FaultScore

Mercedes Benz GLA 250 driver assist problems

30 of the 438 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz GLA 250 are about the driver-assist systems — 7% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2015.

30

Complaints

7%

Share of all complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance complaints by model year

2014 GLA 250 1 3.3%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

2015 GLA 250 7 23.3%

Median failure at 72,000 miles

2016 GLA 250 5 16.7%
2017 GLA 250 2 6.7%
2018 GLA 250 5 16.7%
2019 GLA 250 4 13.3%
2020 GLA 250 1 3.3%
2021 GLA 250 3 10.0%

Median failure at 2,200 miles

2022 GLA 250 1 3.3%
2023 GLA 250 1 3.3%

What owners said

2020 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Millbrae, CA 1 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.

2018 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Henderson, NV

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

The vehicle experienced a sudden, total communication network crash on [XXX] the vehicle simultaneously triggered cascading critical safety system faults including “ inoperable” messages for the SOS system, Supplemental Restraint System ( SRS) and antilock brake system(ABS) along with check engine light on dashboard. The car locked itself in park and completely refuses to engage any drive gears. I took it to the dealer in Henderson, NV and they reported to me on Dec 24, 2025 that it will be a $1200 diagnostic and the repairs can be thousands of dollars. Since then I have taken it to 5 European and independent shops and have spent thousands of dollars for guess work. This happens sporadically I have been broken down where tow trucks have to retrieve my car and take to a shop where they have no clue of the issue. I am scared to drive it if it stalls on the streets and have a major accident. No problem has been resolved INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11741006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Henderson, NV

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

The vehicle experienced a sudden, total communication network crash on [XXX] the vehicle simultaneously triggered cascading critical safety system faults including “ inoperable” messages for the SOS system, Supplemental Restraint System ( SRS) and antilock brake system(ABS) along with check engine light on dashboard. The car locked itself in park and completely refuses to engage any drive gears. I took it to the dealer in Henderson, NV and they reported to me on Dec 24, 2025 that it will be a $1200 diagnostic and the repairs can be thousands of dollars. Since then I have taken it to 5 European and independent shops and have spent thousands of dollars for guess work. This happens sporadically I have been broken down where tow trucks have to retrieve my car and take to a shop where they have no clue of the issue. I am scared to drive it if it stalls on the streets and have a major accident. No problem has been resolved INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11741006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Oceanside, CA

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Collision Prevention Assist Plus Inoperative Light on the dashboard it appears often and beep I am not sure and why

NHTSA complaint #11714841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Oceanside, CA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Collision Prevention Assist Plus Inoperative Light on the dashboard it appears often and beep I am not sure and why

NHTSA complaint #11714841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Jacksonville, FL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The emergency braking system keeps coming on every time I go to drive, my car automatically shifts into neutral gear when driving and I have an error message saying that I can’t reverse. My seat will Not go further back and I have an air bag issue light

NHTSA complaint #11710573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Piedmont, CA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

[XXX] we were driving to San Francisco. Traffic was very light because of the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday. We were about 1000 feet from the toll plaza, driving at 50-55 MPH. There was a car behind us about six car lengths back. There were no cars in front of us between us and the Toll Plaza. Nothing at all. There were no cars in lanes to our left nor right in our vicinity. Suddenly our car made a loud GROWLING noise and the car jammed on the brakes! My wife screamed but we did not come to a complete stop. A bright Red Triangle appeared in the center of the instrument panel. Then it stopped and we drove on because there was the car behind us approaching quickly. I believe he swerved and went around us but I cannot be sure what he did. I just know he did not hit us, thank God! Prior to going to the Dealer, I notified the Dealer and MBUSA Customer Service on a 12 minute call of the problem. MBUSA said they would notify the Dealer and get back to me to investigate. When I arrived at the dealer the NEW service person and I gave him my outline in writing of the event. I had emailed it to them the day before. He said that I would be charged $255.00 to diagnose MY problem even though my car is under Warranty and purchased from THIS Dealer. They had not been notified as MBUSA said they would do. I asked to speak to the Service Manager, Oscar who I have known for 20+ years, and he apologized for their error. I received an email from MBUSA about a week later asking me if I needed anything from them. MBUSA seems very unconcerned about this EXTREMELY DANGEROUS INCIDENT and that is why I decided to file this Report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11703541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Malibu, CA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Hello, Our car’s rear camera stopped working after about 31,000 miles. It has created a lot of safety problems. Apparently, the rear cameras stop functioning early on.

