2021 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 2021 Mercedes-benz Gla250 problems

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 has been praised by some owners for its attractive design, peppy performance, and luxurious interior. However, there are also several common problems that have been reported by owners of this vehicle.

One common complaint is the lack of legroom in the vehicle, particularly in the front. This issue is particularly problematic for taller drivers, who may find that the lack of legroom makes it difficult to get comfortable during long drives.

Another issue that has been reported by some owners is the presence of road noise and rattling in the interior of the vehicle.

The electronics in the vehicle have also been a source of frustration for some owners. Some have reported difficulty syncing the car's brain with their phone, while others have experienced issues with the CarPlay app, particularly when using Spotify. These issues can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve, and can detract from the overall driving experience.

Finally, some owners have reported issues with the engine and transmission in the GLA250. Some have reported that the engine can be noisy during cold starts, while others have experienced problems with the transmission, including inconsistent responses and calibration issues. These issues can affect the performance and reliability of the vehicle, and can be costly to repair.

In summary, while the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 has many attractive features, it is not without its problems. Some owners have reported issues with legroom, road noise and rattling, electronics, and the engine and transmission. These issues can affect the comfort, convenience, and reliability of the vehicle, and may be a cause for concern for potential buyers.

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.

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.

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 the Mercedes-Benz GLA a reliable car?

Mercedes GLA reliability

Usually scoring in the top third, the GLA is a solidly built and dependable model. Due to its larger size, the GLA is slightly less efficient than smaller Mercedes models, but still offers up to 53.3mpg from the diesel engines.

2021 Mercedes-benz Gla250 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Mercedes-benz Gla250.

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

2021 Mercedes-benz Gla250 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2021 Mercedes-benz Gla250.

2023-11-01

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

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.

2022-04-08

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.

2022-03-04

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 AMG CLA 35 and 2021 GLA 250 vehicles. The rear brake caliper housing fasteners may be loose, which can reduce brake performance or cause rear brake components to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: Reduced brake performance can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, detached brake components can create a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash for other drivers.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners on the rear brake caliper housings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2021-05-14

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

2021-02-22

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain GLA250 vehicles. The ground connection for the front passenger air bag may not be mounted properly, which could result in an inadvertent deployment.
Consequence: Inadvertent air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury for an occupant in the front passenger seat, and increase the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ground connection for the passenger air bag and correct it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020037.

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Mercedes-benz Gla250 problems:

2021 GLA 250 4Matic - Various Issues and disappointments ...

https://www.glaowners.com/threads/2021-gla-250-4matic-various-issues-and-disappointments.28048/

Jan 7, 2021 ... I'm not really buying this and based on how new the car is and that we had A/C issues almost from the start, I think something was just wrong ...

Mercedes Benz GLA (2021) 250 - Cylinder Known Issue (Recall?) : r ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/mercedes_benz/comments/v46vm0/mercedes_benz_gla_2021_250_cylinder_known_issue/

Jun 3, 2022 ... tl;dr MB GLA 250 has a known issue with one of the cylinders, although I can't find much/any information online. Came here to see if anyone ...

Serious issues [2021 GLA250] | Mercedes-Benz GLA Forum

https://www.glaowners.com/threads/serious-issues-2021-gla250.29109/

Nov 23, 2022 ... Cylinder head issue has become fairly common, especially around the 15-30K miles window. Cylinder head replacement under warranty-20,800 miles ...

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/gla/2021/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...