Mercedes-Benz CLA common problems & fixes (C117/X117 2013–2019, C118/X118 2019–2025)

Written by the C4R team from DVSA data and owner reports. Fact-checked 2026-10-13.

30-second verdict

Buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013–2025)? Test the automatic gearbox, check recall paperwork and, on 2019-on 2.0 petrols, ask about misfires. Underneath, the CLA is an A-Class-based four-door coupe or Shooting Brake, so it suits drivers who want a premium badge and rarely carry tall adults in the back. On 2013–2017 cars, get proof that the driver-airbag earthing recall was done; on 2019–2025 cars, check the 2024 power-steering software recall. Diesels need regular longer runs to keep the particulate filter healthy. The safest picks are a first-generation CLA 220 d in Sport trim, which keeps the softer suspension and which What Car? and Auto Express both favour, or a 2019-on 1.3-litre CLA 180 or CLA 200 with every recall closed.

Generations at a glance

Generation	UK years	Main engines and gearboxes	Notes
C117 four-door Coupe	2013–2019 (facelift July 2016)	1.6 petrol (CLA 180); 2.0 petrol (CLA 250, also 4MATIC); 2.0 turbo Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC; 1.5 diesel (CLA 180 d); 2.1 diesel (CLA 200 d and CLA 220 d, badged CDI before the facelift). Six-speed manual on the CLA 180, CLA 250 and CLA 200 d, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic optional on those and standard on the rest	Shares its underpinnings and engines with the A-Class of the same era; firm ride on AMG Sport suspension and the largest wheels
X117 Shooting Brake	2015–2019 (UK sales from January 2015)	As the C117	Five-door estate body
C118 Coupe and X118 Shooting Brake	2019–2025 (updated 2023)	1.3 turbo petrol (CLA 180, CLA 200), with a seven-speed automatic as standard; 2.0 petrol (CLA 220, also 4MATIC, and CLA 250); 2.0-litre diesels of about 148bhp and 187bhp, the stronger badged CLA 220 d; CLA 250 e plug-in hybrid from April 2020; Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and CLA 45 S	Saloon from July 2019, Shooting Brake a few weeks later; MBUX touchscreen infotainment
New CLA (174 platform)	2025 on	Hybrid and electric versions	All-new car; this guide covers only its recalls

Engine and gearbox availability changed during each generation, so check the exact specification of the car in front of you rather than relying on the badge.

Known issues

1. Automatic gearbox jerky or hesitant at low speed

Label: Reported by owners and independent specialists

What you notice: a lurch, shake or judder when creeping in traffic or coming to a stop, a pause before Drive or Reverse engages, slow responses or abrupt shifts. In the worst cases there is a gearbox warning, a brief loss of drive or limp-home mode.
Which cars: C117 and X117 automatics (2013–2019) with the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which was optional on the CLA 180, CLA 250 and CLA 200 d and standard on the rest. Owners of 2019–2025 automatics have also reported jerky shifts.
Why: a dual-clutch gearbox depends on clutch condition, adaptation values, fluid condition and control software. DVSA also records two gearbox recalls: R/2016/124 for a cracked clutch weld on cars built 01/10/2015–30/11/2015, and R/2019/217 for control-unit software that could stop Drive or Reverse engaging on cars built 01/07/2018–28/02/2019.
Fix: start with a proper diagnostic check with Mercedes equipment, any outstanding software updates and a clutch adaptation, and bring the transmission servicing up to date. Clutch, valve-body or control-unit replacement should only follow a confirmed diagnosis. Auto Express (December 2021) put the first-generation car's five-yearly automatic gearbox service at about £400.
DIY difficulty: 5/5.
Check when buying: drive from cold in stop-start traffic, creep forwards and backwards on a slope, do a three-point turn and pull away gently from a junction. Walk away from any car that thumps, slips or shows a gearbox warning. On a 2019-on 2.0 petrol, remember that jerking under acceleration can come from the engine instead (see fault 4). Ask for invoices showing gearbox servicing and software updates.
Evidence: Auto Express (slow-responding first-generation automatic); What Car?'s survey of 2019–2025 owners (jerky shifts, occasional failures); two MB Club UK threads, one on a 2014 CLA whose low-speed shaking and gearbox warnings had not returned some weeks after a gearbox service, the other a member's note that problems with the same gearbox in the A-Class centre on pulling away slowly in traffic and have had software updates; DVSA recalls R/2016/124 and R/2019/217.

