Recall 19V131 covers 12 2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 vehicles with tail and side marker lights that fail. Free repair at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 12 2018 Cla 250 vehicles because the tail lights and side marker lights can flicker or fail, making the vehicle harder to see. Reduced visibility increases crash risk, and Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tail lights and side marker lights on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 help other drivers see the vehicle from the rear and sides. Each lamp depends on a bulb socket, which holds the bulb and carries electrical power through small metal contacts. When those contacts work correctly, the lights stay on at the brightness the vehicle expects.
On affected vehicles, the coating on the bulb socket contacts was too thick because of a supplier production problem. That extra coating adds electrical resistance at the contact point. The result is an unstable connection, so the tail lights and side marker lights can flicker or fail instead of staying lit.
Owners can see a warning message in the instrument cluster when the vehicle detects a problem with the tail lamps or side marker lamps. The visible sign is flickering or lamps that do not stay on.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 | Tail lights |
| Units affected | 12 |
| 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?
Impaired tail lamps and side marker lamps make the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 harder for other drivers to see, which increases crash risk. A warning message in the instrument cluster can alert you to the lamp problem. Schedule the repair soon and use extra care in low light. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free light bulb socket replacement that fixes the tail light and side marker light flicker or failure.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz sent one. If not, reference recall number 19V131 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and check that the tail lights and side marker lights are working before each trip.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the light bulb sockets tied to the tail lights and side marker lights. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all involved vehicles remain covered under that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 26, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 12, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| April 5, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 26, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V131?
Recall 19V131 covers 12 2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 vehicles with tail lights and side marker lights that can flicker or fail. Reduced vehicle visibility increases crash risk. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the affected light bulb sockets for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V131. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule replacement of the affected light bulb sockets. Reference recall 19V131 or Mercedes-Benz recall number 2019030009 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Mercedes-Benz will replace the affected light bulb sockets free of charge at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility. If the tail lights or side marker lights flicker or fail, other drivers have less ability to see the vehicle, which increases crash risk. The repair path is to have a Mercedes-Benz dealer replace the affected sockets for free.
When did this Mercedes-Benz recall begin?
The recall began April 5, 2019. Since the repair is available, owners with an included VIN can contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer now and schedule the free light bulb socket replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V131000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V131 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V131000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →