RoadVitals

2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
4
Latest May 19, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Apr 1, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45, most frequently naming the tires & wheels category. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 109 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Tires & wheels2100.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STEERING; STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR

Apr 1, 2021
4,992 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2021060001View on NHTSA.gov

COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Feb 5, 2021
1,292,258 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
The 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.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCManufacturer number 2021020025View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Oct 6, 2017
495,290 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
The 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.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.Manufacturer number 2017110011View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Tires & wheels
Filed May 19, 2026

Tire size 235/40 R20. Both front tires extremely worn in an uneven way with 1 having metal showing. Discout Tire in Lafayette, IN inpected and stated, "Lucky to be alive given how dangerous it is to drive on tires with metal exposed." Ordered new tires. Wouldn't even let us leave the parking lot due to safety. Used spare tire we carry to get home. Michelin denied the warranty claim due to improper servicing. No warning alerts. Vehicle was recently serviced by Mercedes of Lafayette on 3-34-26. Collected payment and handed my wife the key without volunteering ANY issue of ANY kind. Wife questioned if they even check the warning alert about brakes. Stated brake pads were in the yellow. Riding in the vehicle several days later, I noticed a loud road noise. Could not initially detect any obvious damage like a nail. Sound persisted. Stopped again. Turned steering wheel to expose the inner part of the tires. Zero tread and sharp metal exposed. Immediately took to Discount Tire. Confirmed OBVIOUS alignment issue causing uneven wear. Shocked Mercedes didn't fix the issue, and didn't alert us about the dangerous situation. Midas fixed alignment $122. Dealer & MB USA hq were notified. Neither made ANY effort to make things right in over 1mon. Dealer violated Indiana Code 9-19-18-3. Maker not doing proper quality control checks. Filing small claims court case about this issue as well.

NHTSA ID
11738687
Incident
Apr 2, 2026
Tires & wheels
Filed May 13, 2026

Tire size is 235/40 R20. Both front tires were extremely worn in an uneven way with 1 having metal showing. Discount Tire inspected the tires and stated that we were, "Lucky to be alive given how dangerous it is to drive on tires worn so badly with metal exposed." Discount Tire in Lafayette, IN inspected the tires. We ordered new tires that would take at least a day to be shipped. Wouldn't even let us leave their parking lot with the car in the condition it was in due to safety concerns. Luckily, we carry a spare, and were able to use that to get home. Michelin reviewed the warranty claim submitted by Discount Tire, and denied the claim due to improper servicing. No warning alerts. The main issue is that the vehicle was recently serviced by the Mercedes dealer in Lafayette, IN on 3-24-26. They collected the payment and handed my wife the key. They did not volunteer ANY issue of ANY kind. She questioned if they even checked the warning alert about the brakes. They stated that the brake pads were in the yellow, and needed to eventually be changed, but it could wait. Several days later, I was riding in the vehicle and noticed a loud road noise. Could not initially detect any damage to the outer/visible areas of the tires such as a nail. But the sound persisted. When we stopped again, I turned the steering wheel to expose the inner part of the tires. There was zero tread on the inside of the driver front tire with sharp metal exposes. Immediately took the car to Discount Tire. They confirmed it was an OBVIOUS alignment issue causing the uneven wear. Shocked Mercedes didn't fix the problem. Should have never given us the key back due to the high level of danger. Midas fixed the alignment $120. Both the dealer and MB USA hq were notified. Neither made any effort to make things right in over a month. Dealer clearly violated Indiana Code 9-19-18-3. The maker is not doing the proper quality control checks. Filing a small claims court case as well.

NHTSA ID
11737726
Incident
Apr 2, 2026
Filed Aug 28, 2025

1. *Component Failure*: The sunroof/moonroof has stopped functioning correctly due to broken plastic rail guides/sliders, causing issues with opening and closing. Additionally, there's a potential risk of the sunroof detaching from the vehicle due to faulty bonding between the sunroof glass panel and the sliding roof frame. 2. *Safety Risk*: The safety risk is significant, as a detached sunroof can pose a hazard to other road users if it separates from the vehicle while driving at high speeds. This issue can lead to accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. 3. *Problem Confirmation*: Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an Authorized Mercedes dealer, who has inspected the vehicle and acknowledged the issue. 4. *Inspection*: The vehicle has been inspected by the Authorized Mercedes Dealer. Given the recent recall notices from Mercedes-Benz regarding sunroof issues, it's possible that my vehicle might be affected by a similar problem. 5. *Warning Signs*: There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms before the failure, indicating a mechanical issue or part/component failure.

NHTSA ID
11683685
Incident
Feb 7, 2023
Filed Aug 31, 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The sunroof/moonroof stopped functioning correctly. The plastic rail guides/sliders broke and the sunroof stopped closing and opening correctly. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The sunroof is not properly attached to the broken parts and could be a hazard if it separates from the roof while driving at highway speed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes, the problem is confirmed by the Authorized Mercedes dealer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? It was inspected by the Authorized Mercedes Dealer. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings, it's a mechanical issue and a failure of the part/component

NHTSA ID
11541996
Incident
Feb 7, 2023

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

LI35.30-P-058566

POWER TRAIN

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).

LI82.85-P-080507

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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"

LI40.10-P-061032

SUSPENSION; WHEELS

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.

LI82.10-P-078301

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

LI82.10-P-078301

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

LI54.10-P-073164

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023010
2022010
2021150
2020020
2019120
2018230
2017Viewing430
2016331
2015741
2014100

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.