2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

AIR BAGS

5 complaints

The airbag spontaneously deployed while driving. No impact with any other vehicle and no previous damage.

Feb 02, 2023

Injuries: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ C300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY MADE A LEFT TURN INTO THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF HER VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO ACCELERATE AND JUMP THE CURB EVENTUALLY COMING TO A STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HOWEVER AN AIR BAG MALFUNCTION WARNING ALERT ILLUMINATED. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND THE WHOLE DRIVER SIDE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FOUR BROKEN TEETH, EYE DAMAGE, TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, SHOULDER DAMAGE, SEIZURES, AND SPEECH DAMAGE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNDRIVABLE HOWEVER REPAIRABLE BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AS THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

May 29, 2020

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER SIX MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF TACOMA, 1701 ALEXANDER AVE E C, FIFE, WA 98424) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Apr 10, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF SILVER SPRING IN SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mar 29, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V62700 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, IT WOULD CAUSE INJURY TO HER FAMILY. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF PALM BEACH, 400 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Dec 01, 2017

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

Component or System That Failed or Malfunctioned: The component that failed was the partial-load ventilation valve, which is part of the engine’s crankcase ventilation system. This valve is responsible for regulating airflow and pressure within the crankcase during partial engine loads. A malfunction in this valve can lead to increased engine pressure, oil leaks, and potential damage to engine components. The component is still available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The failure of the partial-load ventilation valve put my safety, and that of others, at risk in the following ways: •Engine stalling or reduced power while driving, especially during acceleration, which increases the risk of an accident. •In some cases, oil leakage caused by excess crankcase pressure could lead to engine compartment smoke or a potential fire hazard. •If the engine performance is compromised, it may suddenly lose power on highways or intersections, posing a serious risk. Problem Reproduced or Confirmed: Yes, the issue was confirmed. The technician verified the faulty valve during a diagnostic inspection after I noticed performance issues and warning messages. Inspected by Manufacturer, Dealer, or Others: Yes, the vehicle was inspected Warning Lamps, Messages, or Other Symptoms: Yes, there were warning signs prior to the failure: •Check Engine Light illuminated on the dashboard. •Engine running rough or hesitating, particularly during acceleration.

Jun 16, 2025

WHILE MAKING A U TURN ON FL-881 FOREST HILLS BLVD , THE HALF SHAFT FAILED, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO DIS ENGAGE... WHILE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS HEADING TOWARD ME. ATTACHED COPY OF MAPS.

Apr 04, 2019

MAKING A U TURN , ON 3 LANE BLVD, A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE HAPPENED AND COASTED TO HALT. UPON HALT, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE, DRIVE OR REVERSE. HAD THERE BEEN HEAVY ON COMING TRAFFIC, I WOULD HAVE BEEN T-BONED CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS WITH DEALERSHIP UNDER REPAIR AND EVALUATION.

Mar 27, 2019

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving 68-70 MPH, the front roof panel separated from the vehicle and flew off. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V854000 (Structure) and 21V197000 (Structure). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

May 06, 2024

The Panoramic Sunroof Glass front cover has detached three times from my 2017 CLA 250 (VIN#[XXX]). The first time that it detached was with the previous owner and was repaired at a Mercedes dealership in Tampa Florida. It has since detached twice with ME and I have only owned it for 12 months. The first time that it detached with me, I was driving approximately 60 MPH on I-85 in Montgomery. AL. It blew off and could have definitely caused a VERY SERIOUS accident, but luckily no vehicles were behind me at the time 4/29/21. So I went to the local Montgomery, AL. Mercedes dealership, Jack Ingram, and they said that there was No RECALL and there was nothing that they could do. So I had to purchase my own replacement glass from Mercedes and have an auto glass repair co. install it. Fast-forward to 6/18/21, the newly installed roof glass blew off again as I was driving down S.R. 115 in Montgomery, AL. I was going 55 at the time. This time it blew off and several cars had to swerve to miss it. One vehicle did run over it a broke it in two. Traffic has to stop while I jumped out and picked it up from the ROW. I guess MercedesBenz USA will make this right once it flies off for the 4th time and seriously injures someone or worse. Can someone PLEASE help me with this issue? [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Jun 28, 2021

Crash: 1

SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. NOT NEAR ANY OVERPASSES OR OTHER VEHICLES.

Oct 31, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The instrument cluster display intermittently failed, either showing incorrect information or going completely blank while driving. Yes, the component is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the display failed, I was unable to view critical information such as vehicle speed, warning lights, and engine performance data. This posed a significant safety risk, especially while navigating traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was reproduced and confirmed by a independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or error messages prior to the failure. The issue first appeared June 20, 2025 and began occurring intermittently before worsening over time.

Jul 24, 2025

RECALL NO FIX YET

Jun 19, 2017

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact heard a loud pop inside the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the contact observed that the sunroof panel was missing. A Police Officer passing by stated that he observed that the panel had detached and land on the street. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Jul 01, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at various speeds, the panoramic sunroof detached from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that the roof remained exposed with the wires from the sunroof hanging from the ceiling. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer twice where the replacement part for the sunroof were ordered. An independent glass technician repaired the panoramic sunroof however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by email however, there was no response. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 61,500.

