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2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2016 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
  • 67owner complaints
  • 5crash reports
  • 1fire report
  • 21%fail the UK MOT

67 complaints, against an average of 41 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

The components named most often in the 67 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Engine15 (22.4%)
  2. Air Bags13 (19.4%)
  3. Electrical System8 (11.9%)
  4. Structure8 (11.9%)
  5. Steering7 (10.4%)
  6. Fuel/Propulsion System6 (9%)
  7. Power Train5 (7.5%)
  8. Service Brakes3 (4.5%)

What symptoms do 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners describe?

Found by reading the text of all 67 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.

Has the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class been recalled?

NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 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 2016 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. Recall R/2024/024 · Feb 7, 2024 · built Sep 2012 to Mar 2018 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/106 · Dec 1, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/130 · Dec 1, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/376 · Nov 29, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAVehicles with a panoramic sunroofthe polycarbonate panel may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair Recall R/2021/274 · Aug 20, 2021 · built Jul 2013 to Oct 2019 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAA bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/202 · Jul 21, 2021 · built Nov 2016 to Feb 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: A bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications.

Fix: Check the steering shaft on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/110 · May 13, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/120 · May 11, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/111 · May 10, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/128 · May 5, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/131 · May 5, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/132 · May 5, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/133 · May 5, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications Recall R/2021/134 · May 5, 2021 · built Jan 2016 to Jan 2021 · Risk and fix

Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.

Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe communication module may be deactivated Recall R/2021/082 · Mar 30, 2021 · built May 2016 to Jul 2020 · Risk and fix

Risk: The communication module may be deactivated

Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAThe calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat may not meet the specification Recall R/2019/446 · Jul 21, 2020 · built Apr 2015 to Nov 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: The calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat might not meet the specification.

Fix: Replace the passenger seat cushion

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded Recall R/2018/130 · Jun 11, 2018 · built Nov 2011 to Jul 2017 · Risk and fix

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

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSASteering components may be insufficiently grounded Recall R/2018/098 · May 11, 2018 · built Nov 2011 to Jul 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded Recall R/2018/069 · Apr 9, 2018 · built Nov 2011 to Jul 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded Recall R/2017/282 · Dec 18, 2017 · built Nov 2011 to Jul 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAStarting current limiter may overload Recall R/2017/096 · Jun 20, 2017 · built Feb 2014 to Feb 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSALeft and right window airbags may fail to deploy as intendedYears estimated Recall R/2017/160 · Jun 20, 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSALeft window airbag may not deploy as intended Recall R/2017/161 · Jun 20, 2017 · built Aug 2016 to Mar 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: The left widow airbag may not meet specification. As a result it may not deploy in the event of an accident.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the left window air bag.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSARight window airbag may fail to deploy as intended Recall R/2017/162 · Jun 20, 2017 · built Aug 2016 to Mar 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: The right widow airbag may not meet specification. As a result it may not deploy in the event of an accident.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the right window air bag.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAAirbag may not deploy correctly Recall R/2017/177 · Jun 20, 2017 · built Aug 2016 to Mar 2017 · Risk and fix

Risk: The propellant mixing ratio in the igniters of the front passenger airbag assembly may not meet specification. If the airbag is required and activated it might not deploy or not completely deploy. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag assembly.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification Recall R/2017/124 · Apr 19, 2017 · built Jan 2004 to Mar 2017 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSARear seat backrest may collapse in a collisionYears estimated Recall R/2016/271 · Dec 14, 2016 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAVehicle may stall Recall R/2016/124 · Sep 28, 2016 · built Oct 2015 to Nov 2015 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSARisk of fire Recall R/2016/085 · Apr 22, 2016 · built Sep 2015 to Sep 2015 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAPossible loss of power steering assistanceYears estimated Recall R/2016/088 · Apr 22, 2016 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSARisk of fire Recall R/2015/259 · Jan 21, 2016 · built Oct 2015 to Nov 2015 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAEngine may fail Recall R/2015/208 · Nov 19, 2015 · built Jul 2015 to Sep 2015 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAEngine may fail Recall R/2015/210 · Nov 19, 2015 · built Jul 2015 to Sep 2015 · Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

