2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is a compact luxury sedan that combines sleek styling with a sporty driving experience. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7G-DCT). Some owners appreciate the car’s fuel efficiency, stylish design, and relatively affordable price point for a Mercedes-Benz. Common complaints often revolve around the harsh ride, tight rear seating, and some reliability concerns. Other engine options were not available for this model.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M270)

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature timing chain wear can lead to engine rattling, especially upon cold starts. If left unaddressed, it can lead to engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whining or screeching noises from the engine bay, and potentially oil leaks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings. Common areas include the valve cover gasket and the oil filter housing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (depending on the location of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

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

• Hesitation and Jerky Shifts
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when accelerating from a stop, particularly in low gears, and jerky or rough shifts.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve some issues. If the problem persists, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software update) - $4,000+ (Transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive vibration, especially during acceleration and deceleration. Loud clunking noises may also be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the transmission mount.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Suspension Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, particularly when going over bumps. The car may also exhibit poor handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn suspension bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on the bushings replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Failed Strut Mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: Creaking or popping noises when turning the steering wheel, along with vibrations and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Malfunctioning Power Windows/Door Locks
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent operation or complete failure of power windows and door locks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty window regulator, door lock actuator, or related wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per window or door)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The car battery frequently dies, even after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the parasitic drain, which could be a faulty module or component. Repair or replacement of the offending part.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or other malfunctions of the COMAND infotainment system.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Software update) - $1,500+ (COMAND unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may be difficult to open or close, may make excessive noise, or may leak.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubrication of the sunroof tracks, or replacement of the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Malfunctioning Seat Heaters
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters fail to operate, or only heat intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (per seat)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking/Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop in the dashboard, particularly in hot climates.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard (expensive) or application of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (Dashboard replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 has several common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine and transmission problems, such as timing chain wear, turbocharger failure, and jerky shifting, can be costly to repair. Electrical issues like battery drain and COMAND system malfunctions are also frequent concerns. Suspension wear and interior problems add to the list of potential expenses. While some issues may be minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be significant and require costly repairs, potentially making it a less reliable option compared to some competitors.