Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 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 — 15
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz GLA 250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2020 compares with every other Mercedes Benz GLA 250
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLA 250
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Other & Unspecified
318.8%
Fuel & Propulsion
212.5%
Median failure at 86,000 miles
Steering
212.5%
Electrical System
212.5%
Median failure at 200 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
212.5%
Median failure at 200 miles
Engine & Cooling
212.5%
Median failure at 86,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
16.3%
Seats
16.3%
Wheels
16.3%
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.
Jan 2020peak 5Aug 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Millbrae, CA1 injured
SEATS
A bicyclist claims I almost ran him over. I didn’t hit him, but he fell over and made sued my insurance company. He claims he was at the right side of my car as I was merging towards the right to make a turn. If he was indeed in my blind spot, then it’s important to note that the blind spot assist didn’t alarm and that the design of the passenger seat does create a blind spot, especially for someone of short stature since I cannot see over the passenger seat. To avoid anything like this, I’ve had to remove the passenger headrest, it even at the lowest to the ground setting, the top of the passenger seat is higher than the rear passenger window, but at least the headrest no longer obstructs the view over my shoulder
NHTSA complaint #11757199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millbrae, CA1 injured
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
A bicyclist claims I almost ran him over. I didn’t hit him, but he fell over and made sued my insurance company. He claims he was at the right side of my car as I was merging towards the right to make a turn. If he was indeed in my blind spot, then it’s important to note that the blind spot assist didn’t alarm and that the design of the passenger seat does create a blind spot, especially for someone of short stature since I cannot see over the passenger seat. To avoid anything like this, I’ve had to remove the passenger headrest, it even at the lowest to the ground setting, the top of the passenger seat is higher than the rear passenger window, but at least the headrest no longer obstructs the view over my shoulder
NHTSA complaint #11757199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Millbrae, CA1 injured
SEATS
A bicyclist claims I almost ran him over. I didn’t hit him, but he fell over and made sued my insurance company. He claims he was at the right side of my car as I was merging towards the right to make a turn. If he was indeed in my blind spot, then it’s important to note that the blind spot assist didn’t alarm and that the design of the passenger seat does create a blind spot, especially for someone of short stature since I cannot see over the passenger seat. To avoid anything like this, I’ve had to remove the passenger headrest, it even at the lowest to the ground setting, the top of the passenger seat is higher than the rear passenger window, but at least the headrest no longer obstructs the view over my shoulder
NHTSA complaint #11757199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millbrae, CA1 injured
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
A bicyclist claims I almost ran him over. I didn’t hit him, but he fell over and made sued my insurance company. He claims he was at the right side of my car as I was merging towards the right to make a turn. If he was indeed in my blind spot, then it’s important to note that the blind spot assist didn’t alarm and that the design of the passenger seat does create a blind spot, especially for someone of short stature since I cannot see over the passenger seat. To avoid anything like this, I’ve had to remove the passenger headrest, it even at the lowest to the ground setting, the top of the passenger seat is higher than the rear passenger window, but at least the headrest no longer obstructs the view over my shoulder
NHTSA complaint #11757199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mission, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11682723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyckoff, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 is a problem and hazard
NHTSA complaint #11664899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesMacungie, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
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 mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11620953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesMacungie, PA
ENGINE
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 mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11620953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Candor, NY
POWER TRAIN
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 myself on the internet as the problem continued to worsen and countless people are complaining, saying it’s the rear differential. The cost is between $4K and $5K to replace.
NHTSA complaint #11618120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Candor, NY
WHEELS
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 myself on the internet as the problem continued to worsen and countless people are complaining, saying it’s the rear differential. The cost is between $4K and $5K to replace.
NHTSA complaint #11618120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Candor, NY
STEERING
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 myself on the internet as the problem continued to worsen and countless people are complaining, saying it’s the rear differential. The cost is between $4K and $5K to replace.
NHTSA complaint #11618120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toms River, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 issues NHTSA 21V-961 NHTSA 23V- 445
NHTSA complaint #11616169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Francisco, CA
STEERING
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
NHTSA complaint #11575791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Francisco, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11575791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Francisco, CA
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11575791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davis, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 that it is happening more frequently.
NHTSA complaint #11488566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesPittsgrove, NJ
POWER TRAIN
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 TOWNSHIP, NJ 08234, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN CONTACTED MERCEDES IN GERMANY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE DUE TO A LOOSE WIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED A BUY-BACK ON THE CONDITION THE CONTACT WOULD PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER. THE CONTACT DECLINED THE OFFER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA complaint #11302809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesPittsgrove, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 TOWNSHIP, NJ 08234, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN CONTACTED MERCEDES IN GERMANY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE DUE TO A LOOSE WIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED A BUY-BACK ON THE CONDITION THE CONTACT WOULD PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER. THE CONTACT DECLINED THE OFFER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA complaint #11302809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.