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Electrical systemPart report

2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
13%of 67 total for the year
Median mileage
51,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, 13% of the 67 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While turning my steering wheel during normal operation, I heard what appeared to be a popping or snapping sound from inside the steering wheel. Immediately afterward, my horn stopped working, all steering-wheel control buttons became inoperative, and the airbag warning light illuminated with the message “Front Left Malfunction – Service Required.” All these failures occurred suddenly and at approximately the same time, without any prior warning or symptoms. The instrument cluster still lights up, but I can no longer access the mileage display using the steering-wheel controls. …”

NHTSA complaint #11773381, filed 2026-10, 86,799 miles

“While merging onto the freeway on 1/22/2021 the car's dashboard displayed collision prevention assist plus inoperative and the check engine light come on. When this happened, it prevented me from accelerating the car by pushing onto the gas pedal. This caused the car from behind to almost rear ended by car. I was able to drive onto the shoulder of the freeway and exit the freeway. I have taken this car to the mercedes dealership for repair but it is an ongoing issue even after various parts have been replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #11390562, filed 2021-01, 62,000 miles

“My car has shut off on me while driving two times and road side assistance came out two different occasion. I kept up with maintenace on the vehicle. I went to pep boys up the st from my house instead of mercedes for oil changes. Out of no where my engine light came on and I towed my car two mercedes to fix. They said my engine blew n the turbo . They won't cover it under warranty since I gave them all my maintence receipts from pep boys . This was a demo car I originally leased and had it for 2 years with 9 months left on the car. …”

NHTSA complaint #11230845, filed 2019-07, 40,000 miles

“When we are driving the transmission slip intro neutral ramdomly message appear « do not shift in gear, visit dealer » we need to stop the car on the high way put it in park and after in drive . Its happen really often and my wife d’ont want to drive it any more because its to dangerous with kid, we need a solution”

NHTSA complaint #11606153, filed 2024-08

“My 2016 CLA 250 having multiple electrical and driving issues that are not recalled. I’ve researched online and found most of these issues are common. 1. Dashboard screen and radio console lights turn off completely. USB connection triggers electrical symptoms. Front and Back seat window control (driver) triggers electrical symptoms and sometimes corrects the problems. Trunk opens by itself while parked and/or stopped at red lights. The instrument cluster has times multiple warning lights turn on and stay on. At times the fuel needle drops completely down as if I have no fuel in the car. …”

NHTSA complaint #11665634, filed 2025-06

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2023117%
2020525%
201929%
20181024%
2017725%
2016913%
2015610%
20144425%
2013111%
2012229%

Other parts of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Other or unknown
20 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology