2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
47 owner complaints analyzed
12 distinct recall campaigns
42,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 16 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 10 of 47 complaints (21.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 8 | 17.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 5 | 10.6% |
| Engine operation | 3 | 6.4% |
| Braking behavior | 3 | 6.4% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 6.4% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 2.1% |
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 | 10 |
| Electrical System | 9 |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 |
| Wheels | 5 |
| Structure:Body | 4 |
Engine: 10; Electrical System: 9; Unknown Or Other: 9; Power Train: 6; Air Bags: 5; Fuel/Propulsion System: 5; Wheels: 5; Structure:Body: 4
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 6 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 5 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 31 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 |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 4 |
2017: 1; 2018: 4; 2019: 1; 2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2022: 6; 2023: 6; 2024: 8; 2025: 14; 2026: 4
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 8 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 5 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11040373 · 2017-10-27 (October 27, 2017)
THE PROBLEM IS WHEN TRAVELLING AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOP THE CAR TO HALT ABLE TO HEAR A NOISE FROM THE REAR END. LIKE A METAL HITTING ANOTHER METAL. IT HAS BEEN ONLY 1 MONTH I BOUGHT THE CAR AND 1300MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS MAKING REALLY LOUD NOISE WHEN STOPPED AND HEAR IT PROPERLY. IT IS MAKING CLING CLING NOISE. I REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I ALMOST OBSERVE EVERYDAY.
Owner-reported narrative. 900 miles reported. Look up ODI 11040373 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11083398 · 2018-04-05 (April 5, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (LOEBER MOTORS, 4255 W TOUHY AVE, LINCOLNWOOD, IL 60712) AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VI…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11083398 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11093660 · 2018-05-14 (May 14, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS EXCEEDING A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL AND COULD NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF SMITHTOWN, 630 MIDDLE COUNTRY ROAD, STREET JAMES, NY 11780) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11093660 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11152194 · 2018-11-17 (November 17, 2018)
AT 1:10 AM THE 2018 MERCEDES BENZ GLA SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE AND HAD NOT BEEN USED IN OVER 6 HOURS. THE CAR HAD 11,000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS LAST SERVICED BY MB OF COCONUT CREEK ONE MONTH EARLIER FOR THE ROUTINE 10K SERVICE. THE ONLY PROBLEM WE HAD WITH THE CAR WAS ONCE THE AIR-CONDITIONING FAILED TO WORK. I BELIEVE THE MB DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A FAULTY RELAY. THE CAR WAS ONLY SERVICED BY MB AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR. THE ENSUING FIRE CONSUMED MY GARAGE AND DESTROYED MY HOUSE. EVENTUAL…
Owner-reported narrative. 11,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 11152194 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11155898 · 2018-12-04 (December 4, 2018)
YOU WOULD ALWAYS NEED TO THINK AND SEARCH WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO INVEST YOUR MONEY REGARDLESS OF CAR BRAND NAME... YES, NON OF THE (8) AIRBAGS EQUIPPED IN MY BRAND NEW 2018 CAR, AS CLAIMED BY MERCEDES BENZ (DISTRIBUTED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CAR), ALONG WITH THE MODERN SOPHISTICATED SAFETY TECHNOLOGY AS CLAIMED, HAS BEEN ACTIVATED/DEPLOYED DURING THAT CAR ACCIDENT TO PREVENT SEVERE PAIN FOR MY WIFE WHO WAS RUSHED THAT DAY TO A HOSPITAL FOR INTENSIVE MEDICAL CARE. AFTER THEIR ENGINEERING CREW INVESTIGATIONS, MB USA COMPANY PROVIDES RIDI…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,256 miles reported. Look up ODI 11155898 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11208088 · 2019-05-16 (May 16, 2019)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250 EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L 400 TIRES, SIZE: 235/50R18 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, CHUNKS OF TREAD STARTED TO SEPARATE FROM THE TIRES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. CARMAX (8611 S LA CIENEGA BLVD, INGLEWOOD, CA 90301, [phone removed]) WAS INFORMED, BUT UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,580. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF*JB
Owner-reported narrative. 95,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11208088 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11321182 · 2020-04-15 (April 15, 2020)
CAR BATTERY DIES IF VEHICLE NOT DRIVEN OFTEN AND/OR FOR LONGER DISTANCES. THIS WAS NOT EXPLAINED AT TIME OF SALE NOR DOES MANUAL MENTION. THERE IS NO WARNING LIGHT THAT BATTERY IS LOW. NO FIX. TOLD I SHOULD HOOK UP TO TRICKLE CHARGER. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY.
Owner-reported narrative. 4,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11321182 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11362772 · 2020-10-05 (October 5, 2020)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. OVER TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL FEATURES ON THE STEERING CEASED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ATLANTA CLASSIC CARS (1705 BOGGS RD NW, DULUTH, GA 30096) WHERE IT REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER WHILE WAITING TO BE DIAGNOSED. UPON INVESTIGATION, AN INDEPENDENT …
Owner-reported narrative. 68,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11362772 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
12 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
17V627000 · Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2017-10-06 (October 6, 2017)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V653000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights
Reported: 2017-10-16 (October 16, 2017)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLA250 4Matic vehicles. The low beam headlight settings on these vehicles may deviate from the required specification, reducing the range of light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Reduced headlight range can affect visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA owns the affected vehicles. Dealers will inspect the headlight adjustment, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 27, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017100009.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V405000 · Child Seat:Tether: Connector/Clip
Reported: 2018-06-15 (June 15, 2018)
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."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V912000 · Air Bags:Side/Window | Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Reported: 2018-12-19 (December 19, 2018)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V132000 · Seats
Reported: 2019-02-26 (February 26, 2019)
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."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V585000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other
Reported: 2019-08-12 (August 12, 2019)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V058000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 5, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V072000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Communication
Reported: 2021-02-12 (February 12, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V197000 · Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
Reported: 2021-03-19 (March 19, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V229000 · Steering:Gear Box:Shaft Sector | Steering
Reported: 2021-04-01 (April 1, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V365000 · Communication: Auto Crash Notification | Electrical System:Software
Reported: 2022-05-20 (May 20, 2022)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V854000 · Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars
Reported: 2023-12-15 (December 15, 2023)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