MotorDeets

2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250: 5 recalls, 7 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.

5vehicle recalls
7owner complaints
1mention a crash
29best combined mpg
2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250
Photo: Captainmorlypogi1959 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Child seat, Child seat Vehicle recall #21V034000 · 2021 · 231 vehicles

What's wrong: The child seat anchoring system (isofix) May be missing the right-side anchoring bar from the isofix bracket on the right-rear seat.

Why it matters: If the anchoring bar is missing from the isofix bracket, the child restraint cannot be properly secured to the seat using the isofix securing system, increasing the risk of injury for a child in that seat.

The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right-rear isofix bracket and replace the bracket, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2021.

Communication, Electrical Vehicle recall #21V058000 · 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles

What's wrong: Please refer to the part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module May fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (ecall) in the event of a crash.

Why it matters: Failure of the ecall system May result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

The fix: Mbusa will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (ota) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021.

Backup camera, Electrical Vehicle recall #21V354000 · 2021 · 343,191 vehicles

What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The mbux multimedia system software May cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 111, "rear visibility."

Why it matters: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (ota) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021.

Communication, Electrical Vehicle recall #22V365000 · 2022 · 242,722 vehicles

What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's sim card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (ecall) system.

Why it matters: A disabled ecall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: The communication module software will be updated through an over-the-air (ota) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024.

Latches & locks Vehicle recall #26V481000 · 2026 · 310,667 vehicles

What's wrong: Please refer to mbusa's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock May corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "auto-park" feature from engaging automatically. This May result in a vehicle rollaway.

Why it matters: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Fuel & propulsion2
Speed control / throttle2
Other / unknown2
Suspension1
Transmission & drivetrain1
Engine1
Exterior lights1
Forward collision avoidance1

What owners describe

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 has 7 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 8 Cla 250 model years for complaints (well below the 12 average). Complaints peaked in 2024 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old. Neighboring years: 2020 (20 complaints, 11 recalls), 2022 (1 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM7)Front-Wheel Drive253529Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 problems?

Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel & propulsion (2), speed control / throttle (2), other / unknown (2).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 get?

EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AM7)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Cla 250 years

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