What 51 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Mercedes-benz Cla-class

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 involving a leaking fuel rail that caused the vehicle to shut down and become unsafe to operate. The failure of the fuel rail resulted in a fuel leak and engine shutdown. A failure within the fuel delivery system presents a serious safety concern, as it can cause sudden loss of power while driving and poses a potential fire hazard if fuel comes into contact with hot engine components. During the repair process, I was informed that the necessary replacement component, Fuel Rail Part Number 2700701995, is no longer being produced by Mercedes-Benz. Because this critical component is unavailable, the vehicle cannot currently be repaired and is therefore undrivable. It is deeply concerning that a safety-related fuel system component for a 2019 vehicle is no longer available. Without access to this essential part, the vehicle is effectively disabled. Additionally, based on the nature of this failure, I believe this fuel rail defect should be included in the recall list for this vehicle. A leaking fuel rail capable of shutting down the engine represents a significant safety risk that may affect other vehicles of the same model. I have attempted to contact Mercedes-Benz Customer Care at [XXX] on seven separate occasions and have left messages requesting assistance, but I have not received a return call. Because this issue involves both a serious fuel system failure and the inability to obtain a critical replacement part, I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate whether this defect affects other 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 vehicles and determine whether a recall is warranted. Vehicle Information: Year: 2019 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: CLA250 VIN: [XXX] Part in Question: Fuel Rail – Part No. 2700701995 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11723718

The sunroof is off the track. There seems to have been a recall for my make and model and year of vehicle (2019 Mercedes CLA 250) though Mercedes tells me that my vin # is not among those that were recalled. However, they told me that if I could reach out to NHTSA, that it would be possible that my vehicle would be added to the recall, which would force Mercedes to have to repair the issue at their cost, so this is me doing that.

NHTSA ODI 11719214

JUST PAID $4,154.67 TO HAVE MY 2019 MERCEDES CLA 250, WITH JUST 46,222 MILES, ENGINE REPAIRED. * REPACE FUEL INJECTOR SEALS/ORINGS $1,462.80 *REPLACE ALL 4 FUEL INJECTORS $2,512.62 SO, PLEASE TELL WHY THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY CAR????? MARK BOULTINGHOUSE (240)277.9752

NHTSA ODI 11718332

The emergency braking system keeps coming on every time I go to drive, my car automatically shifts into neutral gear when driving and I have an error message saying that I can’t reverse. My seat will Not go further back and I have an air bag issue light

NHTSA ODI 11710573

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission inadvertently shifted to neutral(N), causing a loss of drive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "See Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V033000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA ODI 11708296

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, several unknown warnings illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond while the engine revved. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. Upon restarting the vehicle, no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the destination without further incidents. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing the failure intermittently. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had called an independent mechanic, who advised that the failure was related to the transmission. Upon researching online, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V033000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 145,495.

NHTSA ODI 11707506

I was driving my vehicle and it shifted into neutral and would not go back into gear until I pulled over to side of the road, turned it off and back on. A check engine light came on when I restarted the vehicle and I took the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis. They told me they couldn't find an issue and reset the check engine light. A week later, I was driving on the freeway and it shifted into neutral again at 70 miles an hour. Luckily, I was in the right hand lane and was able to coast to the side. At that point I started looking online to see if others had this issue and came across this: Campaign No. : 2021020038 NHTSA ID: 21V033 Campaign Desc. : Replace Transmission Control Unit 21P5495403 Which is exactly what is happening to my vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11703689

My 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has become unsafe to drive due to strong gasoline fumes filling the cabin. The smell is overwhelming and makes it difficult — and frankly dangerous — to sit in the vehicle for more than a few minutes without feeling lightheaded. I have since learned that this issue is part of a known defect covered under NHTSA Recall #21V961, which affects 2016–2020 CLA 250 models for a fuel leak and potential fire hazard. Despite the recall directly describing this exact problem — fuel vapors entering the passenger compartment — I was told that Mercedes-Benz will not cover the repair costs, even though the recall was never performed on my car. This is deeply concerning, as gasoline fumes inside the cabin pose not only a serious health risk from inhalation but also a potential fire or explosion hazard. It’s unacceptable that a manufacturer would refuse to remedy a safety recall issue, especially one involving a known fuel system defect that could endanger both the driver and passengers. I’m left with a car that’s unsafe to drive and a manufacturer unwilling to take responsibility for a problem they’ve already acknowledged through the NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11701109

