Mercedes Benz GLA 250 engine problems

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11758450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am reporting a severe drivability and engine failure issue with my vehicle. The vehicle has been exclusively maintained by authorized Mercedes-Benz service centers. Immediately following a scheduled 60,000-mile (Schedule B/C) maintenance, the Check Engine Light began cycling on and off. The vehicle simultaneously developed severe drivability symptoms: the engine ran extremely rough, and acceleration became erratic and "jumpy." This unpredictable power delivery and hesitation poses a significant safety hazard when accelerating or merging in traffic. I immediately returned the vehicle to the service center to report the issue. The dealership has now retained my vehicle for over 20 days and diagnosed that the cylinder head requires complete replacement. Despite this catastrophic failure occurring immediately after their maintenance procedures, the dealership is holding me financially responsible for the repair costs because the vehicle is past the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. My vehicle remains immobilized at the dealership."

NHTSA complaint #11750504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On 2 separate occasions (August 2025 & February 2026), the car has had a "transmission malfunction" light come on while driving on the highway around 65-70 mph. The light comes on and immediately loses ability to accelerate. Both times the car was towed to Greensboro Mercedes. The first time they did not do anything because they didn't know what to do and it had "reset" itself. The second time they discovered that it needed a software update. Mercedes does NOT have the update that is needed. We tried going through the lemon law process but Mercedes Corporate came back with an answer of it hasn't happened enough times and a remedy has not been attempted enough times. They have NOT attempted to fix it because they DO NOT have a fix. This IS NOT SAFE for my daughter to drive. This is her car and it has been in the shop since February 2026. We purchased the car from Bob King Mercedes in Wilmington, NC as a certified pre-owned in 2024. Both dealerships have been great to work with and stand by me that it is not safe for her to drive, while corporate has dismissed it and said it is safe to drive and threatened that we'll have to pay lot rental if we don't pick it up. The dealership assured me that they would not charge lot rental as they side with me on not driving it until fixed. I do not want my [XXX] daughter to drive a car that will randomly stop working on the highway! We bought the car so I'd have peace of mind about her safety and we have now been without the car for 4 months due to this safety issue. Please give me guidance on what to do. She paid around $45,000 for a car that she can't even drive now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11746252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am filing a complaint regarding my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. My vehicle recently triggered a check engine light and was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with code P052E, related to the positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve / crankcase ventilation system. My mechanic advised that this issue appears to be similar to a known Mercedes-Benz issue affecting other model years and/or related Mercedes models. Mercedes-Benz has issued an emissions extended warranty/service coverage for a similar crankcase ventilation / intake line assembly issue on other vehicles, including fault code P052E71. However, my vehicle does not appear to be included despite having the same or very similar failure code and system issue. I am concerned that this may be a broader defect affecting additional Mercedes vehicles beyond the models currently covered. The issue involves the crankcase ventilation/PCV system and may require repair of related intake line, valve cover, oil separator, or ventilation valve components. I believe this should be reviewed because owners of vehicles with the same failure pattern may be responsible for costly repairs even though the issue appears similar to one Mercedes has already acknowledged on other models. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vehicles should be included in any related recall, defect investigation, emissions warranty extension, or service campaign related to code P052E / P052E71 and the crankcase ventilation regulator valve system.

NHTSA complaint #11745674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Cowl vent grille openings allowed normal environmental debris to accumulate, plug drainage and divert water onto electrical components and potentially result in a fire if not addressed. Some of the debris passes through into the hvac system and cannot be cleaned without dealer removal/repair of the hvac motor, which costs the customer more than $500 in repairs and disincentivizes mitigation. Furthermore, Mercedes is aware of the problem, has not issued a customer satisfaction recall, and instead, is charging customers more than $1,000 to install a plastic protective shield to prevent accumulation of debris, clogged water management, and risk of fire.

NHTSA complaint #11743847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I own a 2022 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 2022. in [XXX], it was pouring rain and I was driving from [XXX] to attain [XXX] to drive home. It was pouring that night and driving conditions were horrible. I was in the middle lane driving roughly 55-65 mph. about 15 minutes into my drive a light on dash came " engine chip malfunction" and the car died. I couldn't do anything and I tried to coast to the shoulder as best as I could. Driving on [XXX] is dangerous enough, nevermind having an engine failure. I placed my emergency light on and coasted to the emergency shoulder to the right of me. The engine failed. I couldn't do anything. I turned off and called Mercedes of Danbury CT. I told that I was in trouble and explained what just had happened. I was in the car. The young said she never of something of the sort. I mentioned to her that I had an appoint to have the transmission fluid and I want them to look into this immediately. I waited on the shoulder for 15 minutes and turned the car back. The engine light failure was gone. I slowly merged into the right with my emergency lights and people actually moved over to let me back in. I had about 40 minute drive. The irony of that call with with danbury, they offered no assistance at that moment of despair. They had no idea how scared I was, not to mention the car dying gain. I was able to get home and pull into the garage. The car did not repeat that incident again. The next morning, I drove to work and back, no issues. that went on until I brought it in on 12/15 for a transmission fluid oil change. I spoke to the concierge at the dealer and repeated to them to look at the car for this engine chip malfunction. He told me not worry, all will be taken of. I called later that same and asked them about the vehicle and status (it was 3:15 in the afternoon, I dropped the car off at 7:30). I arrived at 5 and nothing was done. I waited another hour. Please attached. so much has happened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F

NHTSA complaint #11725944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Why is the Crankcase Ventilation System P052E Code (PCV) covered in most Mercedes models, but not the GLA? This is an expensive repair that seems to cover other cars but penalizes GLA owners just to have a safe car to drive like the other models. I strongly believe GLA should be on the recall list for the matter, as it is dangerous to drive on the road, especially for those who cannot afford to fix it for upwards of $1,500 to $2000.

