2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.0x the segment average of 27. The most common issue is electrical problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: 2018 mercedes benz cla 250. consumer writes in regards to issues with vehicle starting and shutting down while driving. *ld *js. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.
53
Total Complaints
6
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
2.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
10 complaints- • 2018 MERCEDES BENZ CLA 250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH VEHICLE STARTING AND SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *LD *JS
- • I WAS DRIVING ON THE ACCESS ROAD GETTING READY TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I PROCEEDED ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND MADE IT INTO THE MIDDLE LANE GOING AROUND 60 MPH BUT SHORTLY AFTER MY CAR THREW ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL AND THE DASH LIT UP WITH THREE LINES OF WORDS: THE FIRST LINE SAID 'SERVICE REQUIRED', THE SE
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V058000 (COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF ATLANTA NORTHEAST (1705 BOGGS RD NW, DULUTH, GA 30
“2018 MERCEDES BENZ CLA 250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH VEHICLE STARTING AND SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *LD *JS”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Based on 12 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 41K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (6)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Service Intervals
Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles
These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2018 CLA 250, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 53 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 2018 MERCEDES BENZ CLA 250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH VEHICLE STARTING AND SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *LD *JS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250C. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY A SPEEDING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEADACHES, HIP PAIN, WHIPLASH, AND VISION ISSUES. MEDICAL A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V058000 (COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF ATLANTA NORTHEAST (1705 BOGGS RD NW, DULUTH, GA 30
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: 2018 MERCEDES BENZ CLA 250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH VEHICLE STARTING AND SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *LD *JS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 53
- Recalls
- 6
- Fire reports
- 2
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 1
- Segment avg
- 27
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250