Mercedes-Benz Cla250 Best and Worst Years (2012–2025)
Avoid the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, with 2014 the worst at a complaint index of 100 and 179 complaints. The 2013 model is the best year, with just 9 complaints and an index of 15.
- Model years
- 14
- 2012–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 448
- Recall campaigns
- 27
- Crashes reported
- 26
- Fires reported
- 5
- Top problem area
- Engine
Cla250 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Mercedes-Benz Cla250 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Good | 31 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2013 | Best | 15 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2014 | Avoid | 100 | 179 | 5 | 3 | 6 | Engine | 28.5 | — |
| 2015 | Avoid | 85 | 61 | 5 | 0 | 7 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2016 | Avoid | 92 | 66 | 5 | 1 | 8 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2017 | Good | 46 | 27 | 2 | 0 | 10 | Electrical System | 27 | — |
| 2018 | Avoid | 77 | 40 | 2 | 1 | 9 | Electrical System | 27 | — |
| 2019 | Caution | 62 | 22 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2020 | Caution | 54 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 11 | Electrical System | 27.5 | — |
| 2021 | Good | 38 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 5 | Engine | 28 | — |
| 2022 | No verdict | 23 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Structure & Body | 28 | — |
| 2023 | Caution | 69 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 28 | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 29 | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 29.5 | — |
Cla250 years to avoid: what went wrong
2014 Mercedes-Benz Cla250 Index 100 · 179 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2014 CLA250 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year, with 179 complaints, 6 recalls, 5 crashes, 3 fires, and 6 injuries. Engine problems make up half of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 14,720 miles. Electrical system issues (25%) failed around 15,000 miles, and brake complaints (15%) occurred near 13,334 miles. Owners describe stalling at highway speeds, brake systems that stopped responding, and a wheel that detached while driving. Transmission and powertrain complaints (11%) also failed early, near 14,261 miles.
2014 engine problems →2014 electrical system problems →2014 brakes problems →
2016 Mercedes-Benz Cla250 Index 92 · 66 complaints · 8 recalls
The 2016 CLA250 has a complaint index of 92 from 66 complaints, 8 recalls, 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 death. Engine complaints (24%) had a median failure mileage of 45,000 miles, while airbags (20%) failed near 29,000 miles. Owners describe airbags failing to deploy in crashes and an automatic braking system that reportedly did not activate. A Takata airbag recall and a communication module software recall also apply to this year. Electrical system complaints (12%) occurred around 40,000 miles.
2015 Mercedes-Benz Cla250 Index 85 · 61 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2015 model carries a complaint index of 85 with 61 complaints, 7 recalls, 5 crashes, and 4 injuries. Engine issues account for 28% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 36,107 miles. Airbag complaints (13%) failed around 34,500 miles, and owners describe airbags that did not deploy in crashes. A recall covers an Occupant Classification System that may have been miscalibrated, potentially preventing correct airbag deployment. Structure & Body complaints (13%) surfaced near 46,000 miles.
2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla250 Index 77 · 40 complaints · 9 recalls
The 2018 model has a complaint index of 77 from 40 complaints, 9 recalls, 2 crashes, and 1 fire. Electrical system problems lead at 25% of complaints, with a notably low median failure mileage of 3,274 miles. Owners describe the car unexpectedly shifting into neutral with dashboard warnings to contact the dealer. Airbag complaints (20%) failed near 42,730 miles, including reports of non-deployment in crashes. Structure & Body complaints (18%) occurred around 32,025 miles.
Most common Mercedes-Benz Cla250 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine151 (34%)
- Electrical System90 (20%)
- Other90 (20%)
- Airbags57 (13%)
- Structure & Body45 (10%)
- Brakes39 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain38 (8%)
- Fuel System34 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires28 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers24 (5%)
Frequently asked questions
- What is the worst year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
- The 2014 CLA250 is the worst year, with a complaint index of 100, 179 complaints, 6 recalls, and 3 fires reported to NHTSA.
- What year Mercedes-Benz CLA250 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018 CLA250. These years have complaint indexes of 100, 85, 92, and 77 respectively, well above the best year.
- Which Mercedes-Benz CLA250 year is the best?
- The 2013 CLA250 is rated Best, with only 9 complaints, no recalls, and a complaint index of 15, the lowest of any year with data.
- Are there engine problems with the CLA250?
- Engine problems are the top issue overall, making up 34% of all 448 complaints across all years, with 2014 the worst affected at 89 engine complaints failing near 14,720 miles.
- Does the CLA250 have airbag recalls?
- Yes. The 2015-2018 CLA250 is covered by recall 19V892000 for an Occupant Classification System that may have been improperly calibrated, potentially preventing correct airbag deployment.