EU Safety GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine…A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire. Alert A12/00017/22 · reported by Germany · Jan 7, 2022 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateA bore hole in the universal joint on the steering shaft may have incorrect size.As a result, there could be play between the bearing fitted into the bore hole and the universal joint, which could cause the joint to become detached over time.This would impair the vehicle’s steerability, increasing the risk of an accident. Alert A12/00857/21 · reported by Germany · Jun 18, 2021 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/00730/21 · reported by Germany · May 28, 2021 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/00346/20 · reported by Germany · Mar 6, 2020 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/1733/17 · reported by Germany · Dec 8, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe starter current limiter may be overloaded and overheat.As a consequence, the surrounding components could ignite, leading to a fire. Alert A12/1352/17 · reported by Romania · Oct 6, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe mixture ratio of the fuel in the inflators of the front-passenger knee, pelvic and side curtain airbags may not be correct.In the event of an accident requiring the deployment of the airbags, this could lead to the airbags not inflating properly. Alert A12/0763/17 · reported by Germany · Jun 9, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/0457/17 · reported by Germany · Apr 14, 2017 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe screw fittings on the mounting brackets of the backrests are inadequate.In the event of an accident it can cause the backrest to fold, increasing the risk of injury for passengers. Alert A12/1607/16 · reported by Germany · Dec 9, 2016 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

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. Alert A12/0353/16 · reported by Germany · Mar 25, 2016 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateCracks may form in the high-pressure fuel pipes leading to a fuel leak and a vehicle fire. Alert A12/0284/16 · reported by Germany · Mar 11, 2016 · Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

How often does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class fail its MOT?

21.4% of 7,801 MOT tests in 2023 on Mercedes-Benz CLA-Classs first registered in 2016 were a fail
  1. Tyres49%
  2. Suspension18%
  3. Brakes16%
  4. Visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors)15%
  5. Lights and electrics13%
  6. Exhaust, emissions and leaks9%

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 2016, 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners report?

12 of the 67 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.

