Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

GLA-Class (H247)

2021-2025 · Subcompact SUV · 1 engine
34 NHTSA Complaints
11 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
2 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

9.1 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar subcompact SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 7 powertrain complaints. A typical subcompact SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 29.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall7 complaints against about 29 for similar vehicles
9.1
Last three years5 complaints against about 24 for similar vehicles
9.1
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20219.1
  • 2022n/a
  • 20239.2
  • 2024n/a
  • 2025n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

M260

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo
32 complaints 10.7 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
12
fuel system
6
safety systems
6
electrical
5
brakes
4
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

M139

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1

Same engine used in

MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class (2022-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2023-2025)

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Unidentified Engine

1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1

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.

Engine: 13 owner complaints
Fuel System: 6 owner complaints
Safety Systems: 6 owner complaints

Recalls (11)

26V481000Jul 24, 2026serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

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.

25V511000Aug 8, 2025serious
Exterior Lighting

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 AMG GLA 35 4MATIC, GLA 250 4MATIC, and GLA 250 vehicles. The front headlights may have missing headlight aim markings, which can result in improperly aimed headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

23V732000Nov 1, 2023serious
Service Brakes

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

23V662000Oct 2, 2023serious
Exterior Lighting

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 A220, GLA250, and AMG GLA35 vehicles. The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

22V365000May 20, 2022serious
Communication

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.

Show 6 older recalls
22V232000Apr 8, 2022serious
Back Over Prevention

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

22V125000Mar 4, 2022serious
Service Brakes

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 AMG CLA 35 and 2021 GLA 250 vehicles. The rear brake caliper housing fasteners may be loose, which can reduce brake performance or cause rear brake components to detach from the vehicle.

21V354000May 14, 2021serious
Back Over Prevention

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

21V102000Feb 22, 2021serious
Air Bags

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain GLA250 vehicles. The ground connection for the front passenger air bag may not be mounted properly, which could result in an inadvertent deployment.

21V072000Feb 12, 2021serious
Communication

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.

21V058000Feb 5, 2021serious
Communication

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 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class complaints?

Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. The systems they name most often are the engine, the fuel system and the safety systems.

Is the 2021-2025 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 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 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 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class have?

NHTSA has 34 owner complaints on file for the 2021-2025 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 2021-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

NHTSA lists 11 recalls covering some 2021-2025 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 fuel system and the safety systems, 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 2021-2025 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. 34 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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