My 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has become unsafe to drive due to strong gasoline fumes filling the cabin. The smell is overwhelming and makes it difficult — and frankly dangerous — to sit in the vehicle for more than a few minutes without feeling lightheaded. I have since learned that this issue is part of a known defect covered under NHTSA Recall #21V961, which affects 2016–2020 CLA 250 models for a fuel leak and potential fire hazard. Despite the recall directly describing this exact problem — fuel vapors entering the passenger compartment — I was told that Mercedes-Benz will not cover the repair costs, even though the recall was never performed on my car. This is deeply concerning, as gasoline fumes inside the cabin pose not only a serious health risk from inhalation but also a potential fire or explosion hazard. It’s unacceptable that a manufacturer would refuse to remedy a safety recall issue, especially one involving a known fuel system defect that could endanger both the driver and passengers. I’m left with a car that’s unsafe to drive and a manufacturer unwilling to take responsibility for a problem they’ve already acknowledged through the NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11698613

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, the abnormal fuel odor was also on the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several other independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be replicated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11695763

My turn signals are not working and warnings are showing up on my dashboard. My pillars are both wet on the drivers side and passenger side. My speed odometer and tachodometer are not working. The dash board iis showing the brake and high beams are on but they aren't on. I have fog on the front window when I get in the car. This situation is of major concern for my safety. I am not certain that the air bags would work? I refuse to drive this vehicle. I called Mercedes Benz in Wilmington, NC and I can't get an appointment until October 13th. I see in the Mercedes Benz recall that the sun roof and electrical problem were recalled.in 2019. I have a Mercedes Benz GLA 250 2019 and that was in the article. Mercedes told me my vin number was not included in the recall. I have the exact same problems as the other vehicles that were recalled. I appreciate your help in this matter to be put on the recall list. This is a major recall issue. I am in fear for my safety to drive with all the electric issues that exist as a part of this recall. Please notify me once this is approved so that I can call my dealership and have this issue resolved. I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter as this is my only transportation. Thank you for your attention in this matter [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11690737

As i was driving on the freeway the front acylic panel conected to the sun roof just fell off the car nearly striking another vehicle. I have bein seeing alot of other ppl are having this issue yet it has not been recalled

NHTSA ODI 11690040

Structure body: roof and pillars affected Recall ID: 450977 year 2014- 2020 NHTSA campaign # 23v854000 Vehicle affected 2,976 A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle is making a loud noise from the panoramic soon roof.

NHTSA ODI 11685719

The ABS Sensor light, engine light, anti skid light and 4 matic malfunction, transmission malfunction all lit up on my dashboard on Tuesday July 22, 2025. The stearing would lock up and the brakes would not break it also shifted gears into neutral. The dashboard finally told me in bold red letters (transmission malfunction STOP). It would do this then all the lights would go away. I thought it may have just been the battery since I hardly drive the car. The shop cleared out all the malfunctions and re drove it and they said it appeared fine but the next day (Wednesday) it acted up again and that is when I got the transmission malfunction STOP warning on the dashboard. I pulled over and called the shop to come tow my car. By Thursday they said they couldn't diagnose or fix the problem but stated it had to do with the Transmission and to have it towed to the Mercedes Benz dealership. I had it towed to the Morristown, NJ Mercedes Benz service dept and they stated that it appears that it is the Transmission Valve Body. I spoke with Mercedes this morning (July 28, 2025) and that is when I learned it was the Transmission Valve Body and that it is going to cost me $4,000.00 plus labor. This makes no sense as the car has less than 26,000 miles on it. I researched a bit on this and found that there may have been a recall for this car but I was never notified of the recall. When the service rep told me that he was waiting to hear from corporate on this before he could give me an exact cost (this was after the technician stated what the issue was). I got suspicious as why would they need to contact corporate to figure out the cost of the repair. I could have gotten into a really bad accident if I was on a major road going 65mph.

NHTSA ODI 11676757

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and while parked, the contact observed a gasoline odor in the cabin of the vehicle and outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector and fuel rails needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658896

Clock spring broke

NHTSA ODI 11649940

Nov 29, 2024. Check engine light goes on. Took it to the dealership and says P052E-71, crank ventilation malfunction, first they said it was on recall now they say it isn’t so Mercedes Benz of Huntington does not want to repair it.

NHTSA ODI 11640643

Fuel lines, strong gas smell inside the cabin, the gas leak posed a significant safety hazard, risk of fire or explosion, risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, risk of injury or death to myself and/or others. It has happened while driving, while parked, during refueling, this vehicle has been inspected twice, the last inspection was done at Star Motors Auto Repair Shop in Sacramento, CA, I request that the Manufacturer investigate this serious safety issue. I request that Manufacturer take appropriate action to repair the vehicle and ensure my safety. I request compensation for any expenses incurred due to the gas leak, I believe this gas leak presents a serious safety hazard and demands immediate attention.

NHTSA ODI 11635924

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with crankcase vent valve failure and a block actuator. The contact was informed that the crankcase sensor valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,264.

NHTSA ODI 11629045

The contact owned a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH when the contact was cut off by another vehicle, the contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal in a panic stop. The contact stated that he was crashed into the rear end of his vehicle by a vehicle from behind and was pushed into the rear of the vehicle that had cut him off. The contact stated that the force of the crash turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that the front end of his vehicle, the hood, grill, and lights were crushed and crumpled back to the front wheel wells. The contact stated that the trunk and rear bumper were damaged. The contact stated that the rear bumper was nearly detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that his vehicle and the vehicle he had crashed into were towed to impound lots. The contact that the vehicle that crashed into his rear end was not towed. The contact stated that the driver's air bag had not been deployed, no air bags had deployed. The contact stated that his insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and had written a report. The contact drove to his personal doctor due to pain in his right side ribs, and bruising on his left bicep. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11610476

Although I bought this 2019 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 less than 1 year ago with 18,600 miles on it, in May 2024 the check engine light came on and the dealer service shop gave the following diagnosis: CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSE. Comments: THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSE HAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE AND IS CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE CRANKCASE VENT HOSE IS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. Repair Estimate: $1769.00 They told me that it is a known issue and that many other models have been recalled, but because my exact make, year, and model was not yet included I would have to pay out of pocket. This seems wrong since the issue is so prevalent among Mercedes models that there is a national backorder on the part with no definite end. When I reached out to Mercedes about this, they were unwilling to do anything. Please make them add it to the long list of models that have received recalls/extended warranty for this!

NHTSA ODI 11608608

In December 2023, the check engine light came on. The dealership said it was the rear differential. The dealership fixed the problem under warranty. In July 2024, the problem returned. The dealership said it could repeat the procedure from December, but that eventually the rear differential will need to be replaced. The dealership said that only replacing the rear differential will fix the problem for good. Obviously, MB recognized the problem and upgraded the software and whatever else was wrong with the current rear differential. The car is now out of warranty. Clearly, MB knew of the problem and chose to direct it's dealerships to use stop-gap measures that do not fix the problem, until the rear differential must be replaced, at the owner's expense, with an upgraded rear differential. It is dangerous to drive the vehicle with a faulty rear differential.

NHTSA ODI 11607211

Noise in rear differential, had dealership where I purchased vehicle flush & change the fluid in rear differential. Tech stated it will need to be replaced. Vehicle has 75,000. Research has numerous problems with this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11595588

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a routine oil change, the contact was informed that the differential was fractured. The dealer provided a cost for the repair however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a used car dealer and to an independent mechanic, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance in repairing the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577393

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission inadvertently shifted into neutral(N). No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V033000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11575733