after turbochargers failed prematurely because contamination in the turbo oil feed line starved the shaft bearings. Dealers measure turbo shaft axial play; more than 0.08 mm indicates bearing wear and the turbo plus oil feed lines are replaced. The estimated replacement rate was 25 percent. Owner threads on mercedescla.org and MBWorld describe two waves of the campaign, sudden power loss, whining and smoke, and dealers replacing turbos under warranty. Not a safety recall, so it was done at the next dealer visit rather than by mandatory notice; this is distinct from the M270 turbo oil-seal leak already documented on the CLA250.
Common Symptoms
Sudden loss of boost and power
Whining or siren noise from the turbo
Blue/white smoke from exhaust
Check engine light with underboost fault
Excessive turbo shaft play on inspection
How to Fix
Have a dealer perform the campaign check (axial play measurement); if out of tolerance the turbocharger and oil feed/return lines are replaced under the campaign or warranty. Out of warranty, replace the turbo with new oil lines (never reuse contaminated lines) — roughly $3,000-5,000 at independent shops.
On certain 2015-2016 CLA-Class cars with the 2.0L turbo M270/M274 engine, one or both camshafts were manufactured with a weld outside specification. The defective weld can fail and cause the camshaft to break, damaging the engine, causing sudden loss of power and an engine stall while driving. This is the subject of NHTSA safety recall 15V662 (covering CLA, GLA and SLK). Separately, owners more broadly report camshaft-adjuster rattle/wear on these engines that should not be confused with the recalled welded-camshaft defect.
Common Symptoms
Sudden loss of engine power
Engine stall while driving
Rough running / misfire
Metallic rattle/clatter from top of engine
How to Fix
Check the VIN against NHTSA recall 15V662; affected cars receive a free camshaft inspection and replacement at a Mercedes dealer. Any cold-start metallic clatter that persists more than a few seconds or rough running/misfire on an M270/M274 warrants prompt inspection of the camshafts and timing/adjuster components before catastrophic failure.
The M270 2.0L turbo engine develops oil leaks from the turbo oil feed and return lines. Oil drips onto the hot exhaust manifold, producing smoke and a burning oil smell. The turbo oil return line gasket is the most common leak point.
Common Symptoms
Burning oil smell after driving
Smoke visible from engine bay
How to Fix
Replace the turbo oil return line gasket and o-rings. Clean all oil residue from the exhaust to stop the burning smell. Use new crush washers on the banjo bolt fittings.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Upper M270 turbo oil-return flange sealing branch after the exact leak point is confirmed Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page identifies Elring 902.370 / 274096010064 and lists both CLA250 Sedan 117.344 and CLA250 4Matic 117.…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
TipCheck the oil level every 1,000 miles if you notice a burning smell. The leak is slow but steady, and running low on oil with a turbo engine is catastrophic.
Medium Confidence900 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jun 2025Reviewed Mar 2026
Mercedes recalls 21V-197 and 23V-854 establish that the bonded front stationary panel on certain 2014-2020 CLA panoramic roofs may not have been installed correctly during prior repair. Bonding adhesion can deteriorate, allowing partial or complete panel detachment and increasing crash or injury risk. The campaigns are VIN-specific and do not establish that every vehicle in the frozen year range is affected.
Common Symptoms
VIN recall status checked
front stationary panoramic-roof panel inspected by an authorized dealer
vehicle use discussed with the dealer if panel movement or separation is visible
How to Fix
Check the VIN for open Mercedes-Benz roof-panel recall campaigns. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer must inspect the stationary panel and, when required, remove and replace it using the approved repair process at no charge under the recall. Do not buy or self-install a roof panel or adhesive from this page; eligibility, panel construction and remedy are VIN-controlled dealer recall work.
First-generation CLA250 owners report the dash message 'Power Steering Malfunction – see Owner's Manual' with the wheel suddenly becoming very heavy, often on cold mornings or right after start. The CLA uses a fully electric rack (no hydraulic fluid) so the fault is electrical: dealers most often replace the complete steering rack/EPS unit, with torque-sensor or steering-angle-sensor faults and low battery voltage as the other findings. Multiple mercedescla.org threads from 2014-2018 cars document the same message, and one owner's fix required the rack under warranty. Weak 12V batteries in cold weather can trigger the warning spuriously, so battery testing is the first check.
