IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117)

The facelifted CLA received updated styling and improved build quality. A serious camshaft recall affected mid-2015 production cars. By 2016 most DCT software issues were resolved but mechanical clutch wear remains a concern at higher mileages.

What changed for 2016

  • •Facelift with updated styling
  • •Camshaft recall addressed
  • •Improved DCT software calibration
  • •Updated safety features

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !DCT clutch pack wear at high mileage
  • !M270 timing chain tensioner stretch
  • !Front suspension bush wear
3
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2016 period has 2 more issues than the Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

7G-DCT Gearbox Judder

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The dual-clutch automatic can feel rough or hesitant at parking speeds if clutch wear or calibration issues are developing.

Most affected: CLA 180, CLA 200, CLA 220 d

Estimated cost: £500–£1,800Affects: 2013–2019Often appears around: 35k-90k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Shudder pulling away
  • •Delay selecting reverse
  • •Snatchy low-speed shifts

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive it in traffic
  • ✓Test repeated reverse and hill-start manoeuvres
  • ✓Check for gearbox software or clutch work

Front Suspension Arm and Top-mount Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Big wheels and rough roads wear bushes and mounts, leaving a crashy ride and knocking noises.

Most affected: AMG Line, Sport, CLA 45

Estimated cost: £250–£700Affects: 2013–2019Often appears around: 40k-90k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Front-end knocking
  • •Uneven tyre wear
  • •Steering feels unsettled on B-roads

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive over potholes with the windows down
  • ✓Inspect front tyres for inner-edge wear
  • ✓Check MOT history for repeated suspension advisories

Infotainment Screen and Trim Faults

MinorInterior & Trim

Dash-top screens, controller inputs and interior trim can creak or glitch, especially on higher-mileage cars.

Most affected: Sport, AMG Line, Premium

Estimated cost: £100–£500Affects: 2013–2019Often appears around: Age-related rather than mileage-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Screen freezes
  • •Rattly dashboard trim
  • •Bluetooth or media control faults

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test phone, nav and media functions
  • ✓Listen for trim noises on rough roads
  • ✓Check that the screen powers up immediately

Buying Tips for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117)

  • ✓Verify camshaft recall completed
  • ✓Check DCT service history
  • ✓Timing chain inspection recommended
2014–2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117)2017–2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117)

Browse 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117) vehicles.

View 2016 Directory

Other Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117) Year Periods

20132014–201520162017–20182019

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