2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is a stylish and sporty compact sedan that appeals to buyers looking for an entry-level luxury vehicle. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Other available engine options for the 2016 CLA include the higher performance AMG CLA45 variant. The CLA250 is generally praised for its sleek design and fuel efficiency, but some owners have noted concerns about its relatively firm ride and limited rear passenger space. The CLA250 comes standard with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring them to add oil more frequently than expected between scheduled oil changes. Some have reported consuming over 1 quart every 1,000 miles. Symptoms include the low oil level warning light illuminating on the dashboard.
  • Solution: The updated PCV valve assembly may reduce oil consumption in affected vehicles. In more severe cases, engine internal inspection and repair may be necessary, including piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (PCV Valve); $2,000 - $6,000+ (Engine Repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The camshaft adjuster solenoid, responsible for variable valve timing, can fail. This leads to rough idling, reduced engine performance, and potentially a check engine light with codes related to camshaft position.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

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

• Hesitation/Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced hesitation during acceleration, particularly from a stop. Rough or jerky shifting between gears can also occur, especially in lower gears.
  • Solution: A software update of the transmission control module (TCM) may alleviate some of the issues. In some cases, replacement of the valve body or even the entire transmission may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (Software Update); $1,500 - $3,500 (Valve Body); $5,000 - $8,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission mount failure can cause excessive vibration and clunking noises, especially during acceleration and deceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement of the transmission mount.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Broken Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported that the coil springs can break, causing the vehicle to sag and potentially affecting handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the broken coil spring(s). It is recommended to replace coil springs in pairs (left and right).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (per pair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced unexplained battery drain, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle, especially after it has been sitting for a period of time. Potential causes include parasitic draws from faulty modules or aftermarket accessories.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the source of the parasitic draw and repair or replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Malfunctioning Window Switches
  • Description/Symptoms: The window switches can sometimes fail to operate the windows properly. This can cause the windows to not roll up or down, or to roll up and down erratically.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty window switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can sometimes be difficult to open or close. It may also make clicking or grinding noises. This can be caused by debris buildup in the tracks or a faulty motor.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks. Replacement of the sunroof motor may also be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 (Cleaning/Lubrication); $300 - $800+ (Motor Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Delaminating Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: On some vehicles, the dashboard material can start to separate or delaminate from the underlying structure. This can be caused by exposure to sunlight and heat.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation/Infotainment System Freezing or Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can occasionally freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve some issues. In more severe cases, replacement of the COMAND unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (Software Update); $1,000 - $3,000+ (COMAND Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 has a range of potential issues, with engine oil consumption and transmission hesitation being the most common. Electrical issues such as battery drain and malfunctioning window switches can also occur. Interior problems such as delaminating dashboards can be costly to repair. While some issues may be resolved with software updates or minor repairs, others, such as engine work or transmission replacement, can be significantly more expensive. It is important to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential problems before buying a used 2016 CLA250.