2018 Mercedes-benz Gla250 problems

General information about Mercedes-benz-Gla250
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Mercedes-Benz over two generations. It is essentially the SUV equivalent of the A-Class, and the smallest SUV marketed by the brand. The production version was revealed in August 2013 ahead of the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2013.

The GLA is powered by a range of petrol and diesel 4-cylinder engines, and comes in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter marketed by Mercedes as 4Matic.

The GLA nameplate aligns with Mercedes SUV nomenclature, where GL stands for Geländewagen (German for off-road vehicle) and the A designates its overall place in the Mercedes range, in this class, the smallest or A-Class.

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Common 2018 Mercedes-benz Gla250 problems

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to engine issues, brakes, and overall driving experience.

Airbag Issues: There have been reports of airbags not deploying correctly in collisions. The front passenger airbag might not deploy correctly in cars made between 8 September 2014 and 7 November 2014 and between 1 August 2016 and 31 March 2017. Additionally, window airbags might not deploy in a collision in cars built between 1 August 2016 and 31 March 2017.

Risk of Fire: High-pressure fuel lines on some cars made between 28 October 2015 and 19 November 2015 could crack over time, leading to fuel leaks and potential fires. Any affected car will need new fuel lines fitted.

Oil Leak: Certain diesel models manufactured between 1 February 2014 and 30 November 2014 have been found to suffer from a faulty oil seal that can result in a leak. If unchecked, the engine could be damaged by a lack of oil.

Engine Stalling: A faulty engine part on cars made between 1 October 2015 and 31 November 2015 could cause the car to go into limp home mode or for the engine to cut out completely. A new part needs to be fitted to examples involved in this recall to prevent this from happening.

Overheating Starter Motor: In the unlikely event the engine seizes up, the starter motor of cars built between 1 February 2014 and 28 February 2017 could overheat while repeatedly trying to start the engine. Speak with a dealer to find out if your vehicle is affected by this, because it will need an additional fuse added to prevent this from happening.

Vacuum Lines: The vacuum lines going to the brake booster of vehicles assembled in the first year of production have been found to break, resulting in a loss of boost pressure after a couple of brake applications. Cars affected by this will need to have a more durable line fitted to stop this from happening.

NOx Recall: All diesel models were subject to a voluntary recall in 2017 to apply software updates that aimed to reduce NOx emissions on any engine made before 2015.

Noisy Engine/Fan Belt Noise: Some owners have reported a noisy engine or fan belt noise during cold starts. This issue has been resolved in some cases by changing the cabin filter.

AC Blowing Air with a Foul Smell: Another common problem is the AC blowing air with a foul smell. This issue has also been resolved in some cases by changing the cabin filter.

Automatic Transmission: The automatic transmission operates awkwardly in stop-and-go situations, which can be frustrating for drivers.

Legroom, Headroom, and Cargo Room: The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 has limited legroom, headroom, and cargo room, which can make it less comfortable for taller passengers or those with more cargo to transport.

Road and Wind Noise: Abundant road and wind noise can be a problem, especially during long drives or at high speeds.

These issues have been reported by owners of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250, and while some have been resolved through recalls or repairs, others may still be prevalent in certain vehicles. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when making their purchasing decision.

Is a Mercedes GLA 250 expensive to maintain?

A Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class will cost about $13,781 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury SUV models by $1,933.

Is Mercedes GLA 250 a good car?

The GLA 250, which is the model we tested, should be more than enough for the vast majority of drivers. Power is appropriate for the vehicle size, and it gets up to speed with ease. Our front-wheel-drive test vehicle needed 6.8 seconds to hit 60 mph, which is an average time for an extra-small luxury SUV.

Does a Mercedes GLA250 need premium gas?

There are three reasons that MB recommends premium fuels in your GLa 250: The Fuels are the 1st run from the distilling process, where the lighter gasoline is pulled from the top of the fractional column. There is less 'varnish' type deposits that build up with these 'higher grade' gasolines.

How many miles can you get out of a Mercedes GLA 250?

