Recall 21V124 affects 7 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 vehicles for incorrect spark plugs that can damage the engine. Free repair at a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 7 2020 AMG CLA45 vehicles because incorrect spark plugs were installed and can come apart over time, causing engine damage. Engine damage can stall the engine and increase crash risk; Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the spark plugs free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The spark plugs in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 sit inside the 4-cylinder gasoline engine and ignite the fuel and air mixture that makes power. Mercedes-Benz uses a specific plug design for this engine so the plug reaches the right heat range and fits the combustion chamber correctly.
On affected vehicles, an incorrect version of the spark plug was installed during the vehicle rework process. The different plug geometry does not meet the engine specification, which exposes the plug to thermal overload, meaning more heat than it was designed to handle. That excess heat increases mechanical wear. Over time, a worn plug can come apart inside the engine, damaging internal parts and causing the engine to stall.
The warning sign is a malfunction indicator lamp, also called the check engine light. Mercedes-Benz reported that this light appears before failure in some cases, so treat it as a real warning on an affected AMG CLA45.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 7 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Engine damage can stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash. A malfunction indicator lamp can appear before failure, so treat that warning as a reason to limit driving and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free spark-plug replacement that removes the incorrect plugs linked to engine damage and stalling.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V124 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the spark plugs covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket spark plug or engine repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remained under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 26, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 5, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 14, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 27, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 27, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V124?
Recall 21V124 covers 7 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 vehicles with 4-cylinder gasoline engines. Incorrect spark plugs were installed and can come apart over time, causing engine damage. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the spark plugs for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V124. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the spark plug replacement. Reference recall number 21V124 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the affected spark plugs free of charge, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
Is it safe to drive my 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 before the repair?
Mercedes-Benz did not tell owners to stop driving in this recall. The safety risk is engine damage that can lead to an engine stall and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free spark plug replacement if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V124000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V124 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V124000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →