AI Damage2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250: common problems
The maker issued 244 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 244
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 133 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- 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…
- Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering
Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.
- 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 vibration…
- Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations
The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head Unit application to fail to overwrite…
- Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission…
Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to…
- Complaint Temporary no start condition with check engine light and multiple warning messages
When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3/14 ‑ Transmission control for 8‑speed dual‑clutch transmission (DKG): P24F100 The wake‑up line of the control unit has a short circuit to positive…
- Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner
In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for…
- Complaint Customers may report one or more of the following
• Transmission malfunction message • Check engine light illuminated • Shifts into N • Concern disappears after ignition cycle When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3/14 ‑ Transmission…
- Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally
Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so…
- Complaint 1
General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root…
- Complaint Customers may report one or more of the following
• Transmission malfunction message • Check engine light illuminated • Shifts into N • Concern disappears after ignition cycle When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3/14 - Transmission…
- This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024…
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz…
NHTSA lists 244 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 244 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250?
NHTSA lists 244 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.