Owners have filed 71 complaints
about the 2016 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 67
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz GLA 250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 15
2.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Mercedes Benz GLA 250
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
527.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
316.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
527.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
211.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
15.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
211.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2016peak 7Apr 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Mercedes Benz GLA 250
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Jacksonville, FLCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
My car totaled by another car and my air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11714576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Homewood, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Panoramic sunroof fails to open/ close evenly due to plastic track failure. One side binds while the other moves, causing glass to tilt and jam. Risk of glass shattering, sudden detachment, distraction while driving, and water intrusion affecting airbags/electronics.
NHTSA complaint #11732038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FLCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
My car totaled by another car and my air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11714576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oswego, IL
ENGINE
I am reporting a P052E fault code related to the crankcase ventilation system on my Mercedes-Benz GLA. This is a known and widespread defect on multiple Mercedes-Benz models and is commonly covered under service bulletins and extended warranties up to 150,000 miles. My vehicle has 92,000 miles. However, Mercedes-Benz has refused coverage, stating that the GLA model is not included, despite extensive evidence that this same defect affects GLA vehicles. Numerous documented owner reports and forum discussions confirm identical failures on GLA models. This appears to be a systemic defect rather than normal wear. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and require Mercedes-Benz to extend coverage and assume responsibility for repairs on affected GLA vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11711026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
AIR BAGS
My airbag malfunction light appeared on the dashboard. Once the light appeared, the HORN STOPPED WORKING, a safety hazard that caused me not to be able to drive my vehicle for over a year due to the risk! I took the vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz dealership, 200 S Pickett St, Alexandria, VA 22304, and was told that the recall was closed and that they could not assist me. I was advised to contact NHTSA. PLEASE HELP AS I WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE & BE SAFE ON THE ROAD! This is a huge safety hazard!!
NHTSA complaint #11693888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
STEERING
My airbag malfunction light appeared on the dashboard. Once the light appeared, the HORN STOPPED WORKING, a safety hazard that caused me not to be able to drive my vehicle for over a year due to the risk! I took the vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz dealership, 200 S Pickett St, Alexandria, VA 22304, and was told that the recall was closed and that they could not assist me. I was advised to contact NHTSA. PLEASE HELP AS I WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE & BE SAFE ON THE ROAD! This is a huge safety hazard!!
NHTSA complaint #11693888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benicia, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My GLA250 Instrument Cluster had been glitching out. The turn signals indicators would go off when the turn signal lights are initiated. The Check engine light, high beam light, and other warning lights come on for no reason, or dim or no backlight, inaccurate gauge readings, erratic gauge needle movement, and even a completely dead cluster. I took the car to the dealership and they said the instrument cluster was faulty and needed to be replace. The car is still at the dealership because they haven't figured out how to program it right. Since the instrument cluster is a vital component of the vehicles safety feature, this should be a recall. I have spent $3500.00 to fix an issue that should not have occurred since the car is only 6 years old. There are several online forums that discuss this very same issue that Mercedes is having with their instrument clusters.
NHTSA complaint #11648710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benicia, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My GLA250 Instrument Cluster had been glitching out. The turn signals indicators would go off when the turn signal lights are initiated. The Check engine light, high beam light, and other warning lights come on for no reason, or dim or no backlight, inaccurate gauge readings, erratic gauge needle movement, and even a completely dead cluster. I took the car to the dealership and they said the instrument cluster was faulty and needed to be replace. The car is still at the dealership because they haven't figured out how to program it right. Since the instrument cluster is a vital component of the vehicles safety feature, this should be a recall. I have spent $3500.00 to fix an issue that should not have occurred since the car is only 6 years old. There are several online forums that discuss this very same issue that Mercedes is having with their instrument clusters.
NHTSA complaint #11648710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Martinsville, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CEL P052E POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION REGULATOR VALVE PERFORMANCE MANY OWNERS HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11619741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ventura, CA
POWER TRAIN
Transmission from drive well sometimes shift to neutral while it is at a stand still usually waiting for a light to turn green, after which it takes its time to shift back into drive. While this happened a warning light appeared malfunction take straight to dealer. Yesterday seems as if ABS kicked in while driving, threw me into the steering wheel than stopped shaking within 1-2 sec, and let me accelerate off. Was passing in an individual at the time. Don’t know what to make of it.
NHTSA complaint #11610643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ventura, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Transmission from drive well sometimes shift to neutral while it is at a stand still usually waiting for a light to turn green, after which it takes its time to shift back into drive. While this happened a warning light appeared malfunction take straight to dealer. Yesterday seems as if ABS kicked in while driving, threw me into the steering wheel than stopped shaking within 1-2 sec, and let me accelerate off. Was passing in an individual at the time. Don’t know what to make of it.
NHTSA complaint #11610643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cherry Hill, NJ
ENGINE
Engine runs fine while driving and then cuts off while coming to a stop. This happened three (3) times last week since 7/23/24. Each time it happened I was stopping at a traffic light! After the failure a warning lamp flashed something about, Do Not Change Gears. Will make appointment to have it checked out as soon as possible.
NHTSA complaint #11604990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forest, VA
ENGINE
Fault code P052E71 crankcase ventilation has a malfunction. The actuator is blocked. This seems to be a common issue with 4 cylinder turbo engines. Dealer charged $2500 to replace, and even after replacements system fails again within 1-2 years.
