2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45

On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified NHTSA that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183

On the morning of April 28, 2026, at approximately 7:30 AM, I discovered that the front panel of the panoramic sunroof on my 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG had spontaneously shattered while the vehicle was parked at my residence in Meridian, Idaho. When I went out to the vehicle in the morning, I found glass fragments distributed across the rear seat area, the rear floor, and my child's car seat. Looking up, I saw that the front panoramic glass panel had shattered. My husband and I conducted a complete walk-around inspection of the vehicle exterior. We found no evidence of any external impact: no damage to the roof surface, body panels, surrounding trim, or any other glass on the vehicle. There was no debris (rocks, branches, hailstones, construction materials, or any other potential impact source) on top of, beneath, in or around the vehicle. The rear panoramic glass panel was intact. Glass fragments were present both inside the cabin and on the exterior surface of the roof and a few fragments were found on the roadway. The car seat where glass fragments fell is regularly occupied by my [XXX] daughter. On this particular morning, she was not in the vehicle only because of a coincidental change in our family's schedule that day, but typically she gets into her carseat independently, buckles herself, and I check her buckles. Thankfully, she was not injured but her car seat now has glass fragments in the seat. I am filing this complaint to document the incident in support of NHTSA's ongoing collection of safety data for consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11734452

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

2015 AMG GLA-45. Sunroof violently broke, opening from front (normal is back) and sticking up 3-4 inches. Luckily this happened in our garage not moving, while simply pushing Close Sunroof button. If this had happened on the highway, it could have ripped off and killed somebody. Dealer says common problem, as soon as I brought the car in they said “sunroof warranty job” but the car is actually out of warranty. MB Natick Mass dealer is charging $3000 to replace motor, track, hinges, wind deflector. Can’t be closed manually even by dealer so car useless for two weeks while waiting for MB Corporate to review case for recall or complimentary repair due to liability. Today they refused to cover the repair cost or add car to recall list. NHTSA should know this car has ~26,000 miles on it and we’ve only opened/closed the sunroof perhaps ten times since buying it new. The sunroof assembly is obviously defective from the factory and was a “timebomb.” If it broke on the highway, lifting up from the front, it could have flown off and caused an accident and/or killed somebody behind us. Scary.

NHTSA ID

11471357

Incident

Jun 7, 2022

I was driving and my car randomly changed to neutral on the highway in traffic. I could not changed the gear and was almost hit by several cars that swirved around me. There is a recall for the 2019 version of the car for this very same issue but it exists in all years prior and Mercedes has not addressed it. This is happening to many of us and is being reported at glaowners.com

NHTSA ID

11430060

Incident

Aug 14, 2021

NEEDING TO FIX THE RECALL FOR SAFETY

NHTSA ID

11360115

Incident

Sep 9, 2019

ON SEPTEMBER 3RD, SUNDAY 2019, WE WERE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 60 WESTBOUND AT THE SPEED OF AROUND 65 MILES/HOUR. THE ENGINE OF MY CAR STOPPED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING, AND WE COULD MOVE THE CAR 20~30 YARDS BEFORE COMPLETE STOP. THE ONTARIO(CALIFORNIA) MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CENTER TOLD US THE CAUSE OF THE CAR FAILURE WAS A HIGH PRESSURE OIL PUMP RELATED PROBLEMS. ON DECEMBER 7, 2019, THE SAME CAR PROBLEM OCCURRED. WE WERE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 20 MILES/HOUR ON A ROAD IN THE CITY OF TORRENCE, AND THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE LA SERVICE CENTER SAID THE CAUSE OF FAILURE RELATED TO THE MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM THAT GOVERNS HYDRAULIC PUMP AND ENGINE, AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FIXED AT THE CENTER, AND THEY HAVE TO CONTACT THE FACTORY. THE 3RD CAR FAILURE OCCURRED ON SATURDAY, 2020.7.12. ON 2020.7.11., ONE DAY BEFORE THE CAR FAILURE, THE CAR FRONT PANEL SHOWED A LIGHT INDICATING AN ENGINE CHECK IS REQUIRED. HOWEVER, THE WARNING SIGNAL FOR ENGINE CHECK DISAPPEARED AND USED VISIT SON'S HOUSE. AFTER VISIT, WE STARTED THE CAR, AND THE ENGINE DID NOT START WITH A SYMPTOM SIMILAR TO. PREVIOUS TWO CASES.

NHTSA ID

11339692

Incident

Jul 12, 2020

Mileage

40,000 mi

I BOUGHT THE MERCEDES GLA 250 IN SEPTEMBER 2018 AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON FOR A DAY OR TWO AND GO BACK OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE DID THE SAME THING AS BEFORE AND TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE AND STATED IT WAS A POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION ISSUE. I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THE CAR CUT OFF AND HAD TO RESTART THE CAR THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER I STOPPED AT ANOTHER LIGHT AND THE CAR STOPPED AND HAD TO RESTART AGAIN. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MERCEDES OF BEDFORD ON JUNE 25 AND THE YOUNG LADY NEVER COMMUNICATED THAT I WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY OR HAD TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC FEE. I WENT TO MERCEDES ON JUNE 29TH AND STATED I HAD TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE BUT WAS NOT MADE AWARE PREVIOUSLY ON JUNE 29TH. THE WARRANTY ON ON THE VEHICLE WAS UP ON MARCH 30TH. I LEFT AND DID SOME RESEARCH AND SEEMS THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE IS A COMMON ISSUE PLUS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR SOMETIME NOW. THE DEALERSHIP STATED IT WOULD TAKE UP TO 3 WEEKS TO A MONTH FOR THE PART TO COME IN FROM GERMANY. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE AND SEE HOW MANY CARS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11337140

