Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2017 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 40
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz GLA 250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 49
9.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2017 compares with every other Mercedes Benz GLA 250
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
216.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
433.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
541.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
18.3%
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.
May 2017peak 4Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 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.
Pompano Beach, FLFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT WAS LOANED A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE HIS VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT THE DEALER. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE GARAGE AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START DUE TO THE BATTERY HAVING A SHORT. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT'S GRANDDAUGHTER HAD TO BE HOSPITALIZED DUE TO SMOKE INHALATION. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE LOANER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 2017020021. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10983230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pompano Beach, FLFire1 injured
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT WAS LOANED A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE HIS VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT THE DEALER. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE GARAGE AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START DUE TO THE BATTERY HAVING A SHORT. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT'S GRANDDAUGHTER HAD TO BE HOSPITALIZED DUE TO SMOKE INHALATION. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE LOANER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 2017020021. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10983230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 89,669 milesOrangeburg, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the warning lights turned off one after the other and the instrument cluster independently powered off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,669.
NHTSA complaint #11750673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesFort Lauderdale, FL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the warning light that the driver’s side air bag required service was illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light was constantly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, and the contact was informed that there might be a recall associated with the VIN. The contact stated that one of the independent mechanics retrieved a DTC that the "Squib to the Driver's Side Air Bag had an Open Circuit" and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a local dealer and was advised that there was a recall for the year, make, and model vehicle; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online related to the failure of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seaford, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am submitting this complaint regarding the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vehicles equipped with the M274 engine, which have been unfairly excluded from recent recall campaigns affecting this engine family. The same engine (M274) in other models — including the C-Class (C300), E-Class, and GLC-Class from the same model years — has been recalled due to serious issues affecting engine reliability and safety. The specific issue I (and many other GLA owners) have encountered is the activation of the Check Engine Light, accompanied by diagnostic trouble code P052E71, which refers to a malfunction in the crankcase ventilation valve. This is a well-documented failure associated with the M274 engine and has been a primary reason for recalls in other Mercedes-Benz models. The malfunction leads to engine performance problems, potential stalling, increased emissions, and poses long-term mechanical risks if not promptly addressed. My Mercedes-Benz GLA, which shares the exact engine platform (M274) and falls within the same production period as the affected C-, E-, and GLC-Class models, is experiencing this identical issue. Yet, Mercedes-Benz has excluded the GLA model from the recall, despite no technical justification for this omission. This selective treatment is concerning, especially given the safety and environmental implications of the defect. By failing to include the GLA-Class in the recall, Mercedes-Benz is leaving affected owners to bear the cost of repairs for what is clearly a manufacturer defect — one they have already acknowledged in other platforms. I urge NHTSA to: Investigate the exclusion of GLA-Class vehicles from the M274 engine-related recall; Require Mercedes-Benz to expand the recall to include all models sharing this engine, especially those exhibiting the P052E71 crankcase ventilation valve failure; Ensure affected GLA owners receive the same safety protections and
NHTSA complaint #11675140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, TN
AIR BAGS
Stearing wheel began to make a clicking sound and would hardly turn. The Front Left Malfunction Service required light came on and when I took it to the dealership they informed me that the clock spring and airbag are broken and need to be replaced. He stated the vehicale is drivable but the airbag does not work. In 2017/2018 there was a recall for this exact issue and it shows my car was impacted and the recall repair was completed but that was prior to me purchasing the vehicle. Because the recall has been closed they will not honor repairing it and the vehicle now does not have a airbag that works properly.
NHTSA complaint #11643708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, MI
POWER TRAIN
Check engine light received a diagnosis from Mercedes dealership that the crankcase ventilator line is malfunctioning and it’s a very common issue with this model. The transmission stalls during driving, the gears do not jump properly and the car cannot reverse, extremely dangerous at intersections and on the highway. Car needs to be turned off, cooled and restarted. This issue first appeared within a month of owning the vehicle from a certified Mercedes dealership. Refused to help during COVID, and by the time they were taking appointments again (two to three months after warranty expiration), warranty expired, would not honor and refusing to offer any help currently, expensive repair.
NHTSA complaint #11634299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AND SAID YOUR CAR WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE
NHTSA complaint #11610503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AND SAID YOUR CAR WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE
NHTSA complaint #11610503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AND SAID YOUR CAR WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE
NHTSA complaint #11610503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Katy, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A few times a week I will go to start my car and the smell of gas is too much to bear inside the vehicle! You can smell it for hours and is hard to drive with the windows up!