NHTSA complaint #11596273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,180 milesWashington, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the crankcase ventilation system had failed. The dealer determined that the engine oil separator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown Extended Warranty Coverage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,180.
NHTSA complaint #11594424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesCherry Hill, NJ
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLA. The contact stated that the check engine light had appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The dealer determined that the crankcase ventilation valve had malfunctioned which blocked the actuator. As a result, both the fuel and the oil had started to mix inside the engine which caused the ventilation valve to not close as intended. The contact was given an estimate for repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11586706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesCherry Hill, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLA. The contact stated that the check engine light had appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The dealer determined that the crankcase ventilation valve had malfunctioned which blocked the actuator. As a result, both the fuel and the oil had started to mix inside the engine which caused the ventilation valve to not close as intended. The contact was given an estimate for repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11586706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Campbell Hall, NY
ENGINE
Following regular maintenance of my 2016 GLA 250 with my mechanic for the car repeatedly stalling, the mechanic discovered there is a fuel leak causing the fuel injectors and fuel rall to not get proper fuel injection. The mechanic found a manufacturer’s recall for the make, model, and year of my car. My car’s VIN# says this particular car is not affected. However, the exact issue is presenting in my car, which can cause significant engine damage. It’s believed my car, with the same make, model& year, is indeed impacted by this issue. My VIN should be considered to be included to have this recall.
NHTSA complaint #11581399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Campbell Hall, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Following regular maintenance of my 2016 GLA 250 with my mechanic for the car repeatedly stalling, the mechanic discovered there is a fuel leak causing the fuel injectors and fuel rall to not get proper fuel injection. The mechanic found a manufacturer’s recall for the make, model, and year of my car. My car’s VIN# says this particular car is not affected. However, the exact issue is presenting in my car, which can cause significant engine damage. It’s believed my car, with the same make, model& year, is indeed impacted by this issue. My VIN should be considered to be included to have this recall.
NHTSA complaint #11581399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11577510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewes, DE
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11575598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewes, DE
VISIBILITY
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11575598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chula Vista, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving the vehicle a message is constantly required to acknowledge an SOS inoperable system which can be dangerous while driving. Mercedes ME Brace no longer supports the system due to being an obsolete system 3g network. The dealership requires the system to be disabled by deleting the software or removing the component to fix the issue of SOS being inoperable at a cost to the customer.
NHTSA complaint #11575054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chula Vista, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving the vehicle the system shows SOS as inoperable and requires constant acknowledgment by the driver while the car is in motion. This is a safety issue especially when driving and the driver loses focus on the road, it removes the digital speedometer and has to acknowledge the system error and potentially can be in an accident when not focusing on the road. Mercedes mbrace no longer supports the system due to an obsolete 3g system that is utilized causing the system to show an error as SOS inoperable. There is no software service patch to fix the issue of lost connectivity that is no longer supported by Mercedes. The dealer ship recommendation is to troubleshoot and repair that cost the customer to pay out of pocket even though this is not supported and no longer can be used as a system. Or to completely rip out the system
NHTSA complaint #11575067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portage, IN
ENGINE
I was driving on the highway and when I stopped because there was traffic my car completely cut off. Screen and display went back and then it came back on and went into neutral and when I went to shift gears and try to change into drive it would not allow me to change gears. I had to turn the car off and turn it back on. THIS WAS ON THE HIGHWAY!!! This happened 2 times on my way home. I have a 2016 Mercedes my coworker has the same vehicle but the 2015 model. She has the SAME ISSUE. Her car is in the shop now and the mechanics are trying to see what the issue may be and I have an appointment at the end of the week. I have looked this issue up and there are TONS of people reporting this issue and I cant believe there is no recall! This is beyond dangerous and someone could die because of this. My coworker brought it to my attention and if we didn't drive the same vehicle I wouldn't have looked into this. However its NOT a coincidence that we both have Mercedes same make and model that cuts off and goes into neutral when driving.
NHTSA complaint #11555303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portage, IN
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I was driving on the highway and when I stopped because there was traffic my car completely cut off. Screen and display went back and then it came back on and went into neutral and when I went to shift gears and try to change into drive it would not allow me to change gears. I had to turn the car off and turn it back on. THIS WAS ON THE HIGHWAY!!! This happened 2 times on my way home. I have a 2016 Mercedes my coworker has the same vehicle but the 2015 model. She has the SAME ISSUE. Her car is in the shop now and the mechanics are trying to see what the issue may be and I have an appointment at the end of the week. I have looked this issue up and there are TONS of people reporting this issue and I cant believe there is no recall! This is beyond dangerous and someone could die because of this. My coworker brought it to my attention and if we didn't drive the same vehicle I wouldn't have looked into this. However its NOT a coincidence that we both have Mercedes same make and model that cuts off and goes into neutral when driving.
NHTSA complaint #11555303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fenwick Island, DE
POWER TRAIN
Rear differential failed at 55,000 miles. Mercedes-Benz of Lafayette IN last had possession of the part. In a high-speed turn, this could result in loss of control of the vehicle. The differential was replaced at the owner's expense, and the failed part was left with the dealership. I am aware of numerous reports of premature rear differential failure in this model (after the fact). There was an occasional thunking noise during turns that the driver (my son) did not think anything of. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained. Within the week the vehicle was serviced and the rear differential needed to be replaced. No warning lights were present.
NHTSA complaint #11549872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.