GLA-Class (X156)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
270
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 208 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
3.5-V6-Gas
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
On a used 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (71), the airbags and driver-assist systems (49) and the electrical system (44). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 71 owner complaints on the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 49 owner complaints on the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 44 owner complaints on the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class about the fuel system, all engines combined.
Recalls (2)
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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class complaints?
Owners have filed 265 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. The systems they name most often are the engine, the safety systems and the electrical system.
Is the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 265 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class have?
NHTSA has 265 owner complaints on file for the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the safety systems and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the GLA-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 265 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.