Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 300 owner complaints and 28 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, across 13 model years (2014–2026). The 2015 model year has the most complaints (94). The most reported problem area overall is engine.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GLA 250 year: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2015 GLA 250: 94 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2018 GLA 250: 49 complaints, 12 recalls
- 2016 GLA 250: 49 complaints, 4 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2014 GLA 250: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2024 GLA 250: 2 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2026 GLA 250: 2 complaints, 1 recall
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 78 | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 48 | 11 | 1 |
| Power Train | 46 | 9 | 3 |
| Air Bags | 35 | 6 | 6 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 33 | 9 | 1 |
| Structure | 20 | 5 | 3 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 14 | 8 | 0 |
| Steering | 14 | 6 | 1 |
| Visibility | 14 | 5 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 13 | 8 | 3 |
| Wheels | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| Lane Departure | 7 | 6 | 1 |
| Suspension | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Back Over Prevention | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Communication | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 GLA 250 | 2 | 1 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2025 GLA 250 | 3 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2024 GLA 250 | 2 | 2 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2023 GLA 250 | 8 | 1 | — | Engine | |
| 2022 GLA 250 | 4 | 2 | — | Engine | |
| 2021 GLA 250 | 18 | 9 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2020 GLA 250 | 10 | 5 | — | Unknown or Other | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2019 GLA 250 | 29 | 11 | — | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2018 GLA 250 | 49 | 12 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2017 GLA 250 | 31 | 9 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2016 GLA 250 | 49 | 4 | — | Unknown or Other | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2015 GLA 250 | 94 | 5 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2014 GLA 250 | 1 | 0 | — | Lane Departure |
More from Mercedes-Benz: all Mercedes-Benz models · Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2015 (94), 2016 (49), 2017 (31), 2018 (49), 2019 (29), 2021 (18) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GLA 250 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250?
Engine, with 78 complaints across 10 model years.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 have?
28 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.