Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 reliable?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 has 37 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (7 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (5 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): STEERING, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 gets 29 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1655. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is approximately $2,143/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 has 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 83. The most common issue is electrical problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2017 mercedes-benz cla250. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v114000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time. There are 10 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

7 complaints

19%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME
• SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, BATTERY POWER LOSS WITH COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWN, FAULTY WIRE HARNESSES, LOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL WHILE IN MOTION ON FREEWAY, HEAD UNIT DEFAULTS, FAULTY TIRES WITH BLISTERING, COUNTLESS RECALLS.
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND STALLED, BUT WAS ABLE TO RESTART. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ADDITIONALLY, THE RADIO TURNED OFF ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OPEN ROAD OF BRIDGE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Based on 14 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 37K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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 (10)

STEERING01/04/2021

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 B250e, CLA250, 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250, and AMG GLA45 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.

Risk: A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060001.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,656

Per month

$138

Per mile

13.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,334/yr

Based 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 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,143

Full coverage / month

$179

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+28%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

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

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

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 2017 CLA250, 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 37 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V62700 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, IT WOULD CAUSE INJURY TO HER FAMILY. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF PALM BEACH, 4
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: REAR WINDOW EXPLODED AFTER TURNING ON REAR DEFROST, VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN REAR WINDOW EXPLODED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)