AI Damage2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250: common problems
The maker issued 59 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 59
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 33 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
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 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…
- 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 CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465
SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivability concern and will clear itself within 2-3 key cycles…
- 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 nut (by 1 turn), the…
- Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167
SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 465, 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivability concern and will clear itself within 2-3 key…
- Complaint Customer reports a squeaking or creaking sound (See Example) originating from the lower front…
Complaint Customer reports a squeaking or creaking sound (See Example) originating from the lower front seat area. This sound may occur under the following conditions: • Driving over uneven or rough road surfaces •…
- Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the…
Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop menu, e.g., 505 or 550A, which includes a service A. Cause The root cause is currently being…
NHTSA lists 59 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 59 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250?
NHTSA lists 59 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 2026 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 2026 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.