The Used Car Index

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 problems

NHTSA lists 20 complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, 1 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 2 complaints mention an injury, with 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 250.

At a glance

Complaints
20
With crash
1
With fire
0
With injury (complaints)
2
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
Recalls
11
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
1,292,258
Investigations
0
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
285

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM525.0%
BACK OVER PREVENTION420.0%
ENGINE420.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER420.0%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM315.0%
STEERING210.0%
AIR BAGS15.0%
EQUIPMENT15.0%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING15.0%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE15.0%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
BACK OVER PREVENTIONSENSING SYSTEM2
BACK OVER PREVENTIONREARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING1
BACK OVER PREVENTIONWARNINGS1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEWARNINGS1
VISIBILITYSUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
mechanical failure630.0%0.81
unclear525.0%0.98
visibility or lighting315.0%0.81
electrical electronic210.0%0.72
fluid or fuel leak15.0%1.00
loss of control15.0%0.74
restraint or airbag15.0%0.93
structural or corrosion15.0%0.67
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
low945.0%0.63
moderate735.0%0.82
high315.0%0.85
none15.0%1.00

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 20 tagged complaints of 20 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

11 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 11.

26V481000

Date: 2026-07-24. Systems: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging aut (excerpt)

Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NH (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

23V732000

Date: 2023-11-01. Systems: EQUIPMENT, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re (excerpt)

Consequence: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V365000

Date: 2022-05-20. Systems: COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connecti (excerpt)

Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V232000

Date: 2022-04-08. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the req (excerpt)

Consequence: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V989000

Date: 2021-12-17. Systems: STEERING.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2020 CLA250 vehicle. The power supply connection to the electric power steering may have been contaminated with melted adhesive, which can cause the power steering assist to fail while driving.

Consequence: A sudden loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: A dealer will inspect and repair the power supply connection, as necessary, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed January 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021120016.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V961000

Date: 2021-12-13. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which c (excerpt)

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. (excerpt)

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V354000

Date: 2021-05-14. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This coul (excerpt)

Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V072000

Date: 2021-02-12. Systems: COMMUNICATION.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GL (excerpt)

Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

21V058000

Date: 2021-02-05. Systems: COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct veh (excerpt)

Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

20V089000

Date: 2020-02-14. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead cont (excerpt)

Consequence: If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

0 investigations; 0 open.

Manufacturer communications

285 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM148
EQUIPMENT33
POWER TRAIN24
STEERING21
STRUCTURE17
ENGINE14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER13

11038188

Date: 2026-09-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.

Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.

11038186

Date: 2026-09-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibra

11038174

Date: 2026-09-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old stationa s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head Unit application to fail to overwrite the

11037210

Date: 2026-08-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Complaint Temporary no start condition with check engine light and multiple warning messages. When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3/14 a Transmission control for 8a speed duala clutch transmission (DKG): P24F100 The wakea up line of the control unit has a short

11037211

Date: 2026-08-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur in all drive modes. Cause Duala clutch tr

11036511

Date: 2026-08-24. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE.

Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a res

11036999

Date: 2026-08-15. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.

Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the

11036142

Date: 2026-08-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide.

11036101

Date: 2026-08-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. a ? If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary

11035490

Date: 2026-07-31. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.

This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (a

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
CLA 25020

Same model, other years

All model years | All Mercedes-Benz models

Other Mercedes-Benz models, 2020

Sources

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