2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2722.9%
- Powertrain (other)1411.9%
- Fuel system1210.2%
- Airbags1210.2%
- Body & structure119.3%
- Electrical119.3%
- Driver assistance108.5%
- Visibility86.8%
- Brakes54.2%
- Steering32.5%
- Suspension21.7%
- Exterior lighting10.8%
- Seat belts10.8%
- Tires & wheels10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lagging with a loud rumbling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal excessively to stop the vehicle from hesitating. The failure had become more persistent. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to open, as well. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,277.
Good Afternoon, the status of my vehicle is simply UNKNOWN. I purchased my vehicle on the 26th last year of January. That same day I drove it back home my car was jerking. So I went back the following day to see if I could get into another vehicle because this one was malfunctioning they didn’t want to do anything for me. I tried so many different options to get out of this car I had a few scares driving this car the week of ownership. About sis times my car cut off completely during traffic and I have some recorded videos. Theirs a leakage somewhere I can fill up my gas tank to full and drive maybe two blocks away from my house and the gas meter is say that I have half a tank. Now my car is overheating, it’s not cranking it just tells me on the dashboard that 4MATIC is unavailable.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Same part had been recalled from all other models but not my model. It's the same part being used across Mercedes and they won't sale the valve and force customers like me there are thousands other to spent $2700 plus to replace whole system. Should have been recalled since it's same valve that may be using across all vehicles. Failed the emission test which is a big problem they should have addressed.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I came out from work. Got in my car and started it and went to make a three-point turn to go the opposite direction on a quiet back street in the airbag deployed halfway through and blew up in my face, causing my hands to be hurt and difficulty with breathing.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the roof panel had detached and was tilted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an estimate for the repair was provided. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure), but the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Mercedes repair shop inspected this car and stated that there is rear-subframe rusting and corrosion. Repair shop states that this is a safety issue. I took it into Mercedes dealer who stated that this VIN is not covered by a 20-year, unlimited-mile rear-subframe warranty (Feb–Mar 2023) for specific models (C/E/GLK/CLS/SLK/SLC/SL). Mercedes extended the warranty on the models where they saw the most repeat failures, in a way that addresses the worst cases (holes) while controlling scope and liability—not an admission of a universal defect across all lines (e.g., GLA), which is why my VIN isn’t in the program.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sputtered, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the collision assists warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed PVC valve. Additionally, the transmission assist needed service due to overheating. The collision assist warning light was reset. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred, and the collision assist, and the check engine warning lights illuminated again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure occurred four times. The vehicle was repaired twice by the dealer and once by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Mercedes no longer supports the sos ( tel-aid) system, so this system no longer works...each time you start the car, the sos inoperative warning light is on, and it blocks other safety features ( speedometer etc..). You have to reset the light each time you get in the car. Without the support of the system there is no emergency alert theft tracking ,airbag deployment sent to MB etc etc. Mercedes no longer services this feature, and this is one of the reasons we bought this car. It's a tremendous safety concern. Even though there are dealer bulletins about this, there is no fix. All these cars should be purchased back by MB. I'm uncomfortable driving a car that could be involved in a collision, and the car not notifying MB, or the police
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Collision Prevention Assist Plus Inoperative Light on the dashboard it appears often and beep I am not sure and why
Car smell like fuel possibly fuel injectors or fuel line… recall on 2016-2021 models but 2015 having same issue Blind spot assist says inoperative Mercedes changed sensors multiple times still says inoperative
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the sunroof panel was tilted on one side and fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon researching the failure, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The dealer provided an unknown diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lagging with a loud rumbling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal excessively to stop the vehicle from hesitating. The failure had become more persistent. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to open, as well. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,277.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had an update on the software to control collision prevention on the car, and soon afterward it began to deploy at certain spots without any other car in front for at least 50 feet. Took it back to the M-B Seattle dealer and after 4 weeks of investigation, I was told that the matter is exterior to the car and that the car performs as intended. T still drive the car and it still gives me warnings of impending to engage the collision detection braking system. I don't feel very comfortable driving it in the city.
