2013 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is a stylish and sporty entry-level luxury sedan that marked a new direction for Mercedes-Benz. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options weren’t available for the 2013 model year in the US market. What owners like about the CLA250 is its attractive styling, fuel efficiency, and the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Common complaints include a firm ride, limited rear seat space, and somewhat unrefined engine noise.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M270)

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature timing chain wear can occur, leading to a stretched chain, causing a rattling noise on startup, and potentially triggering a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail, leading to a loss of power, whistling noises, and potentially black smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacing the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing, and rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,200+, depending on the source of the leak
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-DCT (7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: The 7G-DCT transmission can exhibit rough or jerky shifting, especially at low speeds. Hesitation during acceleration may also be present.
  • Solution: Transmission control module (TCM) software update, or in more severe cases, clutch replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 for software updates; $2,500 - $4,500+ for clutch replacement
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission mount is known to fail, resulting in excessive vibration felt in the cabin while idling or accelerating.
  • Solution: Replacing the transmission mount
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Noises from Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps, can indicate worn ball joints, control arm bushings, or sway bar links.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per corner, depending on the specific parts needing replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Malfunctioning Sensors
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as the oxygen sensors or mass airflow sensor, can fail, leading to check engine lights, poor engine performance, and decreased fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500 per sensor, depending on the location and type.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with excessive battery drain, especially if the vehicle is not driven regularly.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw, or replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 for battery replacement; $100 - $500+ for diagnosing and repairing parasitic drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can experience issues with opening, closing, or sealing properly, sometimes accompanied by loud noises.
  • Solution: Sunroof track cleaning, lubrication, or component replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,000+, depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center Console Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: The soft-touch coating on the center console can become sticky or delaminate, creating an unpleasant tactile experience.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected trim piece or refinishing the surface.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 has some known issues, with the most concerning being engine-related (timing chain, turbocharger) and transmission issues with the 7G-DCT. These repairs can be expensive, especially the engine and transmission work. Electrical issues and suspension noises are also reported. While most issues are not extremely common, the potential cost of repair should be considered. The most costly and severe issues revolve around the engine and transmission, which could total thousands to fix.