2. Driver-airbag earthing recall (2013–2017 cars)

Label: Confirmed recall R/2018/098

What you notice: possibly nothing, or steering-wheel and airbag warnings. DVSA says that if the steering-column clock spring fails, the driver's airbag could in extreme cases go off on its own.
Which cars: DVSA lists CLAs built 01/11/2011–31/07/2017, which takes in C117 and X117 cars from launch to mid-2017. The same defect appears under R/2017/282, R/2018/069 and R/2018/130.
Why: the electrical parts for the steering-wheel airbag were not earthed well enough.
Fix: free recall work at a Mercedes-Benz dealer. The R/2018/098 remedy fits a contact bridge to the steering-column top bearing to earth it properly.
DIY difficulty: 5/5. Airbag work is for dealers only.
Check when buying: run the recall check and ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer to confirm every campaign against the VIN. Make sure the airbag warning light comes on with the ignition and then goes out.
Evidence: DVSA recall records for all four refs; What Car? and RAC Drive both single this out as the recall that concerns most first-generation CLAs.

3. Diesel DPF and EGR clogging

Label: Reported by owners and independent specialists

What you notice: a particulate filter warning, reduced power or limp-home mode, rough idling or worse fuel economy.
Which cars: diesel CLAs of both generations, especially those used mainly for short trips.
Why: the diesel particulate filter needs sustained running to burn off soot. Parkers also reports carbon build-up blocking the EGR valve on 2019–2025 diesels.
Fix: read the fault codes before replacing anything. A partly blocked filter may clear with a long run or a forced regeneration; a confirmed EGR fault needs cleaning or replacement. Avoid any car whose filter has been removed or tampered with, which is an MOT failure.
DIY difficulty: 2/5 for a regeneration drive; 4/5 for EGR or DPF work.
Check when buying: ask how the car has been used, look for warnings on the dash and watch the exhaust for smoke on the test drive. On first-generation diesels, ask whether the voluntary NOx software update has been done, and on cars built 01/02/2014–30/11/2014 check recall R/2014/182 for an oil-leaking chain-tensioner seal.
Evidence: What Car?'s owner survey (filter problems and costly repairs); Parkers (EGR blockage and filter clogging on later diesels); Auto Express (a higher-mileage diesel lowers the risk of an expensive filter replacement); What Car? and RAC Drive on the voluntary NOx update.

4. Misfires from exhaust-valve wear (2.0 petrol, 2019 on)

Label: Manufacturer technical bulletin/known issue

What you notice: the engine warning light, rough running, loss of power, or jerking and poor shifts when accelerating, which can be mistaken for a gearbox fault. Mercedes' documents list misfire codes (shown on Mercedes equipment as P030085 for a general misfire and P030185 to P030485 for cylinders 1 to 4, the P0300 to P0304 family on a generic scanner) plus mixture and injector-adjustment faults, although sometimes no code is stored.
Which cars: 2019–2025 CLAs with the 2.0-litre petrol engine, which Parkers identifies as the M260: in the UK that means the CLA 220, CLA 250 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, including 4MATIC versions. Mercedes-Benz USA's notice names the CLA 250 and AMG CLA 35 for US model years 2020–2022.
Why: Mercedes says the valve guides or valve seats can wear because of increased side loads in use, leaving a valve seat that leaks.
Fix: Mercedes' workshop guidance starts with a cylinder leakage test. If a valve seat is damaged, the complete cylinder head is replaced, because the seats cannot be reworked. Mercedes-Benz USA extended cover for this to 15 years or 150,000 miles, but that programme applies in the USA only, so ask a UK Mercedes-Benz dealer whether any campaign or goodwill applies to the VIN.
DIY difficulty: 5/5.
Check when buying: make sure the engine warning light comes on with the ignition and then goes out, the engine idles smoothly and pulls cleanly, and a scan shows no stored misfire codes. Ask for invoices for any cylinder-head work.
Evidence: Mercedes-Benz workshop tip LI01.30-P-072328 (February 2026, M260 and M264 engines); Mercedes-Benz USA's August 2023 warranty notice covering the A-Class, CLA, GLA and GLB; Parkers, which names cylinder-head failure as the 2.0 petrol's biggest worry.

