2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The part named most often is fuel system, with 2 complaints (29% of the total), followed by other or unknown (2) and vehicle speed control (2). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 244 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 8 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 15 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system2 29%
- Other or unknown2 29%
- Engine1 14%
- Exterior lighting1 14%
- Suspension1 14%
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Date of occurrence: 03/05/2024 Subject: Formal Claim Regarding Traffic Safety Issue with 2021 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 I am writing to formally submit a claim regarding a recent traffic safety incident involving my 2021 Mercedes Benz CLA 250. While driving to my destination, I encountered a sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate. To ensure the safety of myself and other drivers, I activated my emergency lights and cautiously proceeded at a limited speed of approximately 30 mph, accompanied by a strained engine sound. …”
NHTSA complaint #11575656, filed 2024-03Other or unknown: “My 2021 CLA 250 that I reached purchased as a used vehicle in the last three months and now is saying SOS unresponsive so in my vehicle where to get a motor vehicle accident, it will not be alerting any emergency personnel authorities and I think it’s really sad the whole fact that Mercedes-Benz has just ran you know a bunch of these vehicles through a bin filter and just because mine isn’t on the recall list even though it’s doing exactly what is one of the main major safety recalls. …”
NHTSA complaint #11759720, filed 2026-08Vehicle speed control: “Our car has lost power to accelerate on 4 occasions on the highway. The first instance was in October of 2023, the second instance was in November of 2024 (and was brought immediately to the dealership and they said the fix wasn't available yet), the third instance was in March of 2024 and the most recent incident occurred in June of 2024. For example, the car will be moving at a speed of 60 mph and it will suddenly start flashing lights in the car with a warning signal that the car is unable to reserve . …”
NHTSA complaint #11594916, filed 2024-06Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA250 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,850 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V481000Jul 24, 2026Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LockCovers: Mercedes-Benz CLA250 2020–2021, GLB 250 2020–2026, GLB 250 4MATIC 2020–2026 +20 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the…
- 22V365000May 20, 2022Communication › Auto crash notificationCovers: Mercedes-Benz CLA250 2017–2021, GLS 450 2017–2021, C300 2017–2021 +48 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's…
- 21V354000May 14, 2021Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Mercedes-Benz CLA250 2020–2021, A 220 2019–2021, GLE 450 2020–2021 +29 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for…
- 21V058000Feb 5, 2021Communication › Auto crash notificationCovers: Mercedes-Benz CLA250 2016–2021, C300 2016–2021, GLC 300 2016–2021 +65 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the…
- 21V034000Jan 29, 2021Child seat › Vehicle latch anchorCovers: Mercedes-Benz CLA250 2021, A 220 2021, AMG A35 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 A220, A35 AMG, and CLA250 vehicles. The child seat anchoring system (ISOFIX) may be missing the right-side anchoring bar from the ISOFIX bracket on the right-rear seat.
Recall details for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 244 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038188Sep 26, 2026Steering. Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering. Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see…
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038174Sep 15, 2026Electrical system. Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11037211Aug 29, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint 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 transitioning from a…
- 11037210Aug 29, 2026Electrical system. Complaint Temporary no start condition with check engine light and multiple warning messages. When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3/14 ‑ Transmission control for…
- 11036514Aug 25, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Customers may report one or more of the following: • Transmission malfunction message • Check engine light illuminated • Shifts into N • Concern disappears after ignition cycle When…
- 11036511Aug 24, 2026Electrical system, Body and structure. Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy…
- 11036999Aug 15, 2026Fuel system. Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the…
- 11036142Aug 12, 2026Electrical system. Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz CLA250
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 29 | — | Too new |
| 2021 | 7 | — | 5 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 20 | 15,934 | 11 | — | 28 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 23 | 35,000 | 6 | — | 29 | — | Rising |
| 2018 | 41 | 27,000 | 9 | — | 29 | 34 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 28 | 39,381 | 10 | — | 29 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 67 | 37,000 | 8 | — | 30 | 74 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 61 | 36,954 | 7 | — | 30 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 179 | 16,768 | 6 | — | 30 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 9 | 70,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 7 | 65,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Mercedes-Benz CLA250 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 2 complaints (29% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 2.
Has the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 (CLA250, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 25 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.