2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, most often about electrical system. There are 11 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
20
Recalls
11
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Median mileage
15,934 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 5 of 20 complaints (25%).
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (5) and engine (4) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 15,934 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries.
  • The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has 11 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 3rd of 8 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 problems by category

  • Electrical System
    5 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    5 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    5 complaints
  • Engine
    4 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    3 complaints
  • Brakes
    2 complaints
  • Steering
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires · 1 crash
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system5
Engine4
Unknown or other4
Fuel/propulsion system3
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera2
Steering2
Equipment1
Exterior lighting1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k210k–30k30k–60k60k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 complaints that list mileage.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 recalls (11)

  • Recall 26V481000Jul 24, 2026310,667 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

    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 driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.

    Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.

  • Recall 23V732000Nov 1, 202342,742 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Risk: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

  • Recall 22V365000May 20, 2022242,722 vehicles
    COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    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 recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

    Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

  • Recall 22V232000Apr 8, 2022126,443 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

  • Recall 21V989000Dec 17, 20211 vehicles
    STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2020 CLA250 vehicle. The power supply connection to the electric power steering may have been contaminated with melted adhesive, which can cause the power steering assist to fail while driving.

    Risk: A sudden loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: A dealer will inspect and repair the power supply connection, as necessary, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed January 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021120016.

  • Recall 21V961000Dec 13, 2021139 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.

  • Recall 21V354000May 14, 2021343,191 vehicles
    BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    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 specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

  • Recall 21V072000Feb 12, 202167 vehicles
    COMMUNICATION · COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

    Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

  • Recall 21V058000Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehicles
    COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    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 Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

    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.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

  • Recall 20V089000Feb 14, 20202,101 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

    Risk: If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.

  • Recall 19V685000Sep 27, 20192,222 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A 220 and A 220 4MATIC, 2020 CLA 250, CLA 250 4 MATIC, GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC vehicles. The driver's side front airbag modules may not have been properly bolted down.

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's front airbag, the airbag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver airbag module and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019100001.

Recent 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Apr 10, 2026AZDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The back-up camara is stuck open on the trunk for more than 30 days now. When I put it in reverse the camara will show for about 5 seconds and then go back to the home screen. I brought this to the attention of my advisor and he said that its a known issue. If Mercedes knows this is an issue with the CLA250, they should offer a replacement instead of charging to fix a faulty component.
    NHTSA complaint #11730462 · source
  2. Filed Feb 25, 2026FLVisibility & Wipers
    Front Windshield Wipers run randonly when they are not turned on manually. I would be driving and for no reason (no rain or water on the windshield) the wipers would come on and would not turn off when I used the switch. There was no warning message on my auto dash. It was startling and caused confusion when they came on unexpectantly. My mechanic shared a XENTRY document regarding this problem on 4/25/23. Copies of the XENTRY report and my repair receipt are attached.
    NHTSA complaint #11720510 · source
  3. Filed Sep 12, 2025MADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    My back up camera badge located at the trunk has been permanently stuck open for a few months now when I put car in reverse the screen shows my camera for 2 seconds then disappears and goes back to my Home Screen I brought to the dealer and they told me I need a new battery I replaced my battery paid almost 400 dollars and it still doesn’t work .
    NHTSA complaint #11686937 · source
  4. Filed May 12, 2025MDDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    when reversing, the central display shows backup camera for a couple seconds before turning to a black screen and a message saying the rearview camera is not working properly
    NHTSA complaint #11660388 · source
  5. Filed Jan 3, 2025GAElectrical System
    Rear camera works, but the hatch will not close making it difficult to open and close the trunk. I have seen many vehicles in this Family Class with the rear camera in the same condition which leads me to believe that it's not a maintenance issue.
    NHTSA complaint #11633985 · source
  6. Filed Sep 16, 2024NJEngine
    Engine was failed prior to purchase, it is available for inspection. Engine jerks while driving. Dealer changed engine and problem got worse. Vehicle was inspected at Mercedes Benz Manhattan. Engine light keeps coming on and engine oil raises above normal level and warning light comes on and dealer says its normal.
    NHTSA complaint #11614748 · source
  7. Filed May 10, 2024TXFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    During the manufacturing process, particles was trapped between the fuel and rail injectors, which is causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, increase the risk of a fire.
    NHTSA complaint #11588068 · source
  8. Filed Feb 17, 2024TXBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    Nov 01,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number: [phone removed] NHTSA Recall Number: 23V732 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete The manufacturer has failed and is unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner.
    NHTSA complaint #11572508 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology