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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The vehicle with only 29,775 miles on it, and I bought it new, made a knocking noise in the brakes and the brake pedal jumped up and down at first stop sign when I left my house. I reapplied the brake to see if it would work. It did. I turned onto the highway and within two blocks the vehicle shifted itself into N, a message on dashboard said pull over, contact service immediately. I was able to coast then turn onto a side street. Upon stopping the vehicle, another warning came on the dashboard: Reversing Not Possible Service Required. This vehicle has had quirky electrical problems from the beginning. I have reported to the dealership at least 3-4 times. I believe this could have been a very dangerous situation for me and my family if I was on an Interstate. I have no confidence in this vehicle now.

NHTSA ODI 11429422