Incident

Jun 29, 2020

DRIVING AT APPROX. 30MPH AND SUDDENLY THE ENTIRE DASH LIT UP, ALL RED AND YELLOW SYMBOLS ALONG WITH A MSG IN THE DISPLAY TO THE EFFECT OF COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM INOPERATIVE, STOP IMMEDIATELY. THIS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THE EXACT MSG. AT THE SAME TIME THE CAR DECELERATED TO A STOP ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. OBVIOUSLY I DID NOT NEED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. IT FELT LIKE THE DECELERATION OF THE ENGINE BEING OFF BUT THE CAR STILL IN GEAR WITH THAT STOPPING THE CAR. DID NOT USE BRAKES TO STOP CAR. THIS WAS VERY SUDDEN. THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING AFTER STOPPING BECAUSE THE TACH WAS AT ZERO. THE DASH STAYED LIT AND THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE GEAR ON THE INDICATOR. I PRESSED THE BUTTON TO PUT IT IN PARK AND THEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PRESSED TO START THE ENGINE. IT RESTARTED EXCEPT NOW ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS LIT. I DROVE TO THE DEALER. HAD THIS HAPPENED A FEW MOMENTS EARLIER ON THE FREEWAY IT COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. CAR IS NOW AT THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS. THIS HAPPENED ON A 3 LANE EACH WAY LOCAL ROAD. WAITING FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT STILL VERY DANGEROUS IN MY OPINION.

NHTSA ID

10945134

Incident

Jan 12, 2017

Mileage

12,296 mi

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N112/9) control unit: event code B15CE00 is ACTIVE and STORED (A+S) • Vehicle Documentation System: For the HERMES control unit, the EID1, EID2, ICCID, IMEI, IMSI, TELNR fields in the "Identification/Serial number" column have the value "-" Cause Still under analysis Remedy Recommission the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis 03/2026 and add-on 33399 installed or carry out the procedure with a newer version of XENTRY Diagnosis: XENTRY→ "N112/9 - Control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" -> "Adaptations" -> "Control unit commissioning" -> "Commissioning of previously installed control unit"

Complaint Noises at the front axle when cornering or maneuvering (video files attached) Note: Save video files locally and play them with Windows Media Player. Cause Driving with summer tires in combination with low outside temperatures. At low outside temperatures or in wet conditions, a noise may be produced at the outer wheel on the front axle while maneuvering with sharp steering angles. Note: AMG vehicles with 4MATIC of model series 217 (without code 494) and model series 222 have a modified axle geometry compared with series production vehicles to provide more sporty handling. The problem cannot be remedied by changing the axle settings.

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304

Complaint Yellow information message in driver display (instrument cluster): "Switch on motor to charge the 12V battery" Cause The state of charge (SOC) of the 12V battery has dropped to 45% or less. Remedy This warning message appears as soon as the state of charge (SOC) of the 12V primary battery drops below 45%. This message is displayed to safeguard the vehicle's starting ability. At the same time as the display appears in the instrument cluster, customers with a linked Mercedes me connect account also receive a push notification via the app/by email (if this function is activated). The battery must be charged to a state of charge (SOC) of at least 50%. To do this, an external charger can be connected (please comply with AR54.10-P-1133S) or the vehicle can be driven (by the customer) for 30 to 60 minutes. Please make customers aware of how the vehicle behaves: • If the vehicle is used for short journeys, the battery state of charge may slowly drop to less than 45% – a negative charge balance • A negative charge balance will also occur if the vehicle is used while stationary without running the engine, e.g. if the head unit is used, the ignition is switched on, or other comfort & convenience power consumers, e.g. seat heating/seat ventilation, are active. • An unlocked vehicle may increase consumption, because certain vehicle functions are actively kept ready for the customer. In combination with Keyless-Go or flush-mounted door handles, the vehicle may be woken up if the vehicle key is detected in the vicinity of the vehicle. The cause of the discharge can be identified with the aid of the onboard electrical system data in the EZS using XENTRY Diagnosis. See attached examples for identifying typical customer situations (e.g. operation with ignition on, operation of head unit while stationary or vehicle unlocked while parked). Vehicles with code B01+801: When charging while stationary, the 48V battery must have a state of charge (SOC) of 70% before the 12V primary battery, or the secondary battery in the case of code 503, can be charged. To ensure optimum battery care, please also comply with the existing Service Information documents regarding the handling of stock vehicles (SI54.10-P-0024A) and on remaining in transport mode (SI54.00-P-0004A) until immediately before handover to end customers. Special note: Do not replace any parts, if the message has occurred due to battery discharge as a result of the driving profile or the ignition being switched on (see attached examples); in such cases separate warranty and goodwill invoicing is not possible, as this is a normal on-board electrical system protection function. Likewise battery care and recharging do not qualify as a W&G case. Please advise customers accordingly regarding the above-mentioned issues relating to vehicle use.