2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
17 owner complaints analyzed
9 distinct recall campaigns
6,600 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 17 complaints (29.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 29.4% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 5.9% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 5.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Tires | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
Engine: 5; Electrical System: 4; Unknown Or Other: 4; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Back Over Prevention: 2; Power Train: 2; Tires: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 15 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2021: 3; 2022: 4; 2023: 3; 2024: 2; 2025: 2; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 5 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11431590 · 2021-09-03 (September 3, 2021)
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was not displaying on the display screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not activate the display screen and informed the contact that they were waiting for parts to arrive to perform the repair. The vehicle w…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11431590 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11491304 · 2022-10-28 (October 28, 2022)
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11491304 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11661372 · 2025-05-16 (May 16, 2025)
I am reporting a potential safety and mechanical defect involving the cylinder head in the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. Many owners, including myself, have experienced premature cylinder head failure, often without warning, leading to loss of power, engine misfires, rough idling, and in some cases, sudden engine shutdown while driving. This issue appears to be widespread among GLA models equipped with the M260/M270 engine, often occurring well before 100,000 miles. It raises serious concerns about the design, durability, and safety of the engine’s t…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11661372 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11432715 · 2021-09-13 (September 13, 2021)
Car's brake system slammed on in light traffic with no nearby obstacles. Clear night, light traffic, road dry, moderate temperature. If there had been more traffic, or if the road had been slick, high probability of risk. Dealer has been notified, will not be able to pick up vehicle for a day or two. I did not see any warning lights, heard no warning sounds.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11432715 at NHTSA ↗