2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 5%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, 5% of the 41 complaints for this model year.
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.
“My 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC is experiencing a knocking noise from the rear differential at low speeds. The issue poses potential driving hazards, including possible loss of control and increased wear on drivetrain components. The noise may indicate a failing differential, which could suddenly fail while driving. I have contacted the dealer, but no specific recalls or factory service announcements have been identified for this problem. This appears to be a common issue reported by other owners. …”
NHTSA complaint #11612753, filed 2024-09“2018 CLA250 30k miles, leaving the airport the car suddenly felt as if it lost power and slowed un-commanded. It then began to operate normally for the 50+ mph drive home. Upon reaching my neighborhood, the car began to make a clunking, popping sound when under load less than 30 mph. The days after the vehicle continued to experience the same issues every time it was driven. I took the car to a local trusted mechanic and he said it’s the rear differential and most likely failed pre-maturely and it’s not work he can do. …”
NHTSA complaint #11525538, filed 2023-06Related service bulletins
- 11037211Aug 29, 2026Complaint 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…
- 11035005Jul 14, 2026Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of…
- 11026832Dec 19, 2025Complaint Oil residue in connector of transmission control unit in dual-clutch transmission models 724.0 and 724.1. Cause As part of the production process, the electrohydraulic…
- 11025648Nov 15, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11022045Aug 5, 2025Complaint Customer complaints regarding automatic transmission 724.1 (8FDCT & 8FDCT hybrid) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair…
- 11019018May 21, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11013298Jan 16, 2025Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse…
- 11010818Nov 20, 2024Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause…
- 10199675Jul 14, 2021Vibrations/ humming when moving off or maneuvering with the wheels turned
- 10186132Sep 12, 2020Humming/ vibrations/ noises from the area of the rear axle while maneuvering or when moving off
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsLane departure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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