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2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 195owner complaints
- 5crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 24%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class year on file: 195 complaints, against an average of 32 for the other 13 model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The components named most often in the 195 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 195 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?31 owners · 15.9%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?13 owners · 6.7%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?12 owners · 6.2%
- Can the sunroof on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class shatter or fail?8 owners · 4.1%
Has the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a…On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Risk: On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Check the front fixed element of the panoramic sliding sunroof and replace if necessary.
UK DVSAVehicles with a panoramic sunroofthe polycarbonate panel may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair
Risk: The polycarbonate panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Remove the bonded panel and install a new polycarbonate panel if required.
UK DVSAThe refrigerant used in the air condition system does not meet legal requirements
Risk: The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements.
Fix: Adapt the air conditioning system for usage of the new refrigerant.
UK DVSAThe refrigerant used in the air conditioning system may not meet legal requirements
Risk: The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements
Fix: The air conditioning system will be adapted for the usage of the new refrigerant.
UK DVSAThe refrigerant used in the air condition system does not meet legal requirements
Risk: The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system does not meet legal requirements.
Fix: The air conditioning system will be adapted for the usage of the new refrigerant.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components
UK DVSASteering components may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: It has been determined that the steering airbag electrical components are insufficiently grounded. Failure of the steering column module clock spring could result in an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag which may cause risk of injury to the driver and an increased risk of a potential collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles the manufacturer will fit a contact bridge to the outer race of the steering column top bearing which will provide correct grounding.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAStarting current limiter may overload
Risk: Where the car incurs severe engine damage resulting in the engine failing to turn over (engine seizure) and if the driver repeatedly attempts to start the engine despite the engine not cranking the very high electrical current could lead to overheating of the starting current limiter and the potential for a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter.
UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
Risk: Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.
UK DVSARear seat backrest may collapse in a collisionYears estimated
Risk: It has been identified on the CLA Shooting Brake models with load compartment package the rear seat back-rest retaining bracket threaded connection may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. If the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision and the rear seat back-rest is subjected to heavy loadings from heavy items moving in the truck then the retaining bracket can work loose and allow the rear seat back-rest to collapse and possible cause an injury to any occupants.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicle and replace the rear seat back-rest retaining bracket mounting bolts.
UK DVSAPossible loss of power steering assistanceYears estimated
Risk: The torque sensor of the electric power steering assistance may be damaged which can adversely affected the tightness of the housing and allow water ingress. The defect could lead to failure of the torque sensor and consequently shut off the steering power assistance and lead to an elevated risk of collision.
Fix: Recall the vehicle that is likely to be affected and replace the electric power steering.
UK DVSAFront passenger airbag may not deploy
Risk: Certain fuses in the passenger's footwell may not have been fitted correctly. This may adversely affect the instrument cluster windscreen wipers and the passenger seat occupancy recognition system. In certain conditions this may cause the passenger's air bag not to deploy in an accident.
Fix: On affected vehicles check fuses and if necessary replace fuse box.
UK DVSAOil may leak
Risk: On certain diesel engines the 'O' ring may not have been produced to the correct specification. This may allow oil to leak and contaminate the environment. If excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the chain tensioner sealing ring.
UK DVSASeatbelt anchorage point may not be secure
Risk: On affected vehicles individual threaded seat belt connections may not have been tightened to the correct torque. This may affect the anchoring of seat belts window bags and ground points. The manufacturer cannot completely rule out that the affected components may not fulfil their designated functions as the seat belt anchorage points may not be fully secure. It is also possible that this may cause erroneous messages to appear in the instrument cluster
Fix: Recall vehicles and check torque settings on affected threaded connections. Correct where necessary.
UK DVSASeat belt anchorate and window bags may not perform correctly
Risk: On affected vehicles individual threaded seat belt connections may not have been tightened to the correct torque. This may affect the anchoring of seat belts window bags and ground points. The manufacturer cannot completely rule out that the affected components may not fulfil their designated functions as the seat belt anchorage points may not be fully secure. It is also possible that this may cause erroneous messages to appear in the instrument cluster
Fix: Recall vehicles and check torque settings on affected threaded connections. Correct where necessary
EU Safety GateThe polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle…The polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe occupant classification system for the front passenger seat may not be calibrated in accordance with the specifications.Consequently, an installed child seat may be identified as a person or a small, light person as a child seat. As a result, the passenger airbag could be activated despite the presence of a child seat or the passenger airbag could fail to activate despite the presence of a person on the passenger seat, increasing the risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe steering column is not sufficiently earthed.As a result, in the event of an electrostatic discharge, the driver's airbag may be triggered when not required. This could cause an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe starter current limiter may be overloaded and overheat.As a consequence, the surrounding components could ignite, leading to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 01/09/2017
EU Safety GateFollowing the update of the control unit coding, the coding parameters of the control unit could be defective.This could give rise to various unplanned reactions in the vehicle: the wrong airbag could be triggered in the event of an accident, the airbag control unit may not recognise the belt buckle status, the engine control unit could be coded with a false maximum speed or various assistance systems may not function.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIncorrect software was installed in the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) control device of the vehicles affected.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateOwing to the incorrect installation of fuses, various vehicle functions might fail.These include the passenger presence detector for the passenger seat, the status display for the passenger airbag, the instrument cluster and the windscreen wipers. This could lead to an accident or an increased risk of injury for the passenger in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe gasket seal for the engine's chain tensioner may display incorrect settling behaviour.Over time, this may result in the chain tensioner detaching from the threaded hole on the cylinder head and the leakage of engine oil. The loss of large amounts of engine oil may contaminate the road, leading to a possible hazard for traffic following behind.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe seat belt anchorage is not adequately fixed, which may cause injuries to passengers in the event of an accident or sudden brake.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2014, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners report?
