2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

Routine

Owners filed 48 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 12 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine9
000
Power Train6
000
Electrical System6
010
Air Bags6
000
Fuel/Propulsion System4
000
Unknown or Other3
000
Structure › Body3
101
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly2
000
Wheels1
100
Suspension1
000

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars23V854000
Filed Dec 15, 20232,976 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Risk. A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification22V365000
Filed May 20, 2022242,722 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector21V229000
Filed Apr 1, 20214,992 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 B250e, CLA250, 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250, and AMG GLA45 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.

Risk. A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060001.

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars21V197000
Filed Mar 19, 202115,096 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.

Risk. The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V072000
Filed Feb 12, 202167 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V058000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other19V585000
Filed Aug 12, 20193,435 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt may be loose.

Risk. The seatbelt for a passenger seated in the rear middle seating position might not be properly secured, which could increase the risk of an injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt, correcting its installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080010.

Seats19V132000
Filed Feb 26, 20198 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA-250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. An incorrect rear seat back covering carpet could have been installed on the split-rear seat back. As a result, the child seat anchorage point (top tether) on the center positon of the rear seat may be covered and inaccessible for use. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Risk. If the upper anchorage point is covered, the child seat will not be able to be secured as intended in the center position of the rear seat, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear seat back covering carpet on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz's customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mercedes' number for this recall is 2019030003.

Air Bags › Side/Window18V912000
Filed Dec 19, 201813 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The sunroof bonding may allow water to leak into the vehicle.

Risk. Water leaking into the vehicle from around the sunroof may affect the electrical contacts of the window air bag, potentially causing the window air bag to not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding of the panorama sliding sunroof and the electrical contacts of the window air bag on the affected vehicles, replacing the components as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030006.

Child Seat › Tether › Connector/Clip18V405000
Filed Jun 15, 2018399 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and GLA250 4Matic vehicles. The child seat top tether anchorage point on the center position of the rear seat may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Risk. If the top tether anchorage point is missing, a child seat will not be able to be properly installed in the center rear seat position, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat backrest, free of charge. The recall began August 15, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2026FL

After the vehicle's main battery fully discharged and the vehicle was jump-started, multiple SRS / driver airbag warnings appeared immediately, the horn and steering wheel controls stopped working, and a clicking noise developed in the steering column when turning the wheel. None of these symptoms existed before the battery discharge / jump-start event. Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota (Repair Order / Invoice 675113) performed XENTRY diagnostics and documented fault codes B000113 and B000213 (driver airbag squib stage 1 and stage 2 malfunction - open circuit), U100800 (LIN bus 1 malfunction in the steering column module), and B1F4500 (starter battery excessive resistance current; 12V battery failed test). The technician documented the root cause as "defective steering angle sensor and internal wiring of steering column module, thus no completed electrical circuit to driver airbag and steering wheel," and noted that the vehicle is unsafe to drive because the driver airbag will not deploy in a crash. Mileage approximately 73,447. No crash, fire, or injury occurred - the defect was discovered as a non-functioning driver airbag. I am reporting this because the failure mode appears related to the steering column module / clock spring / driver airbag circuit addressed in NHTSA recall 17V627 (MB campaign 2017110011), for which this VIN is not included; this vehicle was produced after the recall's stated production cutoff. Three dealership managers stated in writing that the failure was mec

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 2, 2026MA

Sunroof glass exploded without warning while driving at highway speed. Glass shards poured throughout the vehicle including on the driver, potentially putting the vehicle and other vehicles in danger.

