2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
9 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
43,100 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 9 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 11.1% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 11.1% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 11.1% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 11.1% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 11.1% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 1 |
Unknown Or Other: 3; Electrical System: 2; Engine: 2; Power Train: 2; Steering: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection: 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 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 7 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 |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2020: 1; 2022: 1; 2024: 4; 2025: 2; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11302809 · 2020-01-29 (January 29, 2020)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START FROM THE CELL PHONE. THE CONTACT TRIED A COUPLE OF TIMES AND STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AND MADE A STOP IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED ALL KINDS OF WARNING LIGHTS AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. THE SOS SYSTEM ALERTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO SENT A TOW TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF ATLANTIC CITY DEALER, LOCATED AT 6623 BLACK HORSE PIKE, EGG HARBOR TOWN…
Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11302809 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11488566 · 2022-10-09 (October 9, 2022)
Transmission problem. On several occasions while driving, the car has lurched to a stop because gear changed suddenly from Drive to Park. At other times, the engine revvs and slows when it suddenly switches from Drive to "M1." After stopping, it goes back to "D" on its own. Serious safety issue, as I can get rear ended in traffic, or cause an accident for stopping without notice. I have one photo of the sudden transmission switch to M1 (today). Car has been towed to Mercedes service department; no other inspection yet. No warning lamps. Only …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11488566 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11575791 · 2024-03-06 (March 6, 2024)
1. POWER STEERING: STEERING WHEEL WENT OUT ON A FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSING MASSIVE COLLISION (this has happened twice) 2. Car Jerkiness: reported this to MBZ of San Rafael for 2 years (went into shop 10+ times for same issue and not resolved. It lunges forward while driving. This also is a safety issue almost causing me to hit a pedestrian 3. Vehicle Not opening 4. Vehicle Overheating 5. Faulty Wiring 6. Screen Black out
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11575791 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11616169 · 2024-09-24 (September 24, 2024)
Strong “gas odor” upon entering car And continues despite opening all windows to ventilate-also on one time occasion - sudden deceleration And “surging speed” alternately While cruising- it feels that the car Will “stop” and it’s worrisome that I may be “hit “ by the vehicle behind me- also several “dashboard warning lights” different messages just “flashed” which also caused some “Panic” on me- brought the car to the shop- all they did ABS sensor replaced- no other issues noted- I read from MB owners forums about MB Recalls about same issu…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11616169 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11618120 · 2024-10-04 (October 4, 2024)
My Mercedes Benz GLA250 has a faulty rear differential and began shuddering and driving poorly when it had 44K miles on it. This is a very premature failure as diagnosed by two repair shops and is happening to thousands of this model Mercedes Benz. The damage can be catastrophic if continued to be driven as the differential metal continues to deteriorate and possibly have metal shavings travel into the engine. I was told initially by Mercedes Benz it was bad tires! I replaced the tires and the shuddering became worse. I searched for the problem…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11618120 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11620953 · 2024-10-21 (October 21, 2024)
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormally loud rumbling sound heard. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB No: 2022030003. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure milea…
Owner-reported narrative. 86,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11620953 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11664899 · 2025-06-04 (June 4, 2025)
Problem has been confirmed by dealer that the rear differential assembly needs to be replaced. This is a very common defect with gla250’s. It been recalled in the past and Mercedes Benz is putting many drivers at risk. The estimated to replace is $6100! Mercedes Benz corporation refuses to replace the part only offering $1300. That is submission that they are aware something is wrong. I don’t feel safe driving a 2020 car. There have been many class action suits but there needs to be another investigation and recall which MB knows there i…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11664899 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11682723 · 2025-08-24 (August 24, 2025)
Had just gotten on the expressway, when a loud gunshot noise was heard. Out of fear, I ducked down, thinking it had actually been one. However, I heard a lot of wind coming in as if a window was down, when I look up, majority of my panoramic sunroof was gone. No messages or warnings appeared on the dash, and I pulled over to document photos and videos. The shade below the sunroof was not damaged, seems to be an internal force that made it explode and shatter into a thousand pieces.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11682723 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
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 ↗21V961000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors | Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Fuel Rail
Reported: 2021-12-13 (December 13, 2021)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
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 ↗