Known faults for the Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117) / GLA (X156).

Engine / equipment

M270 and M274 1.6/2.0 turbo petrol (A, B, CLA, GLA, C, E, GLC, SLC)

Period mentioned

2012–2020

Symptoms

Chain rattle on cold starts; engine light with camshaft timing codes (for example P0016 or P001685); oil leaks at the camshaft adjusters; slow coolant loss.

Possible cause described

The hydraulic tensioner loses pressure overnight and the plastic guides wear, especially with long oil change intervals. The camshaft adjuster magnets leak oil (common between 65,000 and 110,000 km) and the plastic thermostat housing cracks.

Check for the garage

Listen to a cold start, read camshaft codes, look for oil on the adjuster magnets and coolant residue at the thermostat. Use Mercedes 229.5 oil.

Cost cited in the source

Chain and tensioner: approx. €320–1,650 (converted from dollars)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 65,000–110,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

Mercedes CLA C117 and GLA X156 (petrol, diesel and AMG 45)

Period mentioned

2013–2019

Symptoms

Carboned injectors (M270), faulty camshafts on 2015 petrol cars, oil leaking from the tensioner on 2012–2014 diesels; on the AMG, cracked clutch plates and gearbox faults; heavy wear of brakes, bearings and suspension on the AMGs.

Possible cause described

Recalls: AMG clutch plates, diesel high-pressure lines built October–November 2015 (cracks, fire risk), emissions software, seat-belt anchors, the starter current limiter, airbags, the brake-servo vacuum connector and the A/C refrigerant.

Check for the garage

Check every campaign by VIN; on AMGs, check gearbox, brakes and suspension.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

OM607 and OM608 1.5 diesel of Renault origin (K9K): A 160/180 CDI and d, B 160/180, CLA 180 CDI and d, GLA 180 d, Citan

Period mentioned

2012–2026

Symptoms

Smoke, hesitation or hard starting (injectors); unstable idle, power loss and engine light (EGR); particulate filter warning in town use; oil consumption.

Possible cause described

It is Renault's 1.5 dCi with Mercedes electronics. On the OM607 the injectors are the main weak point; the OM608 that replaced it in 2018 has fewer problems. The EGR builds up carbon, mostly between 60,000 and 100,000 km, and the particulate filter clogs on short trips.

Check for the garage

Identify the engine (OM607 until 2018, OM608 after), measure injector balance rates, check the EGR and particulate filter status and watch the oil level.

Cost cited in the source

Depends on the part (injectors, EGR or turbo); the sources consulted give no reliable figuresA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 60,000–100,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

OM651 2.1/2.2 CDI (C 200/220/250 CDI, E 200/220/250, GLK, Vito, Sprinter)

Period mentioned

2008 onwards

Symptoms

Chain rattle on a cold start; on early units, loud injector knocking; coolant loss from the plastic coolant manifold or the EGR cooler.

Possible cause described

Plastic chain guide and a hydraulic tensioner that loses pressure (the chain is at the rear). Early units used problematic piezo injectors that Mercedes replaced in a campaign.

Check for the garage

Listen to a cold start, check the dealer's injector campaign history and check the coolant level.

Cost cited in the source

Chain: approx. €1,500–3,000 (estimate)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database