KNOWN FAULTS · Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117) / GLA (X156) 180 / 200 / 250 (M270) common problems.

2013–2020 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

M270/M274 chain, adjusters and thermostatTiming / leaks

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.

Applies if: The CLA and GLA of this generation share platform, engines and most campaigns; confirm by VIN.

Camshafts, tensioner, high-pressure lines and campaigns on the CLA and GLA (2013–2019)Known weak points

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.