2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 19, 2026 · 3 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other GLA 250 4MATIC years
Not enough data 1st of 5 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC. That is the most of any GLA 250 4MATIC model year in the database (5 years). The most reported problem area is engine (3 complaints, 100%). There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine3
Service Brakes1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine3100%———
Service Brakes133%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lockJul 24, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V481000 · 310,667 vehicles

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.

Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

On 7/17/26, while driving at highway speed, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power and shut off. I safely pulled over. It would not restart; a red battery warning displayed. Towed to Mercedes-Benz of Wilkes-Barre, RO #8388432. Dealer found battery severely discharged…

Engine · received Sep 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11765458

I recently purchased my vehicle with under 30k miles in July of 2026. Not long after my purchase my car began roughly idling with a blinking check engine light, and soon after the engine began misfiring. This also cause loss of power when attempting to accelerate creating dangerous conditions in…

Engine · received Apr 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11729834

Component/System: Engine cooling and lubrication system. Coolant was found mixing with engine oil (milky oil), indicating internal engine failure (I was informed it could be oil cooler/housing, thermostat, head gasket, or related components). Vehicle is currently at an authorized Mercedes-Benz…

Engine · received Feb 5, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11715960

Other Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC years

2022 GLA 250 4MATIC →

See all Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC problems by year, every Mercedes-Benz model, or the Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC?

Owners most often report engine, service brakes problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other GLA 250 4MATIC model years, the 2021 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.