Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Powerful two-litre turbo from the new compact platform. 7G-DCT or 8G-DCT standard. Strong everyday engine with few known weaknesses.
CLA 250 4MATIC — Top Pick
165 kW M260 in the CLA Coupé: quick, elegant and with genuine steering precision. One of the best packages in the class.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Known production deficiency: exhaust valve seat inserts and valve guides wear prematurely, leading to leaking combustion chambers. Mercedes extended warranty to 15 years / 241,000 km for model years 2019–2022.
Symptoms: Rough engine running, misfires (faults P0300–P0304), check engine light, power loss, vibration
On the M260 timing chain and tensioner can wear prematurely, especially with long oil change intervals. Affected vehicles show rattling on cold start.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling after cold start, check engine light, camshaft position fault codes
The wastegate actuator on the M260 can open prematurely from spring wear, leading to underboost. Diagnosis possible by pressure-testing the actuator.
Symptoms: Power deficiency under load, P0299 fault code, whistling on acceleration
On the M260 coolant lines and the thermostat housing cover can develop leaks. Mercedes carried out a service campaign (1204P59A93).
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, coolant smell in engine bay, temperature rise, coolant level fault message
Direct injection without port injection causes carbon deposits on intake valves. Regular walnut blasting every 60,000–80,000 km necessary.
Symptoms: Power drop at part throttle, rough idle, slight hesitation on acceleration
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
On CLA C118 from the production period August 2019 to July 2020, the turbocharger oil supply line could develop a leak. Oil reached the underbody and the road surface, increased fire risk.
On CLA C118 model year 2020, the voltage supply to the electric power steering assistance could be impaired. In the worst case the steering servo assistance failed while driving.
The 8-speed dual clutch gearbox in the CLA C118 occasionally shows rough gear changes, especially when downshifting and in crawl mode. Software updates help temporarily; clutch packs wear at higher mileages.
The optional Multibeam LED headlights fail or function only partially. Malfunctions affect the adaptive light distribution.
On CLA C118 models with Multibeam LED headlights, occasional malfunctions occur: the high beam assist deactivates unintentionally, or individual LED segments fail.
Starter battery is the most common breakdown cause on the CLA C118. The many assistance and comfort systems place a heavy load on the battery.
A frequent complaint on the CLA C118 and simultaneously the A-Class W177 is clearly audible fuel sloshing in the tank, especially at partial and low fill levels in corners.