5. Power-steering software recall (2018–2024 builds)

Label: Confirmed recall R/2024/166

What you notice: probably nothing until the back-up function is needed. DVSA warns that power assistance could then be reduced and a loss of steering control cannot be ruled out.
Which cars: CLAs built 28/11/2018–31/01/2024, which takes in much of the 2019–2025 generation. A separate recall, R/2021/444, covers a power-steering supply connector that may be contaminated with melted adhesive on cars built 25/06/2020–08/07/2020.
Why: DVSA says the back-up function in the electric power-steering software may not meet specification.
Fix: free software update to the electric steering at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
DIY difficulty: 5/5.
Check when buying: confirm the recall is closed against the VIN. On the drive, steering assistance should feel consistent at parking speeds and no steering warning should appear.
Evidence: DVSA recall records R/2024/166 and R/2021/444.

6. Turbo oil-feed pipe leak recall (2019–2020 builds)

Label: Confirmed recall R/2020/262

What you notice: oil drips under the engine, oil around the turbo or a burning-oil smell.
Which cars: DVSA lists CLAs built 21/10/2019–26/06/2020. Auto Express says the affected cars are 1.3-litre petrols built from October 2019 to June 2020.
Why: the oil supply line to the turbocharger might leak.
Fix: free recall work: the dealer checks the line and replaces it if necessary.
DIY difficulty: 5/5 for recall work.
Check when buying: confirm the recall against the VIN, look for oil around the turbo and the underside, and check the oil level.
Evidence: DVSA recall record R/2020/262; Auto Express's used review of the second-generation car; What Car?'s list of second-generation recalls.

7. Panoramic roof panel and sunroof faults

Label: Confirmed recall R/2021/274

What you notice: a lifting or poorly fitting panel between the windscreen and the glass roof. On later cars, a sunroof or blind that will not open or close, or cracked roof trim.
Which cars: first-generation CLAs with a panoramic roof that has been repaired before. R/2021/274 covers cars built 30/07/2013–29/10/2019 and R/2024/024 covers 17/04/2013–04/08/2015. Parkers reports sunroof faults on 2019–2025 cars.
Why: DVSA says the front panel may not have been bonded correctly during an earlier service repair. Parkers blames trapped debris, blown fuses, software glitches and a failed sunshade motor on later cars, and says the plastic roof mouldings can crack.
Fix: recall work is free: the dealer checks the front fixed panel and fits a new one if needed. Later-car faults need diagnosis of the fuses, drains, motor and software.
DIY difficulty: 2/5 for clearing debris; 5/5 for bonded panels.
Check when buying: open and close the roof and blind fully, look along the panel edges for gaps or lifting, and ask whether the roof has ever been repaired or replaced.
Evidence: DVSA recall records R/2021/274 and R/2024/024; Parkers' used guide to the 2019–2025 CLA.

8. MBUX screen and other electrical glitches

Label: Manufacturer technical bulletin/known issue

What you notice: on 2019–2025 cars, a central screen that stays dark, freezes or sticks on the welcome animation, sometimes with no sound. Owners also report faulty sensors, warning lights and a powered boot lid that will not work. On first-generation cars, Auto Express warns of fuel-filler flaps that stick shut.
Which cars: mainly 2019–2025 cars with MBUX; first-generation cars for the filler flap.
Why: Mercedes traced the dark or frozen MBUX screen to a software release and specified a software update as the cure. Other faults vary and need diagnosing case by case.
Fix: check for outstanding software updates first, then diagnose hardware faults properly rather than swapping parts.
DIY difficulty: 1/5 for basic checks; 4/5 for module or motor replacement.
Check when buying: restart the car more than once and test the screens, sound, navigation, phone connection, reversing camera, parking sensors, powered boot and fuel flap. Make sure the air conditioning blows properly cold.
Evidence: Mercedes-Benz technical tip LI82.85-P-069381 (lists the CLA, model series 118); What Car?'s owner survey; Parkers on screen glitches and boot lids; Auto Express on the filler flap; What Car? and RAC Drive on checking the electrics and air conditioning.

