2012 Mercedes-Benz Cla250 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (3) · Engine (2) · Fuel/Propulsion System (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes-Benz Cla250 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (51)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Exterior Lighting 2026-04-16 · LI82.10-P-078301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. cause fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. it does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. if a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the l
Showing the 6 most recent of 51 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2020-06-06 · Electrical System · 85,918 mi“electrical ignition lock, reparked car one day, next day engine would not crank. vehicle was stationary in driveway. *tr…”
2020-02-23 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 40,000 mi“when attempting to pass or pulling out onto road way the car will suddenly lose power, check engine light comes on. this leaves the drivers in a very dangerous situation with on-coming traffic.…”
2020-02-06 · Engine · 610,708 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2012 mercedes benz cls 550. the contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. the contact took the vehicle to mercedes-benz of alexandria (200 s pickett st, alexandria, va 22304) where the vehicle was diagnosed. the contact was informed that an oil leak had caused damage to a wi…”
2020-01-23 · Engine · 77,000 mi“the cam shaft intake and exhaust adjusters need to be replaced at 77k mi, this is a $5k repair. i initially replaced the cam shaft position senors at 65k mi and the vehicle has been regularly serviced. consistent with reports across the country this cam shaft component will fail around 50k-80k miles and at that point the repair is 2/3 the value o…”
2019-12-28 · Air Bags · 65,000 mi · 💥 crash“was notified by mercedes benz that my vehicle was included in the takata airbag recall and that replacement parts would not be available until dec 2018. since it was the only vehicle i owned and i had to continue work i drove the vehicle with defective parts until i was involved in an automobile accident in july 2018. i am now disabled after a leng…”
2019-08-05 · Air Bags“tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2012 mercedes-benz cla250. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 16v081000 (air bags). the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had …”
2017-11-06 · Air Bags · 56,000 mi“takata recall. the car has been parked for some time due to inability to have the recall repair done. is there a remedy? 1…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.