repaired · 2025 Q4
Body: roof and pillars
Risk. A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 67 owner complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, most often about the engine. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-854 the manufacturer reports only 41% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 24, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has problems
67 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
15Engine
14Air bags6 crash/fire/injury
9Electrical system
8Structure1 crash/fire/injury
7Steering
6Fuel/propulsion system
5Power train
3Wheels
3Service brakes
1210 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 0 |
| Air bags | 14 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 1 |
| Steering | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 |
| 10 other systems | 12 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Body: roof and pillars
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…
repaired · 2023 Q4
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the air bag does not deploy as designed, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of an injury.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2021 Q1
Communication
Risk. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Electrical system: starter assembly
Risk. If the starting current limiter overheats, the surrounding components can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other CLA 250 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CLA 250 median. How we score
'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Front Roof Panel DetachmentLed to recall 21V-197
In owners' words
What CLA 250 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Check engine light with error code P052E. From my research, this is a very common issue with this engine and one that either has been recalled or is planning to be recalled. According to some online forums for Mercedes Benz, Mercedes is being sued over this problem and has issued an extended…
Vehicle Performance Issues - Detailed Timeline [XXX] •First issue occurred: the car wouldn’t start at a store. Engine turned over, failed to start. •After sitting overnight, it would start but stall after 10 minutes of driving. •Parked the car and began using alternative transportation. •Diagnostic…
My car has slipped into neutral twice while driving. Once while turning left from red light and once while sitting still at red light.
Own a 2016 CLA 250?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.