NHTSA complaint #11573829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, MA
ENGINE
I have a 2017 GLA-250 with 90k miles and check engine light is on. My mechanic told me it was engine code P052E-71 crankcase ventilation valve and was a very known problem with 4 cylinder turbo engine and mercedes benz has extended emissions warranty for this issue. Called Mercedes dealership and they told me my model was NOT covered. Only models 2015-2020 C/E/CLC/SLC/SLK. What a bunch of crap! All these models have the same engine. Cost of repair $2,300. I will never buy another Mercedes again. Company doesn't stand by their product when they know they have a known problem. My model should be covered. This is an emissions problem that they should recall for all models with 4 cylinder turbo engine
NHTSA complaint #11573413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Killeen, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Smelling gas in the inside of vehicle when starting the engine. The smell of gas while driving dizzy and headache have drive with windows down until smell is no longer in the inside of vehicle. Took vehicle in and was charged $1500 no smell for about a week then called to let them know issue is still there took car back and was told the couldn’t smell anything. Started February 2023 as of today one year later still have the gas smell in vehicle repair shop is just taking my money and want me to keep bring in vehicle but issues still exist.
NHTSA complaint #11573477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car smells strongly of gasoline.
NHTSA complaint #11563803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, MA
ENGINE
car engine turned off by itself in the traffic. It has happened a few times when I was waiting at the traffic light or waiting in lane to make turn. The engine suddenly turned off completely and I was caught in the traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11549737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesFontana, CA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof button was depressed, but the sunroof failed to close as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #11545468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the computer software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and the contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #11544751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upper Marlboro, MD
WHEELS
When turning, I hear a thumping, grinding or chatter noise from the rear differential and the car slows. Mechanic changed the differential oil and found metal shavings/particals. Noise was not there for about 80 miles but has returned. I have to get a new right differential. I checked on the forums and this seems to be a common problem, one owner has had to replace his differential 4 times.
NHTSA complaint #11535960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,605 milesVirginia Beach, VA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the horn and the speedometer failed to operate. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number; however, the contact was still awaiting a call back. The failure mileage was 69,605. The contact stated that they took the vehicle to two dealers and eventually paid out of pocket for the repairs. Unlike other vehicles with the same defects, the contact's vehicle is not a part of the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11496732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,605 milesVirginia Beach, VA
STEERING:COLUMN
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the horn and the speedometer failed to operate. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number; however, the contact was still awaiting a call back. The failure mileage was 69,605. The contact stated that they took the vehicle to two dealers and eventually paid out of pocket for the repairs. Unlike other vehicles with the same defects, the contact's vehicle is not a part of the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11496732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Ozone Park, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On a few occasions, the car shifted into neutral on its own after being in the drive gear. This is quite dangerous and unsafe. There are no warning lights or indications. I noticed this problem a few months ago and it has happened a handful of times. I have don’t extensive research on similar problems and have only found forums with other gla drivers experiencing the same problems. There is no recall that I can find regarding this issue. The dealer is also unaware of this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11486245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midland City, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The command screen has completely went out, similar to the same active recall on newer models.
NHTSA complaint #11474119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof doesn't close. Wind and rain is getting into the car. I took the car to the dealer this morning. Problem was verified. There were no warning lamps or messages. I understand there are numerous problems with this sunroof.
NHTSA complaint #11469228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southgate, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car was driving two separate times and it turned on an auto magic braking system Or engine stopped on freeway
NHTSA complaint #11437902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southgate, MI
ENGINE
Car was driving two separate times and it turned on an auto magic braking system Or engine stopped on freeway
NHTSA complaint #11437902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southgate, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
Car was driving two separate times and it turned on an auto magic braking system Or engine stopped on freeway
NHTSA complaint #11437902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ankeny, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V058000 (COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF DES MOINES (9993 HICKMAN RD, URBANDALE, IA 50322) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE OVER THE AIR UPDATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND FIRST INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE OVER THE AIR UPDATE WOULD BE DONE OVER THE WEEKEND IF THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON FOR 10-20 MINUTES. SOMETIME LATER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE AS TO WHEN THE OVER THE AIR UPDATE WOULD BE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11415168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.