9. Squeaks, rattles and trim vibration

Label: Reported by owners and independent specialists

What you notice: rattles and squeaks over broken roads, rattles from the B-pillars or vibration in the front door trims, and loose trim on older cars.
Which cars: both generations.
Why: Parkers points to hard interior plastics and owner reports of loose trim, and reviewers describe a firm ride, especially on AMG Sport suspension and larger wheels, which makes noises easier to provoke.
Fix: trim refitting and anti-rattle work by a dealer or specialist; results vary.
DIY difficulty: 2/5.
Check when buying: drive over a poorly surfaced road with the audio off, and decide whether you can live with the ride on the wheel size fitted.
Evidence: What Car? and RAC Drive on owner complaints of squeaks and rattles in the first-generation car; Auto Express on B-pillar and door-trim noises in the second generation; Parkers on owner reports of loud rattles and loose trim.

Recalls (DVSA data)

DVSA's recall file, as checked on 2026-10-13, lists 73 recall refs under CLA model names, plus R/2026/098, which is filed under the A-Class but names the new CLA. Most were shared with the A-Class, B-Class and GLA, so some build windows start before CLA production began; we have left them exactly as recorded. A build window does not mean every car built in it is affected, so check each car by registration and VIN.

The table lists the campaigns most relevant to a used buyer, newest first, summarised in our own words with dates copied from the file.

DVSA ref	Launch date	Build window	Summary
R/2025/131	16/04/2025	27/02/2024–14/03/2024	Recorded for the CLA (118 platform) and A-Class: rear-axle brake hoses may be the wrong length; checked and replaced if necessary
R/2024/166	06/05/2024	28/11/2018–31/01/2024	Back-up function of the electric power-steering software may not meet specification, so assistance could be reduced; software updated
R/2024/024	07/02/2024	17/04/2013–04/08/2015	C117 with panoramic roof: panel between windscreen and sunroof may have been badly bonded during an earlier repair; front fixed panel checked and replaced if necessary
R/2022/062	24/03/2022	07/12/2019–24/11/2021	C118: brake-caliper housing bolts may not be tightened to specification; checked and reworked
R/2021/444	28/01/2022	25/06/2020–08/07/2020	C118: power-steering supply connector may be contaminated with melted adhesive; checked and repaired
R/2021/437	14/01/2022	19/01/2020–03/02/2021	C118 with an additional door lock: left-side lock pawl springs may lack grease; springs greased
R/2021/274	20/08/2021	30/07/2013–29/10/2019	C117 with panoramic roof: polycarbonate panel ahead of the sunroof may have been badly bonded during an earlier repair; new panel fitted if required
R/2021/202	21/07/2021	30/11/2016–28/02/2017	C117: a bore in the steering-shaft universal joint may be out of specification; shaft checked and replaced if necessary
R/2020/262	12/10/2020	21/10/2019–26/06/2020	Turbocharger oil-supply line may leak; checked and replaced if necessary
R/2019/337	05/11/2019	09/08/2018–17/09/2019	Driver airbag module may not be bolted to its base plate; checked and replaced if necessary
R/2019/217	30/07/2019	01/07/2018–28/02/2019	Transmission control-unit software: Drive or Reverse may sometimes not engage; software updated
R/2018/268	19/11/2018	01/10/2017–30/04/2018	Left-side doors may stay locked and not open from inside or outside; left-side door locks replaced
R/2017/282; R/2018/069; R/2018/098; R/2018/130	18/12/2017; 09/04/2018; 11/05/2018; 11/06/2018	01/11/2011–31/07/2017	Steering-column airbag parts may be poorly earthed, so a failed clock spring could fire the driver airbag; earthing corrected
R/2017/161; R/2017/162; R/2017/177	20/06/2017	01/08/2016–31/03/2017	Left (R/2017/161) or right (R/2017/162) window airbag, or the front-passenger airbag igniter (R/2017/177), may not deploy as intended; airbag replaced
R/2017/179	20/06/2017	01/04/2011–30/04/2013	Brake-servo vacuum-line fitting may fail, so more pedal effort is needed after a few applications; vacuum line replaced
R/2017/096	20/06/2017	01/02/2014–28/02/2017	Repeated attempts to start a seized engine could overheat the starting-current limiter, risking fire; extra fuse fitted in the starter feed
R/2016/124	28/09/2016	01/10/2015–30/11/2015	Cracked weld between clutch plate carrier and hub could cause limp-home mode or loss of drive; dual clutch replaced
R/2015/259	21/01/2016	28/10/2015–19/11/2015	High-pressure fuel lines may crack and leak, risking fire; lines replaced
R/2015/208; R/2015/210	19/11/2015	16/07/2015–11/09/2015	Intake (R/2015/208) or exhaust (R/2015/210) camshaft may break, causing sudden loss of drive; camshaft replaced
R/2015/145	12/08/2015	08/09/2014–07/11/2014	Badly fitted footwell fuses could affect instruments, wipers and passenger-seat detection, so the passenger airbag might not deploy; fuses checked, fuse box replaced if needed
R/2015/099	14/07/2015	01/09/2011–30/06/2013	Driveshaft may separate from the outer-joint hub and the car could stop; snap rings and outer boots replaced
R/2014/182	16/01/2015	01/02/2014–30/11/2014	Diesel timing-chain tensioner sealing ring may leak oil; sealing ring replaced
R/2014/075; R/2014/076	07/07/2014	01/05/2014–31/05/2014	Some seat-belt anchor bolts (also affecting window-bag and earth points) may be under-torqued; checked and corrected

