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2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 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
- 47owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 1fire report
- 17%fail the UK MOT
47 complaints, against an average of 43 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The components named most often in the 47 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 47 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 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 2018 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 DVSASRPC2404 – Backup function of steering software
Risk: On affected vehicles the backup function of the steering software might not meet specifications. As a result the steering power support might be impaired and a loss of steerability cannot be ruled out.
Fix: Update the software of the electric steering on the affected vehicles.
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 DVSAA particle in the fuel rail might lead to a leak between the fuel rail and the injector
Risk: A particle in the fuel rail might lead to a leak between the fuel rail and the fuel injector.
Fix: Replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
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 behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
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.
UK DVSAThe communication module may be deactivated
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.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system (ecall) does not meet the specification
Risk: On affected vehicles the software of the communication module for the emergency call system does not meet the specification
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system
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 DVSAThe four locknuts securing the air bag might be missing
Risk: Certain driver airbag modules might not be bolted onto the base plate.
Fix: Check the driver airbag on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
UK DVSAThe software of the radar control unit may not meet specification
Risk: ; The software of the radar control unit might not meet the specification
Fix: Update the software of the radar sensor control unit on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe software of the transmission control unit might not meet specification.
Risk: Under certain circumstances it might not be possible to shift into Drive or Reverse mode.
Fix: Update the transmission control unit software of the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe electrical contact of the tail lamps might be impaired
Risk: The electrical contact of the tail lamps might be impaired.
Fix: The bulb sockets of the affected vehicles are to be replaced.
UK DVSAThe calibration of the front passenger seat occupant clasification system may not correspond to specifications
Risk: Incorrect calibration of the front passenger occupant classification system.
Fix: Replace the seat cushion of the front passenger seat.
UK DVSADoors on left vehicle side (passenger side) remain permanently locked after the vehicle has been locked/unlocked with the remote control key
Risk: Possible inability to open the left hand door externally or internally.
Fix: Replace the affected door locks on the left side of the vehicle.
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.
EU Safety GateThe steering software may not correctly activate the fallback level in the event of a hardware failure.This could affect the power steering assistance and lead to the loss of steering capacity, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Update of the electric steering software; Date of entry into force: Unknown; 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 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.
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 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.
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 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 GateA bolt in the locking mechanism of the articulated trailer coupling is defective.It could break while a trailer is being towed and consequently the trailer could detach, thus increasing the risk of an accident for following traffic.
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 calibration of the occupant classification system for the passenger seat may not be adequate.As a consequence, the installation of a child seat may not deactivate the passenger airbag as required. In the event of an accident, the passenger airbag could therefore be deployed. This could increase the risk of injury to a child in a rear-facing child seat.
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
How often does the 2018 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 2018, 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class owners report?
12 of the 47 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.
After a hard impact car continued to go then when came to a stop the air bags deployed which resulted in injuring my left arm
The instrument cluster gauges start giving in accurate information and the whole dash start turning on and off. I found hundreds of people posting complaints about this issue with the 2018 mercedes cla 250 but mercedes refuses to acknowledge this issue and put out a recall probably out of greed and to not loose money. This is a dangerous issue. Mercedes wants to charge people appropriately $3,000 for parts and labor to fix this issue which is ridiculous. Please look into this. There needs to be a recall. This is dangerous especially for the people that cant afford this repair.
Water coming into the car through the floor
Corrosion of the fuel system (on a Flex Fuel rated vehicle that had used E85 blend regularly) causing sudden loss of power, misfires, lack of acceleration The vehicle experience sudden loss of power, multiple misfires, and potential damage to the engine. Had the vehicle been on the highway or attempting to merge with traffic this could have resulted in an accident See attached dealer diagnosis and replacement of multiple fuel injectors, fuel pump, and fuel rail. The dealer service manager stated (but did not document) that this was probably caused by using E85, despite the fact that the…
I have sent the below email over 100 times to Mercedes To whom it may concern, I am writing regarding the purchase of a CLA250 4matic in December. I had a 120 point inspection done that did not show any issues with this car. As I was driving down a dark road around 1 am, my life was thrown in danger as the command shaft shut off and I could not see the dashboard or any lights in the vehicle. I was alone and on a dark road. After sitting for 15 minutes, I was able to get a light to come on and drove to my destination. On my way home, the lights were acting erratic and the brake lights, bright…
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel to the left, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the electrical features on the steering wheel failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that several days later, the same failure returned with air bag and a "Front Left Malfunction - Service Required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact spoke to her mechanically inclined brother and was informed that the failure was likely related to a defective clock spring. Upon…
P052E Check Engine light on. Same part is defective on other models that use the same parts. My car is not included in the recall.
Within 2 weeks after purchasing this vehicle the front stationary roof panel flew off the car. I noticed it when I parked at work in the parking lot. I do not know where the panel is. I retraced my route and did not see it anywhere. I work less than 2 miles from work with no turns. I am very concerned that the panel may cause water damage/leaking and even be a danger / damage to another drivers safety. I went to MB they said that there was no recall. They said that I should file claim to repair it. Claim and repair done be MB. NOW the same thing happened again. The panel has flown off again…
My 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC is experiencing a knocking noise from the rear differential at low speeds. The issue poses potential driving hazards, including possible loss of control and increased wear on drivetrain components. The noise may indicate a failing differential, which could suddenly fail while driving. I have contacted the dealer, but no specific recalls or factory service announcements have been identified for this problem. This appears to be a common issue reported by other owners. At the recommendation of the service technician, I replaced the rear solenoid, at the cost of…
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving an undisclosed speed, an abnormally strong fuel odor was detected. Additionally, the fuel odor was also detected when the defroster and heat were activated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage…
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic replaced the coolant reservoir cap. Several months later, the warning light re-appeared, and the contact topped off the coolant level and the warning light disappeared. Recently, the check engine warning light illuminated and took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective fuel injector and the contact was referred to the…
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V058000 (Communication, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was notified of the issue however, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 47 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (12, 25.5%), engine (9, 19.1%), air bags (8, 17%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
Across 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (25.5% of complaints), engine (19.1% of complaints), air bags (17% of complaints), structure (12.8% of complaints), power train (8.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
3 of the 47 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (6.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Corrosion of the fuel system (on a Flex Fuel rated vehicle that had used E85 blend regularly) causing sudden loss of power, misfires, lack of acceleration The vehicle experience sudden loss of power, multiple misfires, and potential damage to the engine." (NHTSA complaint 11722825, March 2026). 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
3 of the 47 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (6.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "P052E Check Engine light on. Same part is defective on other models that use the same parts. My car is not included in the recall." (NHTSA complaint 11681776, August 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 2018 only.