Common Symptoms
'Power Steering Malfunction – see Owner's Manual' message
Steering suddenly heavy / loss of power assist
Warning appears at cold start or in cold weather
Intermittent return of assist after restart
How to Fix
Read EPS fault codes with a Mercedes-capable scanner. Load-test and replace the 12V battery if weak (a common cold-weather trigger). If the rack's torque sensor or motor is at fault, replace the electric steering rack (approx. $1,800-3,500 at a dealer, less with a reman unit) and perform steering-angle sensor calibration. Warranty/CPO coverage applies if in term; no recall.
The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (7G-DCT, transmission code 724.0) fitted to CLA 200/220/250 models develops a noticeable shudder or jolt during low-speed engagement and when shifting from 2nd to 3rd under moderate throttle. Causes include wet multi-plate clutch wear, degraded/contaminated transmission fluid, and failure of the electronic mechatronics (valve body/TCM) unit that controls clutch pressures and gear engagement. Owners also report hard or delayed engagement when coming to a stop and shifting into P/N/R, plus jerky take-off. The DCT is highly sensitive to fluid condition (MB spec 236.21) and outdated control software.
Common Symptoms
Shudder/vibration at low speed
Jolt between 2nd and 3rd gear
Hard or delayed engagement into P/N/R when stopping
Jerky take-off
Slipping or hesitation
How to Fix
Start with a transmission service: full fluid + filter change using MB 236.21 spec oil (recommended every ~60,000 km / 40k miles) and a TCM software update plus clutch adaptation/relearn. Persistent shudder or slipping requires clutch pack replacement; electronic shifting faults and adaptation failures typically require mechatronics (valve body) repair or replacement.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
BLAU/Ravenol complete 724.0 DCT fluid and filter service kit F2A1503-A
OEMBlauparts F2A1503-A
Complete fluid/filter maintenance branch after confirming a 724.0 unit Fitment/availability: The inspected direct product page explicitly fits 2014-2018 Mercedes CLA250 with 724.0 7G-DCT and includes six liters of Ravenol DCT-HV meeting …
On first-generation (C117, 2014-2019) CLA250 4MATIC and CLA45 AMG cars the electronically coupled rear differential (with its engagement solenoid on the front-left of the housing) wears internally well before 100k miles. Owners describe a whirring/whine that grows with speed, and a clunk, click or pop from the rear when slowing, accelerating or turning from a stop. Dealers diagnose it quickly as the differential; Mercedes supplies the unit only as a remanufactured complete assembly and forum reports put dealer replacement around $6,000, with owners citing failures between roughly 20k and 80k miles. One forum poster relayed a service manager's view that the diff and gearbox were under-engineered for the CLA45's output.
Common Symptoms
Whirring or whining noise from the rear that increases with speed
Clunk, click or pop from the rear axle when slowing, accelerating or turning
Knock-knock sound from rear at low speed
Stutter or judder in corners and under braking
Noise stops when differential solenoid is unplugged
How to Fix
Replace the rear differential assembly (remanufactured unit from Mercedes, or an aftermarket/reman unit around $2,500 installed independently). Owners report unplugging the differential solenoid silences the noise as a stop-gap by keeping the rear axle disengaged, and some have used fluid changes with a friction-modifier additive to reduce noise, but these are not repairs. Check for goodwill on in-warranty or CPO cars; there is no recall.
C117 CLA owners on MBWorld and mercedescla.org report condensation and standing water inside the headlamp housings, followed by an intermittent or dead low beam and a dead LED daytime running light strip. The housing seal fails, water reaches the ballast/LED control module mounted in the lamp, and the module shorts. Cases include a 2014 CLA250 with right low beam and DRL out and a 2016 CLA45 with a water-killed left headlamp. Mercedes does not sell the seal or module separately in most cases, so out-of-warranty owners face a complete headlamp assembly.
Common Symptoms
Condensation or water pooled inside the headlamp
Low beam works intermittently or not at all
LED daytime running light strip dark on one side
Headlamp fault message on the cluster
How to Fix
If under warranty, the dealer replaces the headlamp assembly. Out of warranty: replace the failed LED/xenon control module (some are serviceable on the back of the lamp) and reseal the housing, or replace the assembly (roughly $800-2,500 per side). Verify the fuse and connector first; adding a desiccant pack and resealing the rear caps is an interim measure for mild fogging.