The other refs in the file cover narrower build windows or lower-risk fixes. Check them the same way:

Brakes, tyres and fuel (C118): R/2023/116 (tyres that could lose air suddenly) and R/2022/061 (a particle in the fuel rail that could cause a leak at an injector).
Restraints and sensors: R/2021/246 (side crash-sensor bolting), R/2020/134 (a gas-line mounting on a gas generator, which DVSA calls the inerter system), R/2019/446 and R/2018/349 (passenger-seat occupant detection), R/2021/030 (missing right-rear ISOFIX bracket) and R/2017/160 (window airbags; recorded as CLA/GLA with no build window).
Doors and body: R/2022/195 (front-door cables too short) and R/2016/271 (Shooting Brake rear backrest bracket bolts; no build window recorded).
Engine and electrics: R/2021/084 (wrong spark plugs), R/2020/277 (engine control unit contact), R/2016/085 (loose battery earth nut), R/2016/088 (power-steering torque sensor; no build window recorded), R/2019/101 (tail-lamp contacts), R/2019/269 (radar software) and R/2017/124 (control-unit coding done in a workshop on 3–5 December 2016).
Air conditioning refrigerant: R/2019/347, R/2019/348, R/2019/354 and R/2020/237.
eCall emergency-call system and communication module: R/2020/236 (eCall communication-module software), R/2021/082 (communication module may be deactivated), plus eleven 2021 campaigns that share the build window 04/01/2016–29/01/2021: R/2021/106, R/2021/110, R/2021/111, R/2021/120, R/2021/128, R/2021/130, R/2021/131, R/2021/132, R/2021/133, R/2021/134 and R/2021/376.
New CLA (174 platform, 2025 on): R/2025/408 and R/2025/461 (driving-assistance software), R/2025/459 (seat-belt buckles), R/2025/460 and R/2025/462 (window-airbag wiring and fabric), R/2025/533 (seat and buckle bolting), R/2025/556 (48V wiring harness; DVSA's text says 178 platform), R/2026/203 (communication-module software), R/2026/315 (rear electric drive unit) and R/2026/098 (door-release cables; filed under the A-Class).

R/2019/446 carries a 2019 ref but a July 2020 launch date in the file; we have left it as recorded. Run every car through the GOV.UK vehicle recall check, then ask a Mercedes-Benz dealer to print the campaign status for the VIN so you can see which recalls are closed.