NHTSA complaint #11640758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Riviera Beach, FL

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Car smell like fuel possibly fuel injectors or fuel line… recall on 2016-2021 models but 2015 having same issue Blind spot assist says inoperative Mercedes changed sensors multiple times still says inoperative

NHTSA complaint #11629346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 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.

2017 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, FL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AND SAID YOUR CAR WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE

NHTSA complaint #11610503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Woodbridge, VA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Engine Light Came up & CollIsion Warring Massage Show Up

NHTSA complaint #11583514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Woodbridge, VA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Engine Light Came up & CollIsion Warring Massage Show Up

NHTSA complaint #11583514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Irvine, CA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

On four separate occasions since purchasing the vehicle brand new in October 2021, the emergency braking system has engaged while driving at a high rate of speed on the freeway. These incidents have been reported to the dealership during servicing and they have indicated no faults with the system. Two more incidents have occurred since the last inspection and the car will be inspected one more time on 12/2/23.

NHTSA complaint #11557943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 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.

2018 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Oklahoma City, OK

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Subject: Urgent: Electrical Issues Causing Frequent Dashboard crashes I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a recurring problem with my vehicle's electrical system, specifically the dashboard. Over the past few days, I have been experiencing frequent crashes where the dashboard turns off and on intermittently, rendering various functions inoperable. This issue has become increasingly problematic as it affects the proper functioning of essential components such as the speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature display, and other vital indicators. As a result, it has become difficult to monitor the vehicle's performance and ensure a safe driving experience. I have made several attempts to troubleshoot the issue, including checking the fuses, battery connections, and wiring harnesses, but to no avail. It appears that there is an underlying electrical fault that requires professional attention. Considering the importance of a fully functional dashboard system for the safe operation of the vehicle, I kindly request your assistance in addressing this matter urgently. I would greatly appreciate it if you could schedule a diagnostic appointment at your earliest convenience to identify and rectify the root cause of this issue. If it helps, I can provide additional information such as the make, model, and year of my vehicle, as well as any other details that may assist your team in diagnosing the problem more efficiently. Please let me know the best way to proceed and the soonest availability for an appointment. I understand that your schedule may be busy, but I hope we can find a suitable time for me to bring in my vehicle and have the issue resolved promptly. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon and finding a solution to this electrical issue. Warm regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11544654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Winter Haven, FL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

All warning lights on dashboard lights up while driving. Got two diagnostic tests and conclusion is steering column module needs to be replaced 2016 had a recall between 2015-2018 on Gla250 2nd diagnostic test the SRS Module needs to be replaced it sounds like a manufactured problem and Mercedes Benz repair shop needs to investigate because it’s a hazardous safety issue lights on dashboard lights up are traction control airbags off brake lights cruise control and SES all reads malfunctioning see dealership

NHTSA complaint #11540872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Fairborn, OH

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

FCW gives a warning "Radar Sensors Dirty; See Operator's Manual" message in mild conditions of rain or light wet snow. Location is central Ohio. It happened this morning (2/15/2023) in light rain and temp probably in 40s. The message has appeared probably a few times per year since I've owned the vehicle (Dec. 2019). I took photos of the message on Jan. 31, 2020 (32 degrees F, thin layer of slush on front bumper) and April 21, 2021 (37 degrees F; front of vehicle appeared clean), so those are two other dates that it happened. I feel like it's not reasonable for such a system to not be able to operate in mild precipitation conditions.

NHTSA complaint #11507623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Cary, NC

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Had an update on the software to control collision prevention on the car, and soon afterward it began to deploy at certain spots without any other car in front for at least 50 feet. Took it back to the M-B Seattle dealer and after 4 weeks of investigation, I was told that the matter is exterior to the car and that the car performs as intended. T still drive the car and it still gives me warnings of impending to engage the collision detection braking system. I don't feel very comfortable driving it in the city.

NHTSA complaint #11499518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Newark, CA

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11491304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Mercedes Benz GLA 250 problems