NHTSA complaint #11720771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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.

ENGINE

In reference to Safety Recall N252494000 L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion... vehicle passed the recall test. But 2500 miles after the test the engine failed. Per dealership, awaiting new engine.

NHTSA complaint #11710522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This vehicle has a transmission control module defect. While driving, the car cuts off unexpectedly and prevents shifting gears, creating a serious safety risk that could easily cause an accident. A certified Mercedes-Benz dealer diagnosed the problem and confirmed it is an internal defect—one that cannot be prevented by regular maintenance or proper care of the vehicle. Because this is an internal issue, Mercedes-Benz should take immediate responsibility to repair it, rather than delaying or shifting accountability.

NHTSA complaint #11687218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P052E71; was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11679767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

When coming to a full stop at a red light (or any need to idle at a stop), the car frequently begins to hesitate as if it is about to cut off. I assume it has something to do with the ‘fuel saving feature’ which comes on in the form of a green symbol in the lower left of the odometer display (the engine is still running the AC) . When you start to drive again the car always jerks before moving , on at least 3 occasions it has actually cut off completely and must be restarted (everything goes off) - it is big problem, especially in heavy traffic (horns blaring & angry drivers are encountered) I almost had a car hit me from behind; my car had jerked slightly when I began to accelerate and then shut off completely. It is definitely a dangerous defect. The Dealership emphasizes 93 Octane gas or higher to help with this issue- but I Always use the highest Octane gas I can find ! It has happened VERY often - I dread stopping at red lights and stop signs, one day it will cause an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11677929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The ABS Sensor light, engine light, anti skid light and 4 matic malfunction, transmission malfunction all lit up on my dashboard on Tuesday July 22, 2025. The stearing would lock up and the brakes would not break it also shifted gears into neutral. The dashboard finally told me in bold red letters (transmission malfunction STOP). It would do this then all the lights would go away. I thought it may have just been the battery since I hardly drive the car. The shop cleared out all the malfunctions and re drove it and they said it appeared fine but the next day (Wednesday) it acted up again and that is when I got the transmission malfunction STOP warning on the dashboard. I pulled over and called the shop to come tow my car. By Thursday they said they couldn't diagnose or fix the problem but stated it had to do with the Transmission and to have it towed to the Mercedes Benz dealership. I had it towed to the Morristown, NJ Mercedes Benz service dept and they stated that it appears that it is the Transmission Valve Body. I spoke with Mercedes this morning (July 28, 2025) and that is when I learned it was the Transmission Valve Body and that it is going to cost me $4,000.00 plus labor. This makes no sense as the car has less than 26,000 miles on it. I researched a bit on this and found that there may have been a recall for this car but I was never notified of the recall. When the service rep told me that he was waiting to hear from corporate on this before he could give me an exact cost (this was after the technician stated what the issue was). I got suspicious as why would they need to contact corporate to figure out the cost of the repair. I could have gotten into a really bad accident if I was on a major road going 65mph.

NHTSA complaint #11676757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Check engine light on my 2015 MB GLA250 4matic came on and the error is "P052E PCV Regulator Valve Performance". There is a recall for other MB vehicle with the same engine. I believe the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and other models with the same engine should be included in the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11670346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I have a 2015 Mercedes benz GLA 250 showing code P052E There’s a TSB (MC‑10241531‑0001) and (LI01.20-P-076894 )covering intake‑line assemblies on similar M270‑engine models. Based on these two service bulletin kindly assist with extended emissions warranty

NHTSA complaint #11668794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am reporting a potential safety and mechanical defect involving the cylinder head in the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. Many owners, including myself, have experienced premature cylinder head failure, often without warning, leading to loss of power, engine misfires, rough idling, and in some cases, sudden engine shutdown while driving. This issue appears to be widespread among GLA models equipped with the M260/M270 engine, often occurring well before 100,000 miles. It raises serious concerns about the design, durability, and safety of the engine’s top-end components. Given the frequency and severity of this failure — and the high cost of repairs — I believe this warrants an official investigation and potential manufacturer recall. I urge the NHTSA to review similar complaints and initiate a formal inquiry into Mercedes-Benz’s awareness and handling of this defect. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA complaint #11661372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used an OBD2 scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes that indicated that the PCV valve had failed. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine if the repair would be covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the Manufacturer Communication Number: 10241531. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA complaint #11648661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 196,077.

NHTSA complaint #11644599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally before accelerating. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while accelerating from the vehicle idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the crankcase vent valve had malfunctioned and caused the failure. The contact was informed that the crankcase vent valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11634672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Positive Crankcase valve malfunction

NHTSA complaint #11632335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.