Both CLA generations have been recalled three times for the telematics/communication module that places the automatic emergency call. 19V-787 (Nov 2019): on 2014-2016 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA45 AMG (117 platform) a supplier software fault caused the module's GPS-derived date/time to drift from Nov 4, 2019, so vehicle position could be delayed or impossible and an inaccurate location sent to the emergency center; 24,226 vehicles remained after OTA updates. 21V-058 (Mar 2021): on MY2016-2021 CLA (and many other lines) the module could report an incorrect location because a temporary voltage drop in a crash disturbed position handling. 22V-365 (MB campaign 2023110006, letters July 2024): on 2019-2022 CLA the SIM card software could disable itself, preventing any mobile-network connection so manual and automatic eCall are unavailable.
Common Symptoms
Mercedes me / connectivity services offline
eCall or SOS button unavailable message
No visible symptom — module reports wrong position only during an emergency call
How to Fix
All three are free recall remedies: over-the-air software update where possible, otherwise the dealer updates the communication module software; for 22V-365 the dealer updates the SIM software or replaces the communication module if necessary (1-4 hours). Check the VIN at mbusa.com/recall — a used CLA may have one campaign done and another still open.
On second-generation CLA (118 platform) — 2020 CLA250 Coupe (10,277 US cars) and 2020-2021 AMG CLA35 and CLA45 — a rearview camera software deviation can leave the central display black when reverse is selected, so no rear image appears, violating FMVSS 111. Mercedes could not systematically reproduce the fault but found isolated field cases on both the original and the first improved software release; production was corrected from May 26, 2021. The recall, submitted April 8, 2022, covers 126,443 vehicles across CLA, A, C, E, CLS, GLA/GLB, GLC, GLE/GLS and EQC.
Common Symptoms
Center display goes black when reverse is selected
Rearview camera image missing or intermittent
Display reboots when shifting to reverse
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: the dealer checks the installed version and updates the rearview camera software (remedy part A0009020660) to current production specification. Owners who paid for a fix before notification can claim reimbursement.
Mercedes XENTRY LI82.85-P-055695 directly includes model 117 and documents a COMAND unit that does not start, cannot be operated or leaves the display dark. The condition may clear after more than six hours or a brief power interruption; the identified cause is the COMAND software release. The bulletin does not establish Bluetooth-specific failure, rear-camera failure or a need to replace the head unit.
Common Symptoms
COMAND does not start or cannot be operated
display remains dark
condition may clear after a long idle period or brief power interruption
How to Fix
Preserve the exact symptom and software version. For an applicable model-117 vehicle, follow LI82.85-P-055695: a brief circuit-30 interruption is only a temporary recovery step, followed by the specified COMAND software update. Do not buy a head unit, display, camera or amplifier from this page; the bulletin expressly says not to replace the COMAND unit for this condition.
High ConfidenceVerifiedLast reported by owners May 2025Reviewed Aug 2026
CLA owners frequently see an 'Auxiliary Battery Malfunction' message on the dash. The CLA uses a small secondary 12V battery to support electronics and the start/stop system; it typically degrades after roughly 4-6 years. A weak auxiliary battery, or a charging fault (alternator/voltage regulator, loose connections), triggers the warning and can cause intermittent electrical glitches in the infotainment, lighting and start/stop function, sometimes with a stored 9062 fault.
Common Symptoms
'Auxiliary Battery Malfunction' dash message
Intermittent infotainment/electrical glitches
Start/stop system inoperative
Flickering lights
How to Fix
Test and replace the auxiliary battery (a low-cost part located near/behind the engine bay fuse area); clear codes after replacement. If the warning returns, diagnose the charging system — check alternator/voltage regulator output and clean/secure ground and battery connections. Verify the main starter battery health at the same time, as it is the CLA's most common breakdown cause per ADAC data.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
CLA owners report a check engine light with P0128 (coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature): the gauge sits low, cabin heat is weak and fuel economy drops because the map-controlled thermostat fails open. On the M270 CLA250 the thermostat sits behind the water pump so labor is significant, and dealers have replaced the thermostat under warranty after a second visit. On the M133 CLA45 the job is worse: a 2018 CLA45 owner was quoted about $3,600 because the dealer booked 9 hours of labor. Related codes P0597 (thermostat heater control) appear alongside P0128 on some cars.