MOT watch-points

C4R has not calculated CLA-specific MOT statistics, so this guide quotes no pass rates. These checks link the CLA's known weak spots to the GOV.UK MOT inspection manual:

Warning lights: an engine warning light that does not work or shows a fault (for example a misfire on a 2.0 petrol or a diesel emissions fault), an airbag (SRS) light showing a malfunction, or a power-steering light showing a malfunction are all major defects.
Wheels and tyres: large, low-profile alloys are easily kerbed, and Parkers warns that cracked wheels can lead to blowouts. Tyres need at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters, with no cuts down to the cords and no bulges.
Diesel smoke: a diesel with a particulate filter fails if it emits visible smoke of any colour, and evidence of filter tampering is also a failure.
Oil and fluid leaks: a leak that forms a pool more than 75mm across within five minutes is a failure. On 2019–2020 petrols, look for oil around the turbo feed pipe (recall R/2020/262).
Seat belts and airbags: check that every belt latches and retracts, and that no airbag is missing or obviously inoperative, given the number of restraint recalls on this car.

These are condition checks, not a prediction that a particular CLA will fail. Review the individual car's record on the GOV.UK MOT history service and look for repeat advisories on tyres, brakes and leaks.

Buying one? Our checklist

Run the GOV.UK recall check, then get a Mercedes-Benz dealer printout for the VIN showing every applicable campaign closed.
On a 2013–2017 car, confirm the driver-airbag earthing recall (R/2017/282, R/2018/069, R/2018/098 or R/2018/130) was done.
On a 2019–2025 car, confirm R/2024/166 (steering software) and, for October 2019 to June 2020 builds, R/2020/262 (turbo oil feed).
Test the automatic from cold in slow traffic, on a slope and in reverse; reject harsh engagement, judder or warnings, and ask for gearbox service invoices.
On a 2.0 petrol from 2019 on (CLA 220, CLA 250, AMG CLA 35), have the car scanned for misfire codes and ask about any cylinder-head work. On a 1.3 petrol, check the oil level and smell, because Parkers reports fuel diluting the oil on this engine.
On a diesel, ask how it is used, check for particulate filter warnings and smoke, and ask whether the NOx software update was done on first-generation cars.
Inspect every wheel and tyre for kerbing, cracks and uneven wear, and check that the tyre repair kit is present, because the CLA has no spare wheel.
Operate the panoramic roof and blind, powered boot lid, fuel flap, screens, cameras, sensors, phone connection and air conditioning.
Drive over a rough road with the audio off to listen for rattles, and make sure you can live with the ride on the wheel size fitted.
Read the MOT history and insist on a service record that matches the car's age and mileage.

Running costs

Vehicle tax, cars first registered 1 March 2001 to 31 March 2017: tax depends on the CO2 figure on the V5C. Auto Express quotes official figures from 105g/km (CLA 200 d automatic) to 171g/km (CLA 45 on 19-inch wheels), which in GOV.UK's current table spans band B (£20 a year) to band H (£325 a year).
Vehicle tax, cars first registered from 1 April 2017: a standard rate of £200 a year for petrol, diesel and hybrid cars, plus an extra £440 a year for five years (from the second time the car is taxed) if its list price was over £40,000.
Insurance: Auto Express lists groups 20 to 24 for the first-generation CLA 180, about 24 for the CLA 200 d, 27 for the CLA 220 d and 45 for the AMG CLA 45. Parkers lists groups 22 to 39 for the 2019–2025 CLA Coupe.
Official fuel economy: first-generation figures were measured on the older NEDC test; Auto Express quotes 67.3mpg for the CLA 220 d, 51.4–52.3mpg for the CLA 180 and 40.9mpg for the CLA 45 on 18-inch wheels. Parkers gives WLTP figures for the 2019–2025 car of 36.7–47.9mpg for petrols and 52.3–56.5mpg for diesels. NEDC and WLTP results are not directly comparable.
Plug-in hybrid range: Auto Express gives the CLA 250 e an official electric range of up to 43 miles, falling to as little as 30 miles in winter.
Servicing: the CLA is serviced every 12 months, alternating minor and major services, with a mileage limit that sources quote as 12,500 or 15,500 miles, so follow the car's own service display. Auto Express says every CLA engine uses a timing chain rather than a cambelt.

Sources & further reading

Official data and checks

Manufacturer documents

Used-car reviews and reliability

Owner reports

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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