2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Introduction:

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is a compact luxury sedan that offers a stylish design, a comfortable interior, and a turbocharged engine that is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The CLA250 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Other engine and transmission options include a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The CLA250 is praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and impressive performance, but it has been criticized for its cramped rear seat and limited cargo space.

Engine

2.0-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine (221 hp)

• Fuel Injector Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The fuel injectors can fail, causing misfires, rough idling, and reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Oil Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can develop an oil leak, which can lead to smoke from the engine bay, reduced performance, and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.3-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine (188 hp)

• Timing Chain Guide Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain guide can wear prematurely, leading to a rattling noise from the engine, rough idling, and reduced performance.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain guide.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine (302 hp)

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission

• Clutch Pack Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The clutch packs in the transmission can fail, leading to difficulty shifting, slipping gears, and potential transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch packs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Eight-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission

• Mechatronic Unit Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit, which controls the transmission’s operation, can fail, leading to shifting problems, loss of power, and transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace the mechatronic unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The strut mounts can fail, leading to a clunking noise from the suspension, reduced handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The sway bar links can fail, leading to excessive body roll, reduced handling, and a knocking noise from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle may experience a battery drain, leading to difficulty starting or a dead battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the electrical system component causing the drain, which could include the alternator, starter, or electrical wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM):
  • Description/Symptoms: The ECM can fail, leading to engine performance issues, reduced power, and potential stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the ECM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fog Light Condensation:
  • Description/Symptoms: The fog lights can accumulate condensation, which can reduce their effectiveness and potentially lead to electrical issues.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fog lights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Panoramic Sunroof Rattle:
  • Description/Symptoms: The panoramic sunroof can develop a rattle, which can be annoying and affect the cabin’s comfort.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof components causing the rattle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Lag:
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience lag or freezing, making it difficult to use.
  • Solution: Software updates or hardware replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 has a mixed record regarding reliability. While it offers a stylish design and comfortable interior, it has experienced a number of issues, particularly with its engine, transmission, and suspension. The severity and cost of the issues can vary depending on the specific problem, but some of the more major repairs can be expensive. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and carefully consider the cost of repairs before purchasing a CLA250.