Common Symptoms
Check engine light with P0128
Temperature gauge stays low or takes very long to rise
Weak cabin heat
Reduced fuel economy
P0597 thermostat heater fault on some cars
How to Fix
Confirm with live data that coolant temperature stalls below ~80 C. Replace the thermostat (and housing/seal) with the current Mercedes part and clear codes; check the coolant temperature sensor and coolant level if the code returns. Independent M270 replacement is typically $400-900; the M133 is far more labor-intensive. Warranty applies if in term.
Owners of first-generation CLA250s report water pump failure on the M270 2.0T well inside typical service life — one MBWorld reviewer's pump failed at about 36,000 miles, and mercedescla.org threads describe coolant loss, overheating warnings and a pump found leaking at the weep hole. Because the pump is driven off the timing chain side of the engine and shares its housing area with the thermostat, labor dominates the bill: an owner complaint on file records roughly $1,400 with 8 hours of labor.
Common Symptoms
Coolant level dropping with no visible hose leak
Coolant smell or puddle under the engine
Overheating warning or high temperature gauge
Whining/grinding from the pump bearing
How to Fix
Pressure-test the cooling system and inspect the water pump weep hole and the area behind the pump. Replace the water pump with a new gasket/seals and fresh MB-spec coolant, and replace the thermostat at the same time since access overlaps. Under 4yr/50k warranty this is covered; out of warranty expect roughly $900-1,500.
CLA owners report water collecting in the trunk and pooling in the rear footwells, sometimes enough to soak carpets and risk corrosion and electrical faults. A common path is poorly sealing rear pressure-relief vent flaps and water tracking down inside the trunk lid around the tail-light cluster, then into the body. Owners also cite weak factory seam sealer on spot-welded roof/rear upper body panels and door seals that let rainwater seep onto sills.
Common Symptoms
Water in trunk/spare-wheel well
Wet rear footwell carpet
Damp/musty smell in cabin
Water streaks on door sills/running boards
How to Fix
Trace the leak: re-seal or replace the rear vent (pressure-equalization) flaps, reseal the tail-light gaskets and trunk-lid drain/seam areas with appropriate sealant, and inspect/replace door and trunk weatherstrips. Dry out saturated carpet/insulation to prevent mildew and corrosion, and check for related water damage to rear electrical modules.
CLA owners report rear brake pads and rotors wearing out before the fronts, with early 'Check Brake Pad Wear' warnings (some as low as ~50k miles) and rear rotor warping/vibration. A commonly cited root cause is the rear caliper piston sticking/dragging — a problem owners and independent mechanics say Mercedes is aware of on CLA and C-Class — which keeps the pad in contact with the rotor, accelerating wear and causing noise. Brake squeal from glazed rotors/worn pads is also common.
Common Symptoms
Early 'Check Brake Pad Wear' warning
Rear pads/rotors wearing before fronts
Brake squeal/grinding
Vibration or pulsation when braking
Warped rear rotors
How to Fix
Replace rear pads and rotors together (new pads on warped/grooved rotors stay noisy), and service or replace any sticking caliper — clean and lubricate slide pins and the piston, or rebuild/replace the caliper if the piston is seized. Apply brake grease to the pad backing/contact points to reduce squeal. Confirm the parking-brake actuator (electric on later cars) is releasing fully.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
C117 CLA250 rear pads/rotors after measured replacement need and exact brake-option confirmation Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page identifies kit 2464230112 for CLA250/GLA250, includes Zimmermann rotors and genuine Mercedes…
Zimmermann/Genuine Mercedes 320x12 mm rear brake kit 2474230312
OEMFCP Euro KIT-2474230312RKT
C118 CLA250 320x12-mm solid rear-disc branch after measurements and exact option confirmation Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page identifies kit 2474230312 with unventilated 320x12-mm rotors, genuine pads and required hardwar…
The front struts and strut mount bearings develop clunking and creaking noises over bumps. The CLA shares its platform with the A-Class and both suffer from the same strut mount bearing wear issue, especially on models with sport suspension.