Engine
Filed Jun 22, 2026RI

I am filing a complaint regarding my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. My vehicle recently triggered a check engine light and was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with code P052E, related to the positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve / crankcase ventilation system. My mechanic advised that this issue appears to be similar to a known Mercedes-Benz issue affecting other model years and/or related Mercedes models. Mercedes-Benz has issued an emissions extended warranty/service coverage for a similar crankcase ventilation / intake line assembly issue on other vehicles, including fault code P052E71. However, my vehicle does not appear to be included despite having the same or very similar failure code and system issue. I am concerned that this may be a broader defect affecting additional Mercedes vehicles beyond the models currently covered. The issue involves the crankcase ventilation/PCV system and may require repair of related intake line, valve cover, oil separator, or ventilation valve components. I believe this should be reviewed because owners of vehicles with the same failure pattern may be responsible for costly repairs even though the issue appears similar to one Mercedes has already acknowledged on other models. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vehicles should be included in any related recall, defect investigation, emissions warranty extension, or service campaign related to code P052E / P052E71 and the crankcase ventilation re

Electrical System
Filed May 30, 2026NV

The vehicle experienced a sudden, total communication network crash on [XXX] the vehicle simultaneously triggered cascading critical safety system faults including “ inoperable” messages for the SOS system, Supplemental Restraint System ( SRS) and antilock brake system(ABS) along with check engine light on dashboard. The car locked itself in park and completely refuses to engage any drive gears. I took it to the dealer in Henderson, NV and they reported to me on Dec 24, 2025 that it will be a $1200 diagnostic and the repairs can be thousands of dollars. Since then I have taken it to 5 European and independent shops and have spent thousands of dollars for guess work. This happens sporadically I have been broken down where tow trucks have to retrieve my car and take to a shop where they have no clue of the issue. I am scared to drive it if it stalls on the streets and have a major accident. No problem has been resolved INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2026CA

Why is the Crankcase Ventilation System P052E Code (PCV) covered in most Mercedes models, but not the GLA? This is an expensive repair that seems to cover other cars but penalizes GLA owners just to have a safe car to drive like the other models. I strongly believe GLA should be on the recall list for the matter, as it is dangerous to drive on the road, especially for those who cannot afford to fix it for upwards of $1,500 to $2000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 18, 2025AL

My vehicle has been taken to the Mercedes dealership multiple times from 2/24/25 -12/14/25 (10 Mths) for the following issues and still no resolution to the problem. Each time they say they've fixed the issues we get the car home and end up bringing it back a couple days later for the exact same issue. The issues being the Instrument Cluster/Panel failure (check engine light, multiple warning lights on display while driving, dash display is blacking out and unresponsive). The speedometer, fuel amount and mileage is also blacked out and unresponsive. The headlights, and tail lights also go off and are unresponsive while driving. We've also experienced the vehicle not going in reverse or drive and had to return it multiple times for this as well. These incidents are very serious safety hazards to the driver of the vehicle, other drivers and pedestrians. On several occasions we've addressed these problems with the dealership and still no resolve. However, we are paying very expensive labor fees only to return it with the same problems repeatedly and no explanation as to why the problem keeps recurring. We have receipts, photos and videos of this problem because the dealership kept stating they weren't seeing the issues we were seeing. However, after we presented the evidence and confirmation we have, they stated that they would conduct a diagnostic test and take a look, but the issues still have not been resolved after several times picking it up after they stated that they had

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 28, 2025CA

Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 (VIN: [XXX] ). On October 28, 2025, while driving southbound on Interstate 5 near the Zamora Exit in California at approximately 8:15 a.m., the fully closed moonroof of my vehicle spontaneously shattered. There was no impact, debris, or external cause, and the vehicle was operated under normal conditions. The incident was extremely frightening and created a serious safety hazard while driving at freeway speed. I began shaking uncontrollably and immediately called my manager to report that I could not come into work due to shock. I also contacted my mother to help calm me down. Vehicle Details: VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 90,XXX miles Purchase: Approximately 5 years ago at Fairfield Mercedes-Benz dealership Condition: No prior repairs to the moonroof, no aftermarket modifications I have documented the incident with photos and video. I have reported this to Mercedes-Benz Customer Care and my insurance provider (USAA). Additionally, I have reached out to Washington Law Offices, who are currently handling a class action lawsuit regarding this issue. I am submitting this complaint to formally notify NHTSA of the dangerous defect and to request that the agency investigate this potential safety issue affecting Mercedes-Benz vehicles with panoramic or sunroof systems. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and advise on any addi

Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 202545,695 milesGA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, various warning lights, including the check engine, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), oil, and other warning lights, were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test; however, no faults were found with the vehicle. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to completely close; because of the failure, water was leaking inside the vehicle during inclement weather. In addition, the air bag warning light had also become illuminated. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was promised a call back. The failure mileage was 45,695.

Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2025SC

This vehicle has a transmission control module defect. While driving, the car cuts off unexpectedly and prevents shifting gears, creating a serious safety risk that could easily cause an accident. A certified Mercedes-Benz dealer diagnosed the problem and confirmed it is an internal defect—one that cannot be prevented by regular maintenance or proper care of the vehicle. Because this is an internal issue, Mercedes-Benz should take immediate responsibility to repair it, rather than delaying or shifting accountability.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 31, 2025FL

My vehicle electrical panel is messed up can not read the driver panel the sunroof electrical also is not working the driver seat chair electrical stopped working and ever since the sunroof n chair started giving me issues my front panels started to go haywire went to dealer ship cost n repair are over 4K for the panel sunroof 4-8k chair another 1-3k I regularly maintain my vehicle and should not be having these issues with the gentle care I give my car I can no longer drive it as it has major issues electrical and no one will buy it from me.

Power Train
Filed Jul 15, 2025CA

Rear differential is faulty. This is the second time it has failed. The first time was in October 2021 the mileage was 44,812 and it was repaired. More recently it was making a noise and I took it back to Mercedes Benz dealership for repair. It was not properly diagnosed over an 8 week period and now it has completely failed. After the fact, I discovered many more Mercedes Benz owners have had the same problem with this happening but there is no recall. I am reporting it so it can be noted that this is an on going issue with these vehicles and hopefully a recall of faulty equipment will be issued

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jun 24, 2025FL

To a sunroof bonding issue that could cause water leakage

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 3, 2025NE

Crankcase Vent Valve needs replaced. Causes jumps in acceleration and pressure build up. Was a recall in other models. Took to a dealer today to confirm the check engine light and this was the cause.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)
Filed Mar 17, 2025110,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used an OBD2 scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes that indicated that the PCV valve had failed. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine if the repair would be covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the Manufacturer Communication Number: 10241531. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 26, 2025CA

There was a gas smell that would seep into the driving cabin from the engine. It was intermittent however when it did occur, the smell was strong enough to cause light headedness to the occupants of the vehicle. I took the car to my personal mechanic who told me that this was a common issue with these cars; however, Mercedes had not issued a recall. I my mechanic fix the issue since they had already diagnosed the problem. I did some research and discovered that there is class action law suit regarding this same issue. (Please see link below:). I am respectfully requesting NHTSA conduct an investigation into this matter as this is definitely a safety hazard as the gas smell could impair the driver to the point of not being able to drive the vehicle safely. [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Feb 24, 2025197,077 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 196,077.

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Feb 4, 2025CA

Hello, Our car’s rear camera stopped working after about 31,000 miles. It has created a lot of safety problems. Apparently, the rear cameras stop functioning early on.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 8, 202520,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLA 250. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, it was discovered that there was a fuel leakage. The hazard warning light was illuminated. The contact did research and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 7, 202530,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally before accelerating. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while accelerating from the vehicle idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the crankcase vent valve had malfunctioned and caused the failure. The contact was informed that the crankcase vent valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 25, 2024OH

Positive Crankcase valve malfunction

20 of 48 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2015
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20262100Routine
20253100Routine
20242200Routine
20238100Routine
20224200Routine
202117900Routine
20209500Routine
2019281100Routine
2018 — this page481210Routine
201729910Routine
201649400Routine
201594510Routine
20141000Routine

Compare every GLA 250 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 15, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.