My 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has a check engine light for code P052E, which points to a broken crankcase ventilation valve. My car has only 59,000 miles on it, but this same exact part already broke once before and was replaced under the original warranty. Now, the replacement part has failed too. This proves the part is defective and keeps breaking. Mercedes-Benz already knows this part is defective. They gave a free 15-year or 150,000-mile extended warranty to fix this exact issue for free on the C-Class and other longitudinal M274 engine platforms. However, they are actively denying…
Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11760530 · Aug 29, 2026
My mechanic said that he believes there is a recall on a recalled part this was previously repaired per Mercedes notice of safety recall dated April 2018. The recall remedy provided by the manufacturer has failed to permanently fix the safety defect, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive. "On certain Model Year (“MY”) 2014-2017 B-Class electric, MY 2012-2018 C-Class, MY 2012-2017 E-Class, MY 2014-2018 CLA, MY 2015-2018 GLA, MY 2016-2018 GLC, and MY 2013-2015 GLK-Class vehicles, an electrostatic discharge, when combined with a broken steering column module clock spring and an insufficient…
Steering, Air BagsNHTSA complaint 11747510 · Jun 30, 2026
My mechanic said that he believes there is a recall on a recalled part this was previously repaired per Mercedes notice of safety recall dated April 2018. The recall remedy provided by the manufacturer has failed to permanently fix the safety defect, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive. "On certain Model Year (“MY”) 2014-2017 B-Class electric, MY 2012-2018 C-Class, MY 2012-2017 E-Class, MY 2014-2018 CLA, MY 2015-2018 GLA, MY 2016-2018 GLC, and MY 2013-2015 GLK-Class vehicles, an electrostatic discharge, when combined with a broken steering column module clock spring and an insufficient…
Steering, Air BagsNHTSA complaint 11747511 · Jun 30, 2026
My vehicle is exhibiting the same problem as MB Recall Campaign #2021070010 but my MB Vin is not included in the recall even though my make/model of car is on the list. This MB recall campaign is to replace the front stationary sunroof panel. According to recall,"The panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle. The adhesion of the front panel might partially or fully detach from the vehicle increasing the risk/injury to other road users." This campaign which was updated 9/3/2021 should include ALL vehicles on the recall list that exhibit this issue. I contacted an…
StructureNHTSA complaint 11744845 · Jun 17, 2026
Factory window tint of the back window & the driver/passenger side(s) windows are bubbling and peeling causing visual impairment while operating motor vehicle. Examples of impairment are backing the vehicle and changing lanes & these affected areas are blurry. Panaramic Sunroof does not seal properly when closed. Factory vehicle paint bubbling and peeling causing depreciation of the vehicle.
Structure, Unknown Or Other, Visibility/WiperNHTSA complaint 11735001 · Apr 30, 2026
My 2016 CLA 250 having multiple electrical and driving issues that are not recalled. I’ve researched online and found most of these issues are common. 1. Dashboard screen and radio console lights turn off completely. USB connection triggers electrical symptoms. Front and Back seat window control (driver) triggers electrical symptoms and sometimes corrects the problems. Trunk opens by itself while parked and/or stopped at red lights. The instrument cluster has times multiple warning lights turn on and stay on. At times the fuel needle drops completely down as if I have no fuel in the car. The…
Electrical System, Seats, Unknown Or OtherNHTSA complaint 11665634 · Jun 8, 2025
Check engine light with error code P052E. From my research, this is a very common issue with this engine and one that either has been recalled or is planning to be recalled. According to some online forums for Mercedes Benz, Mercedes is being sued over this problem and has issued an extended warranty on certain models because of how common this problem has become. The list of models needs to be expanded to include other models experiencing the same problem.
Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, EngineNHTSA complaint 11642317 · Feb 12, 2025
Vehicle Performance Issues - Detailed Timeline [XXX] •First issue occurred: the car wouldn’t start at a store. Engine turned over, failed to start. •After sitting overnight, it would start but stall after 10 minutes of driving. •Parked the car and began using alternative transportation. •Diagnostic tests by three mechanics revealed the following codes: oP0087: Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. oP052E: Crankcase Ventilation (PCV). [XXX] •Picked up the car from Midland Mercedes after repairs. Paid $3,069.16 for crankcase ventilation service. •Mercedes Customer Summary Report had no reference to…
Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11638804 · Jan 27, 2025
When we are driving the transmission slip intro neutral ramdomly message appear « do not shift in gear, visit dealer » we need to stop the car on the high way put it in park and after in drive . Its happen really often and my wife d’ont want to drive it any more because its to dangerous with kid, we need a solution
Power Train, Electrical SystemNHTSA complaint 11606153 · Aug 2, 2024
May 3, 2023 - I had pulled back into my driveway approximately at 8:45 AM after leaving a couple of minutes before to run errands. I turned the car off and went inside of my house for less than five minutes. I got back into my car, started the vehicle and the airbag exploded unexpectedly while I was in my driveway. Of course, I was shocked and confused as to what had happened. My husband was inside the house and came out to check on me. I received surface burns on both of my forearms, my left pinky finger was bent in an unnatural position and part of my left pinky fingernail was missing. It…
Air BagsNHTSA complaint 11533011 · Jul 18, 2023
Inside the car smells gas either idle or running. Dashboard lights flactuate and sometimes the gas gage doesn't show how much fuel you have left. Command system shuts off after 3 mins even the engine is on. But mainly, the gas smell in the car. Have trouble breathing at times and I don't haveany underlying condition.
Electrical System, Unknown Or OtherNHTSA complaint 11509389 · Feb 27, 2023
AUTOMATIC ENGAGING OF EMERGENCY BREAK WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY TOGETHER WITH SIGNALS OF COLLISION PREVENTION ASSISTANT PLUS INOPERATIVE AND TWO OTHER ERRORS (IN PICTURES). CAR WAS BOUGHT RECENTLY BOUGHT AND DELIVERED TO ME ON JANUARY 1ST , 2020. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK TO DEALER TWICE FOR SAME ERRORS. IT WAS REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE AS DEALER INDICATED IT HAD TO DO WITH AUXILIARY BATTERY MALFUNCTIONING WHICH WAS ALSO ANOTHER ERROR SHOWING IN THE PANEL.
Unknown Or Other, Service Brakes, EngineNHTSA complaint 11309432 · Feb 15, 2020

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2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: questions owners ask

Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 67 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class; the most common categories were engine (15, 22.4%), air bags (13, 19.4%), electrical system (8, 11.9%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 5 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 4 injuries were reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

Across 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (22.4% of complaints), air bags (19.4% of complaints), electrical system (11.9% of complaints), structure (11.9% of complaints), steering (10.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have any recalls?

As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

11 of the 67 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (16.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Check engine light with error code P052E. From my research, this is a very common issue with this engine and one that either has been recalled or is planning to be recalled." (NHTSA complaint 11642317, February 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?

9 of the 67 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (13.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I was driving on the street and lost power, I looked down and saw a red transmission message and noticed that my vehicle was in neutral. I hurried, and stepped on the break and put my car in drive. I drove 5 minutes to my destination." (NHTSA complaint 11486543, September 2022). 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class smell of fuel or gas?

4 of the 67 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (6%) describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. One owner wrote: "Inside the car smells gas either idle or running. Dashboard lights flactuate and sometimes the gas gage doesn't show how much fuel you have left. Command system shuts off after 3 mins even the engine is on. But mainly, the gas smell in the car." (NHTSA complaint 11509389, February 2023). 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 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class shatter or fail?

4 of the 67 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (6%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "The incident that occurred is that my sunroof exploded on me while I was driving. There was know one in front of me nor next to me. Nothing hitting it to cause this, it just exploded." (NHTSA complaint 11696324, 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.

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 2016 only.

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