Common Symptoms
Clunking from front end over bumps
Creaking when turning the steering wheel while parked
How to Fix
Replace the front strut mount bearings first as the cheapest fix. If noise remains, replace the full strut assemblies with OEM or Sachs replacements. Alignment required after strut replacement.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Febi Bilstein front strut-mount bearing 2049810025
OEMFebi Bilstein 29475 / Mercedes 204-981-00-25
C117 first-generation CLA250 4Matic bearing branch after upper-bearing noise is confirmed Fitment/availability: The inspected direct product page explicitly fits 2014-2019 CLA250 4Matic 117.346, positions front left/right, quantity two, …
Genuine Mercedes-Benz front strut bearing 218-321-00-83
OEMMercedes-Benz 218-321-00-83
C118 2020-2023 CLA250/CLA35/CLA45 bearing branch after upper-bearing failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: The inspected direct product result identifies genuine 218-321-00-83 and fitment for 2020-2023 CLA250, CLA35 AMG and CLA45 AMG.
Medium Confidence700 owner reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2025Reviewed Mar 2026
A widely repeated C117 complaint: the front seat belt webbing rubs the B-pillar trim as it retracts, fraying and marring the pillar cover, while the plastic belt guide clip rattles against the trim over bumps. Owners on mercedescla.org describe dealers replacing both B-pillar trims and fitting redesigned belt clamps with a stiffer lip, which cures both the chafing and the rattle. It is cosmetic but recurs if the original clip design is reinstalled.
Common Symptoms
Frayed or scuffed B-pillar trim where the belt runs
Rattle from the B-pillar over bumps
Seat belt webbing edge wear
How to Fix
Dealer replaces the B-pillar trim panels and the seat belt guide clips with the revised stiffer, lipped design; covered under warranty on in-term cars. Out of warranty the updated clips are inexpensive and the trims are the main cost.
What is the 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Panoramic Roof Front Panel Detachment — Safety Recall?
Mercedes recalls 21V-197 and 23V-854 establish that the bonded front stationary panel on certain 2014-2020 CLA panoramic roofs may not have been installed correctly during prior repair. Bonding adhesion can deteriorate, allowing partial or complete panel detachment and increasing… Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Power Steering 'Power Steering Malfunction' Warning and Loss of Assist (Steering Rack / Torque Sensor)?
First-generation CLA250 owners report the dash message 'Power Steering Malfunction – see Owner's Manual' with the wheel suddenly becoming very heavy, often on cold mornings or right after start. The CLA uses a fully electric rack (no hydraulic fluid) so the fault is electrical: d… Repairs typically run $300-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA45 AMG M133 Turbocharger Bearing Failure from Oil Feed Line Contamination — Service Campaign 2014120001?
On 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG (C117, M133 2.0L turbo) Mercedes-Benz USA opened Service Campaign 2014120001 in January 2015 after turbochargers failed prematurely because contamination in the turbo oil feed line starved the shaft bearings. Dealers measure turbo shaft axial play; more tha… Repairs typically run $0-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA M270/M274 Camshaft Breakage from Defective Weld (Engine Stall) — Safety Recall?
On certain 2015-2016 CLA-Class cars with the 2.0L turbo M270/M274 engine, one or both camshafts were manufactured with a weld outside specification. The defective weld can fail and cause the camshaft to break, damaging the engine, causing sudden loss of power and an engine stall… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 7G-DCT (724.0) Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder and Mechatronics Failure?
The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (7G-DCT, transmission code 724.0) fitted to CLA 200/220/250 models develops a noticeable shudder or jolt during low-speed engagement and when shifting from 2nd to 3rd under moderate throttle. Causes include wet multi-plate clutch wear, degraded/c… Repairs typically run $250-$3,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Front Passenger Seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) Miscalibration — Safety Recall 19V-892?
Mercedes-Benz AG determined that on certain MY2015-2018 CLA (117 platform) vehicles the calibration of the front-passenger Occupant Classification System might not meet production specification because seat supplier Adient installed some seats with incorrect OCS calibration param… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 4MATIC Rear Differential Premature Internal Wear and Clunking/Whine (C117)?
On first-generation (C117, 2014-2019) CLA250 4MATIC and CLA45 AMG cars the electronically coupled rear differential (with its engagement solenoid on the front-left of the housing) wears internally well before 100k miles. Owners describe a whirring/whine that grows with speed, and… Repairs typically run $2,500-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Inadvertent Driver Airbag Deployment from Broken Clock Spring and Insufficient Steering Column Grounding — Safety Recall 17V-627?
