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2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 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
- 158owner complaints
- 9crash reports
- 1fire report
- 22%fail the UK MOT
158 complaints, against an average of 34 for the other 13 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The components named most often in the 158 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 158 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?14 owners · 8.9%
- Can the sunroof on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class shatter or fail?13 owners · 8.2%
- Why does my 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?12 owners · 7.6%
- Why does my 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class idle rough, misfire or hesitate?5 owners · 3.2%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?5 owners · 3.2%
Has the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2015 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 2015 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 calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat may not meet the specification
Risk: The calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat might not meet the specification.
Fix: Replace the passenger seat cushion
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 DVSALeft and right window airbags may fail to deploy as intendedYears estimated
Risk: The left and right widow airbags may not meet specification. As a result they may not deploy in the event of an accident.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the left and right window air bags.
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 DVSAVehicle may stall
Risk: A potentially faulty weld between the plate carrier and the hub of a clutch could be faulty/cracked and could fail. This can cause limp-home mode to be adopted or all drive to be lost. As a result the risk of a collision is heightened.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the dual clutch of the transmission.
UK DVSARisk of fire
Risk: The mounting nut for the battery ground line at the body may not have been tightened correctly. If the connection is loose there could be sparks and localised heating which increases the risk of fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check and rework the threaded connection as necessary.
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 DVSARisk of fire
Risk: The high pressure fuel lines have not been manufactured to the correct specification which over time can lead to crack formation and fuel leaking. Fuel escaping in the presence of an ignition source could lead to fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the high pressure fuel lines.
UK DVSAEngine may fail
Risk: The camshaft could break and damage the engine due to it not being manufactured to the correct specification. If the condition occurs it will lead to a sudden loss of drive thereby increasing the risk of a collision.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the intake camshaft.
UK DVSAEngine may fail
Risk: The camshaft could break and damage the engine due to it not being manufactured to the correct specification. If the condition occurs it will lead to a sudden loss of drive thereby increasing the risk of a collision.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the exhaust camshaft.
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.
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 GateThe bolt connections for the wheels on the right-hand side of the vehicle may have been fitted defectively.There is a risk of bolt connections coming loose and leading to the loss of a wheel, which would increase the risk of a potential 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 GateCracks may form in the high-pressure fuel pipes leading to a fuel leak and a vehicle 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: 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
How often does the 2015 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 2015, 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners report?
12 of the 158 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.
During an inspection, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership discovered severe corrosion and perforation, including holes, in the rear subframe of my 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA. There were no warning lights or messages alerting us to the condition before it was discovered. The dealership confirmed that the subframe requires replacement and estimated the repair at approximately $6,000. The vehicle has approximately 140,000 miles. The rear subframe is a structural component that supports suspension components. Its advanced corrosion and perforation create concern that it could weaken or fail while…
I came out from work. Got in my car and started it and went to make a three-point turn to go the opposite direction on a quiet back street in the airbag deployed halfway through and blew up in my face, causing my hands to be hurt and difficulty with breathing.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the sunroof panel was tilted on one side and fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon researching the failure, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The dealer provided an unknown diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure…
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the roof panel had detached and was tilted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an estimate for the repair was provided. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure), but the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P052E71; was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure…
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a collision, in which another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle, causing damage to the frame and headlights; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained soreness in the neck and back and received medical assistance. A police report was filed, but the contact did not have the police report information available. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the…
Check Engine Light - Code P052E71 - Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve Performance. The component failure can lead to increased exhaust gas emission, oil leaks, and internal engine damage resulting in unsafe operation. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent certified service center. This specific vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but this specific problem has been identified in other similar Mercedes-Benz years, make, and models. MBUSA LLC is only willing to apply the EMISSION EXTENDED WARRANTY to certain models within a certain model year, even though the…
Check engine light on my 2015 MB GLA250 4matic came on and the error is "P052E PCV Regulator Valve Performance". There is a recall for other MB vehicle with the same engine. I believe the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and other models with the same engine should be included in the recall.
In November 2024, while at a stop, the car shut off. A few weeks later, while driving the car over speed tables/humps, the car shifted from drive into neutral. No warning or error lights appeared on the dashboard. It just showed that the car was now in neutral. I was able to shift back into drive and continue. Fortunately, I was in a residential neighborhood, going about 10 miles per hour and had only one car behind me. This happened again in December, with the same scenario and on the same road, so I took the car to the dealer. They did a diagnostic and was not able to duplicate the problem…
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lagging with a loud rumbling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal excessively to stop the vehicle from hesitating. The failure had become more persistent. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to open, as well. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not…
Had an update on the software to control collision prevention on the car, and soon afterward it began to deploy at certain spots without any other car in front for at least 50 feet. Took it back to the M-B Seattle dealer and after 4 weeks of investigation, I was told that the matter is exterior to the car and that the car performs as intended. T still drive the car and it still gives me warnings of impending to engage the collision detection braking system. I don't feel very comfortable driving it in the city.
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2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 158 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class; the most common categories were engine (42, 26.6%), air bags (21, 13.3%), power train (20, 12.7%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 9 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 12 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
Across 158 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (26.6% of complaints), air bags (13.3% of complaints), power train (12.7% of complaints), structure (12.7% of complaints), electrical system (11.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
14 of the 158 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (8.9%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "UNKNOWN- The check engine light came on and was taken for a diagnostic test and it returned a P052E code. This indicates a fault in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve performance." (NHTSA complaint 11691411, October 2025). 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class shatter or fail?
13 of the 158 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (8.2%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "I was driving to work on Thursday, September 11th. Suddenly, I heard a loud noise like an explosion. Upon checking, I saw that my sunroof had exploded, shattering glass everywhere. The loud noise startled me, causing me to almost have an accident." (NHTSA complaint 11687298, September 2025). 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 does my 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
12 of the 158 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (7.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Rear differential has failed/malfunctioned. The vehicle is available upon request. It is a road safety issue as it will stall/ hesitate when accelerating and has a jerking effect. It has been confirmed by an independent service center." (NHTSA complaint 11594191, June 2024). 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 does my 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
5 of the 158 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (3.2%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Rear differential has failed/malfunctioned. The vehicle is available upon request. It is a road safety issue as it will stall/ hesitate when accelerating and has a jerking effect. It has been confirmed by an independent service center." (NHTSA complaint 11594191, June 2024). 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 airbag light on in my 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
5 of the 158 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (3.2%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "Incident on 10/18/21, while coasting into a parking space, my car suddenly accelerated and smashed into a concrete wall. Damage was extensive and car was determined a loss. Service was maintained throughout ownership." (NHTSA complaint 11438246, October 2021). 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 2015 only.