Jun 28, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND STALLED, BUT WAS ABLE TO RESTART. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ADDITIONALLY, THE RADIO TURNED OFF ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OPEN ROAD OF BRIDGEWATER (1250 US-22 BRIDGEWATER, NJ 08807, 908-213-5841) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AND THE BATTERY NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,458.*JB

Aug 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF BEVERLY HILLS LOCATED AT 9250 BEVERLY BLVD BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210) WHO STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Jul 19, 2017

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

Approximately 6 months I noticed my vehicle began to emit an odor and is not responsive immediately when I press on the gas. During this time period a yellow check engine light appeared on my dashboard. My local mechanic recommended Christopher Motors in Warwick Rhode Island and German Motors in Providence, Rhode Island, who specializes in Mercedes. I scheduled an appointment and took the vehicle to Christophers Motors to get a diagnostics check for $130. Christopher motors did a diagnostic check and revealed that the car needs a crank shift ventilator that will cost approximately $1500-$1800 and could not guarantee if the service engine light would be removed. During this time I received a Vehicle Registration Suspension notification for the State of RI for a failed safety inspection. I was extremely stressed receiving this notification as I recently purchased this vehicle, and I am being told by the State of RI my car is unsafe to drive and my transportation for work is being removed. I had to contact the State of RI and advised that no one will fix the safety check engine light problem and I need a time extension to contact the Mercedes Dealer. I then scheduled an appointment with Mercedes, Warwick RI and was told that the part for this repair was back ordered and that there is an extended warranty on this repair. (Exhibit A). This immediately put my mind at ease, and I could see a solution to this two-month long problem. Then I was informed that the extended warranty is only for 14 models all within the same year as my vehicle. The Dealership also advised that Mercedes may add the recall for the CLA 250 in the future and I would be reimbursed for the repair. I then contacted Mercedes of USA by letter requesting that my vehicle experiencing the same design errors on the crankcase ventilation system be included in their extended warranty. Unfortunately they would not add my vehicle to the extended warranty and did not provide a detailed explanation.

Jul 15, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The trunk latch system failed, causing the trunk to open unexpectedly. Yes, the component is available for inspection upon request. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The trunk opened while driving on [XXX], creating a significant blind spot. This occurred during high traffic conditions and forced me to move to the outer lane, which posed a risk to my safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem has been reported by many other owners as well, suggesting a widespread issue. Additionally, Elite Bmers & Benz in Spring, Texas, inspected the car but could not immediately identify the problem. They need to conduct further research to determine the cause. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected by Elite Bmers & Benz in Spring, Texas. However, the problem could not be pinpointed immediately, and further research is needed. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the trunk opening unexpectedly. The problem occurred without any prior indication. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jul 01, 2024

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

Just replaced water pump and still need to replace positive Crankcase ventilation system hose

Mar 16, 2023

WHEELS

1 complaint

Wheel Rim cracks in normal driving conditions.

Jan 28, 2022

STEERING

1 complaint

Hello, My 2017 CLA Mercedes was recalled April 1 2021. They said its a hole in the steering shaft and it can lead to noises and crash! Its been over 3 months and the manufacturer has not fixed my car. Everytime I call they don't have an update on when it's going to be fixed. I have my family who I drive around in this car and I'm worried the steering might cause harm to us. We need assistance in getting this resolved. Thanks

Jul 16, 2021

ENGINE

1 complaint

UPON STARTUP IN COLD WEATHER...STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE CAN BE NOTICED IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL LINE CONNECTED TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP.

Dec 23, 2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOON AFTER HAVING HER OIL CHANGED, A COOLANT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE COOLANT WAS ADDED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HOME SCREEN WOULD GO BLANK INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Dec 16, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING ON THE TOLL ROAD WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE I HERE A LOUD BOOM AND CRACKLE ABOVE MY HEAD. ALMOST LIKE A FIREWORK WHEN IT GOES OFF. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GUN SHOT. WHEN I LOOKED UP MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF WAS GONE. NOTHING WAS DRIVING IN FRONT OF OR BESIDE ME. NOTHING HIT MY CAR. HOWEVER MERCEDES SAYS IT'S IMPOSSIBLE AND SOMETHING HIT IT, BUT MY INSURANCE WON'T PAY FOR THE SUNROOF REPAIR BECAUSE OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS. THEY SAY IT IS MERCEDES RESPONSIBILITY. HOWEVER, MERCEDES BASICALLY CALLED ME A LIAR AND REFUSES TO REPLACE THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $3200 TO REPAIR IT.

Dec 10, 2018

VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER TURNING ON REAR DEFROST, VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN REAR WINDOW EXPLODED.

Apr 06, 2018

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS

1 complaint

SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, BATTERY POWER LOSS WITH COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWN, FAULTY WIRE HARNESSES, LOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL WHILE IN MOTION ON FREEWAY, HEAD UNIT DEFAULTS, FAULTY TIRES WITH BLISTERING, COUNTLESS RECALLS.

Feb 21, 2018

4.7/5.0

58 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class have?

The 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class currently has 27 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class?

The most common problems reported for the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.