12 of the 195 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal snapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a code reader retrieved information that there was a fault with the SRS sensor. The contact was charged for a diagnostic test and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The shifter randomly stops working so I could have the car in reverse and not be able to put it in drive and be stuck in traffic or vice versa. I can have the car and drive and not be able to put it in reverse. I'd be stuck in traffic very dangerous.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she discovered that the driver's side window was shattered. The sunroof was brown, and there was a hole in the dashboard showing the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had caught fire; however, the fire extinguished on its own. There were no prior warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The fire department responded and was present at the scene, and disconnected several wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The…
I own a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 with the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder M270 engine. The check-engine light came on and an OBD-II scan showed fault code P052E / P052E71, which indicates that the valve for crankcase ventilation (PCV / crankcase ventilation valve integrated into the valve cover) has a malfunction and the actuator is blocked. The vehicle is available for inspection and, if the repair is performed, the failed part can be retained. This appears to be the same failure that has been documented by other owners and by Mercedes-Benz on the related M274 engine used in other models (same…
P052e common crankcase ventilator issue mercedez extended warranty for later models for this same consistent issue in all the cars excluding 2014 starting at 2015 vehicles making us pay over $2000 for a fix supposed to be free being that it's all mercedes even the year before Should be a recall along with the hundreds of thousands of people with same issue online same car.
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the glass panel between the front windshield and the sunroof suddenly detached. The contact inspected the vehicle and found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V854000 (Structure). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
I purchased my vehicle early March from Carmax. They offer a 90 day guarantee on anything that will go wrong with the vehicle full coverage. My daughter was having my grandchild so what a great opportunity but to drive my new vehicle from Chicago to Florida to give it a good run when I arrived I was having problems with the Eco drive, which is the start stop enabler. The car would die out. Also, there were a few alarms as far as the temperature of the vehicle and the service mechanism being that I had left at the dealership at 9:30 PM at night and hit the road immediately I had to notice until…
Apparently the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) which is built into the gas pedal on this 2014 MB CLA250 only lasts so long before it becomes defective under highway conditions and causes the vehicle to go into LIMP MODE. When full acceleration is necessary, the unit will work for perhaps a few months or less, and then continue to fail worse and more frequently with each attempt at full acceleration. At highway speeds, this is an essential feature in a 4-cylinder vehicle such as this one and without the necessary acceleration capability, can expose the driver to serious risk of collision with…
Please let me preface this by saying that I am a certified aircraft mechanic and have a good working knowledge of cars. My vehicle had NO prior indications, symptoms or abnormalities! This was completely out of the blue. Absolutely no warning that this was going to happen. The transmission of my 2014 CLA 250 Base model, while operating at 65mph on the interstate, all on its own, went into neutral and now will not engage into Drive. Initially following this incident, as I dogged the other vehicles on the interstate and coasted to the emergency lane, there were the following warning lights: ABS…
While driving the transmission slips into neutral. Must come to a complete stop and turn off the car then turn it on again to shift into gear.
WHEN ACCELERATING HARD TO OVERTAKE, THE ENGINE LURCHES, AND THE CAR FAILS TO ACCELERATE FURTHER AND SLOWS DOWN. THE ENGINE FAULT LIGHT THEN ILLUMINATES WHICH SWITCHED OFF BY ITSELF AFTER SWITCHING THE ENGINE OFF TWICE. IT SEEMS I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE COMMENTS TO THIS VIDEO DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM AND CLAIMING THE PROBLEM IS A FAULTY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP: HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/-SBR28ZBOFS THIS SEEMINGLY COMMON ISSUE IS CLEARLY DANGEROUS AS DRIVERS LOSE THE POWER WHEN THEY ARE MOST DEPENDING ON IT AND IT SEEMS TO BE OCCURRING IN CARS THAT ARE NOT…
WHILE TRAVELING WITH MY WIFE AND NEWBORN ON HIGHWAY 64 MY 2014 CLA MB CUT OFF( WHILE IN MOTION ) AND GAVE A CODE 'DO NOT SHIFT GEARS 'VISIT DEALER. SOMEHOW THE CAR SWITCH TO NETURAL WHILE I COAST THE CAR TO A SAFE EDGE OF THE ROAD. WE WERE TERRIFIED!! NEXT IT GAVE A TRANSMISSION CODE IN RED TO DO NOT SHIFT VISIT DEALER. I'M NOT SURE IF ANY RECALLS BUT THIS IS A SAFETY THAT NEEDS ATTENTION!!
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2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 195 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class; the most common categories were engine (68, 34.9%), electrical system (47, 24.1%), vehicle speed control (36, 18.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 5 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
Across 195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (34.9% of complaints), electrical system (24.1% of complaints), vehicle speed control (18.5% of complaints), power train (11.8% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (10.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
31 of the 195 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (15.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "While driving out of a driveway, a car pulled near my car. at that time, the car was stationary. my wife heard the pre-collision warning. the the car completely shutoff or stalled. turned off the car completely by turning the key. then turned the car back on." (NHTSA complaint 11384767, December 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
13 of the 195 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (6.7%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "While driving 30 mph i received a red parking brake error and my car began to be very difficult to steer. i then pulled over and received a yellow pre-safe mode error which illuminated the check engine light, abs light, parking light." (NHTSA complaint 11322329, April 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
12 of the 195 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (6.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Right air bag malfunction error and check engine light for crank case. this is a very common problem that mercedes explained to me and also told me to check back for recalls because their vni system will probably show one" (NHTSA complaint 11384911, December 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Can the sunroof on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class shatter or fail?
8 of the 195 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (4.1%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "Driving home from work yesterday on the highway and the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered, causing me to swerve and almost run off the side of a cliff." (NHTSA complaint 11131121, September 2018). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own CLA-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2014 only.