ACCELERATING OUT OF A LEFT TURN, THE CAR HESITATED MOMENTARILY THEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IN TRAFFIC. THE DASH INDICATED THAT THE CAR HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, POSSIBLY DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) ISSUE.
2018 mercedes-benz CLA-Class powertrain problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Regarding 2018 CLA 45 AMG: On 9-21-21, while I was driving approximately 45 MPH on a 4 lane road, suddenly the car completely shut down. A message simultaneously popped up that the car was disabled and instructed me to look up in manual. Immediately I turned right into the first driveway where the car came to a stop. I was able to restart car and drive home. At that point, the car's total mileage …
My 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC is experiencing a knocking noise from the rear differential at low speeds. The issue poses potential driving hazards, including possible loss of control and increased wear on drivetrain components. The noise may indicate a failing differential, which could suddenly fail while driving. I have contacted the dealer, but no specific recalls or factory service announ…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 mercedes-benz CLA-Class?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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