Many experts agree that Mercedes-Benz vehicles can last anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles on average with routine maintenance. In fact, you may even get more mileage out of your Mercedes-Benz vehicle if it has been properly taken care of.

Is Mercedes GLA 250 a good car?

Is a Mercedes GLA 250 expensive to maintain?

A Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class will cost about $13,781 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury SUV models by $1,933.

What are common faults with GLA?

GLA Issues & Problems

2023 GLA35 bad cam cover gasket! ...
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2024 GLA250 Parktronic Help [rear camera shutter] ...
2021 GLA250 - Driver assist functions randomly disabled. ...
2023 Mercedes GLA250 Safety Issue; shifts into Neutral while driving. ...
2021 GLA digital clock issue.

How many miles does my full tank in a 2018 GLA250 last?

Compare Side-by-Side

	2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250
EPA Fuel Economy	Premium Gasoline
27 MPG 24 33 combined city/highway city highway
3.7 gal/100mi
356 miles Total Range

2018 Mercedes-benz Gla250 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Mercedes-benz Gla250.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2018 Mercedes-benz Gla250 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 12 recalls for different components of the 2018 Mercedes-benz Gla250.

2023-12-15

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

2022-05-20

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

2021-04-01

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: STEERING
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 B250e, CLA250, 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250, and AMG GLA45 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
Consequence: A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060001.

2021-03-19

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Consequence: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2021-02-12

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: COMMUNICATION
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Consequence: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

2021-02-05

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

2019-08-12

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt may be loose.
Consequence: The seatbelt for a passenger seated in the rear middle seating position might not be properly secured, which could increase the risk of an injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt, correcting its installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080010.

2019-02-26

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: SEATS
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA-250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. An incorrect rear seat back covering carpet could have been installed on the split-rear seat back. As a result, the child seat anchorage point (top tether) on the center positon of the rear seat may be covered and inaccessible for use. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence: If the upper anchorage point is covered, the child seat will not be able to be secured as intended in the center position of the rear seat, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear seat back covering carpet on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz's customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mercedes' number for this recall is 2019030003.

2018-12-19

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The sunroof bonding may allow water to leak into the vehicle.
Consequence: Water leaking into the vehicle from around the sunroof may affect the electrical contacts of the window air bag, potentially causing the window air bag to not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding of the panorama sliding sunroof and the electrical contacts of the window air bag on the affected vehicles, replacing the components as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030006.

2018-06-15

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: CHILD SEAT:TETHER: CONNECTOR/CLIP
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and GLA250 4Matic vehicles. The child seat top tether anchorage point on the center position of the rear seat may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence: If the top tether anchorage point is missing, a child seat will not be able to be properly installed in the center rear seat position, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat backrest, free of charge. The recall began August 15, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2017-10-16

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLA250 4Matic vehicles. The low beam headlight settings on these vehicles may deviate from the required specification, reducing the range of light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Reduced headlight range can affect visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA owns the affected vehicles. Dealers will inspect the headlight adjustment, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 27, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017100009.

2017-10-06

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Consequence: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 Mercedes-benz Gla250 problems:

What's your guys honest option about the GLA 250 2018/2019 : r ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/mercedes_benz/comments/14xqlj0/whats_your_guys_honest_option_about_the_gla_250/

Jul 12, 2023 ... 73 votes, 182 comments. 162K subscribers in the mercedes_benz community. Welcome to our community - the home of Mercedes-Benz on Reddit!

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/gla/2018/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Consumer Reviews | Cars.com

https://www.cars.com/research/mercedes_benz-gla_250-2018/consumer-reviews/

THIS IS AN AWESOME CAR IT DRIVES QUIET SMOOTH AND IS CLEAN! ALSO IN PERFECT CONDITION. GIVES NO ISSUES, FULLY SERVICED, AWD, GREAT FOR SNOW ,.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Reliability - Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mercedes-benz/gla/2018/reliability/

In the questionnaire, we ask subscribers to note any problems with their cars that occurred in the past 12 months. They are asked to identify problems that they ...