Daimler determined that on 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA45 AMG 4MATIC (117 platform, alongside C-, E-, GLA-, GLC-, GLK- and B-Class electric) an electrostatic discharge, combined with a worn/broken steering column module clock spring and insufficient grounding of the st… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Driver's Door Lock Micro-Switch Corrosion Defeats Auto-Park Brake — Rollaway Recall 26V-481 (C118)?
NHTSA acknowledged on July 29, 2026 a Mercedes-Benz USA recall of 310,667 vehicles including 2020-2021 CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC, AMG CLA35 and AMG CLA45 (plus 2019-2022 A-Class, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2023-2024 GLC and 2024 CLE). The housing material of the micro-sw… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Turbo Oil Leak (M270)?
The M270 2.0L turbo engine develops oil leaks from the turbo oil feed and return lines. Oil drips onto the hot exhaust manifold, producing smoke and a burning oil smell. The turbo oil return line gasket is the most common leak point. Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Headlight Moisture Intrusion and LED DRL / Xenon Control Module Failure (C117)?
C117 CLA owners on MBWorld and mercedescla.org report condensation and standing water inside the headlamp housings, followed by an intermittent or dead low beam and a dead LED daytime running light strip. The housing seal fails, water reaches the ballast/LED control module mounte… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA Water Leaks into Trunk and Rear Footwell (Vent Flap / Seam Sealing)?
CLA owners report water collecting in the trunk and pooling in the rear footwells, sometimes enough to soak carpets and risk corrosion and electrical faults. A common path is poorly sealing rear pressure-relief vent flaps and water tracking down inside the trunk lid around the ta… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA Premature Rear Brake Wear and Caliper Piston Sticking?
CLA owners report rear brake pads and rotors wearing out before the fronts, with early 'Check Brake Pad Wear' warnings (some as low as ~50k miles) and rear rotor warping/vibration. A commonly cited root cause is the rear caliper piston sticking/dragging — a problem owners and ind… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Coolant Thermostat Stuck Open — P0128 Check Engine Light and Engine Never Reaching Temperature?
CLA owners report a check engine light with P0128 (coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature): the gauge sits low, cabin heat is weak and fuel economy drops because the map-controlled thermostat fails open. On the M270 CLA250 the thermostat sits behind the water… Repairs typically run $400-$3,600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA M270 Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak at Low Mileage (CLA250)?
Owners of first-generation CLA250s report water pump failure on the M270 2.0T well inside typical service life — one MBWorld reviewer's pump failed at about 36,000 miles, and mercedescla.org threads describe coolant loss, overheating warnings and a pump found leaking at the weep… Repairs typically run $900-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA eCall Communication Module Software Faults — Wrong Crash Location or No Network (Recalls 19V-787, 21V-058, 22V-365)?
Both CLA generations have been recalled three times for the telematics/communication module that places the automatic emergency call. 19V-787 (Nov 2019): on 2014-2016 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA45 AMG (117 platform) a supplier software fault caused the module's GPS-derived date… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Rearview Camera Image Fails to Display (Black Screen) — Software Recall 22V-232 (C118)?
On second-generation CLA (118 platform) — 2020 CLA250 Coupe (10,277 US cars) and 2020-2021 AMG CLA35 and CLA45 — a rearview camera software deviation can leave the central display black when reverse is selected, so no rear image appears, violating FMVSS 111. Mercedes could not sy… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA Front Suspension Strut Noise?
The front struts and strut mount bearings develop clunking and creaking noises over bumps. The CLA shares its platform with the A-Class and both suffer from the same strut mount bearing wear issue, especially on models with sport suspension. Repairs typically run $200-$1,000. Severity: low.
What is the 2014-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA COMAND Infotainment Freeze?
Mercedes XENTRY LI82.85-P-055695 directly includes model 117 and documents a COMAND unit that does not start, cannot be operated or leaves the display dark. The condition may clear after more than six hours or a brief power interruption; the identified cause is the COMAND softwar… Severity: low.
What is the 2014-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA Auxiliary (Backup) Battery Malfunction Warning?
CLA owners frequently see an 'Auxiliary Battery Malfunction' message on the dash. The CLA uses a small secondary 12V battery to support electronics and the start/stop system; it typically degrades after roughly 4-6 years. A weak auxiliary battery, or a charging fault (alternator/… Repairs typically run $80-$400. Severity: low.
