Recall 16V335 affects 1 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 vehicle for a defective dual-clutch weld. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1 2016 AMG CLA45 because a defective weld in the dual clutch transmission can crack and cut power to the wheels. A sudden loss of power increases crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 uses a dual clutch transmission, a gearbox that changes gears through clutch packs instead of a traditional torque converter. Inside that transmission, a clutch disk locks to a hub so engine power transfers from the engine through the transmission and out to the wheels. The weld between those pieces has to hold steady under load.
On the recalled AMG CLA45, the weld between the dual clutch disk and hub was made with welding machine settings outside specification. That weak weld can crack. If the crack separates the disk from the hub, the transmission loses its path for sending power to the wheels, and the vehicle can stop because traction is lost.
There is no warning sign before failure. Once traction is lost, a warning message appears in the instrument cluster, but that message comes after the drive power problem has already happened.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 | powertrain |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A sudden loss of power can increase the risk of a crash. If the vehicle loses traction, a warning message appears in the instrument cluster, but there is no advance alert before the problem starts. Treat sudden power loss as a reason to stop safely and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free dual-clutch replacement that fixes the defective weld issue in the transmission.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one, or reference recall number 16V335 when you call.
- Avoid driving the car if it loses power or stops; call the dealer and ask whether towing is needed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the dual clutch in the transmission covered by recall 16V335. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicle remains covered under that warranty. If you have prior repair paperwork for the dual clutch or related transmission work, ask the service desk how the warranty applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 23, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 5, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| June 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 11, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V335?
Recall 16V335 covers 1 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 with a dual clutch transmission weld defect between the dual clutch disk and hub. If the weld cracks, the vehicle can lose power to the wheels and stop, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V335. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the dual clutch replacement. Reference recall number 16V335 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform safety recall repairs at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the dual clutch free of charge for the included 2016 AMG CLA45.
Is it safe to drive my Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 before the repair?
The recall does not carry a do-not-drive order, but the defect can cause sudden loss of power and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, schedule the free dealer repair, and ask the Mercedes-Benz service desk what to do if the vehicle loses power or feels unsafe.
What if I bought this Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your AMG CLA45 is the included vehicle, then contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer and reference recall number 16V335.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V335000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V335 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V335000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →