Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 CDI

Over 100,000 vehicles recalled: the chain tensioner seal leaks, allowing engine oil to drip onto the exhaust system and potentially ignite.

Symptoms: Dropping oil level, oil smell from engine bay, oily deposits under the vehicle, possible oil fire

The OM651 uses a simplex timing chain. With short-trip driving and overdue oil change intervals the chain stretches.

Symptoms: Light rattling noise on cold start from the rear of the engine, no fault code stored

Same Delphi piezo injector problems as in the DE18: 220 CDI and 250 CDI variants affected. Mercedes replaced them with solenoid injectors as part of a service action.

Symptoms: Vibrations and rough running especially under acceleration, elevated fuel consumption

The EGR cooler of the OM651 develops hairline cracks at the connection stub and loses coolant. Green staining next to the fuel filter under the engine cover is typical.

Symptoms: Dropping coolant level without visible leak, intermittent coolant warning, green spots under the vehicle, heater output diminishing

The DMF on the OM651 suffers under the high torque output. Documented case: all 8mm rivets sheared at 149,000 km, with consequential damage to the clutch and crankshaft speed sensor.

Symptoms: Rattling and juddering at warm idle, vibrations when pulling away, shuddering at low RPM, noise increases with warm engine

From around 150,000–180,000 km the OM651 turbocharger leaks oil through worn bearings, which drips onto the EKAS intake port deactivation actuator and destroys it. Double damage.

Symptoms: Black smoke under acceleration, oil residue in charge air hose, power loss, fault code P0299 boost pressure underrun

Multiple recall actions on the CLA C117 concerned cracked fuel lines in the engine bay as well as brake booster deficiencies and faulty airbag cable routing. Affected vehicles should be checked for open recalls at the KBA.

The 7-speed dual clutch gearbox in the CLA C117 tends toward juddering gear changes, especially when pulling away and in traffic. Clutch packs wear prematurely with intensive urban use. Software updates help temporarily; at high mileages a gearbox oil change is needed.

Defective cable guides on door locks cause central locking to fail. Moisture ingress into the footwell trim puts additional strain on the electrics.

Water enters the footwells through sealing defects, which can lead to electrical damage and corrosion. Vehicles with panoramic roof are particularly affected.