I WAS DRIVING TO MEET A FRIEND FOR LUNCH. I CAME UP UPON A STOP LIGHT THAT WAS ALREADY RED AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN THE THIRD CAR IN LINE. I CAME TO WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A STOP. I WAS ABOUT A CAR LENGTH OR MORE BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. NEXT THING I KNOW, I HEAR A LOUD BANG AS MY CAR HAD ACCELERATED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THAT CAR, IN TURN, HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM. I WAS VERY CONFUSED. I RECEIVED A TRAFFIC TICKET FOR UNCONTROLLED SPEED. THE POLICEMAN THOUGHT I WAS I WAS CRAZY WHEN I SAID THAT I HAD COME TO A STOP. THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE, SO I STILL WENT TO LUNCH WITH MY FRIEND. NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER WITH PARKING OR DRIVING THE CAR TO THE RESTAURANT, WHICH WAS ABOUT 1 MILE AWAY. AFTER LUNCH, I THEN NEEDED TO RUN AN ERRAND BEFORE I WENT HOME. I DROVE ABOUT 2 BLOCKS AWAY FROM THE RESTAURANT AND PULLED INTO A SHOPPING CENTER. I THEN SLOWLY PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT BETWEEN TWO OTHER CARS. AS MY CAR HIT THE CURB, IT THEN WENT OVER THE CURB, ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND SLAMMED INTO THE CONCRETE WALL OF ONE OF THE SHOPS. I WAS ABLE TO GET HOME, VERY SHAKEN, AND RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET. EVERYTHING I FOUND INDICATED IT WAS SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (SUA). I TOLD MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND ALSO CALLED MERCEDES BENZ USA. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE MERCEDES COLLISION REPAIR SHOP. MERCEDES DID A RECORDED CONVERSATION AND SAID NOT TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. THEY WERE DEFENSIVE WHEN I MENTION SUA, BUT MY MAT IS VELCROED ON AND IT HAPPENED TWICE IN ONE DAY. AFTER THE SECOND COLLISION, I SAW A MESSAGE ON MY DASH THAT SAID : ?COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS INOPERATIVE". MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I CHECKED AT THE MERCEDES COLLISION CENTER TODAY AND WAS TOLD MERCEDES REMOVED A BLACK RECORDING BOX FROM MY CAR. I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING BACK AS OF YET. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR EVEN IF IT IS REPAIRED.*DT *DT *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
I WAS DRIVING MY 2015 MB GLA250 4MATIC [XXX] AND SUDDENLY 5 WARNING ALERTS POPPED ON THE DISPLAY AND THE RESPECTIVE SIGNALS TURNED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE 5 WARNINGS WERE: 4MATIC CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE, INOPERATIVE ABS, PARKING BREAK, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS INOPERATIVE AND CHECK ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HEAVY AT THE SAME TIME. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND TURNED IT ON AGAIN AND AT THAT TIME ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE SIGNAL WAS ON. AS SOON AS I ACCELERATED THE CAR AND THE CAR CHANGED TO 2ND, ALL THE ORIGINAL LIGHTS AND WARNING TURNED ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HEAVY. I AM SHARING THIS INFORMATION BECAUSE I'VE READ MULTIPLE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE. THE WARRANTY OF THE CAR EXPIRED IN DECEMBER 2018 (3 MONTHS AGO) AND BACK IN NOVEMBER MY VEHICLE STAYED A COUPLE WEEKS IN GARAGE ISLA VERDE (PUERTO RICO) DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. MY CAR HAS 18,000 MILES AND I FIND THESE TYPES OF ERRORS UNBEALIVABLE SINCE IT'S AN ALMOST NEW UNIT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear suspension collapsed. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the vehicle swerved into the next lane. The contact stated that there were no other vehicles nearby during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with frame corrosion. The contact was informed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2015 MERCEDES BENZ GLA250. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL IN MID-TURN CAUSING THE CONTACT TO GO OVER THE CURB. FOLLOWING THE FAILURE, THE TIRE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE FRACTURED AND ROLLED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE CONTACT IMPACTING THE CURB; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER THE CURB BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND AN UNKNOWN COMPONENT FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 420. .....UPDATED 12/15/15 *BF UPDATED 10/3/2017*CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
LIGHTS FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY....DASHBOARD, HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS. SOMETIMES LIGHTS GO ON AFTER RESTARTING ... OTHER TIMES THEY DON'T. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MERCEDES DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX PROBLEM! CAR NOW AT DEALER IN LITTLE ROCK, AR. APPARENTLY MERCEDES IS AWARE OF OTHER INSTANCES, BUT DOESN'T KNOW CAUSE OR CURE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF PEMBROKE PINES (954-644-5035, LOCATED AT 14199 PINES BOULEVARD, PEMBROKE PINES, FL 33027) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS RECOMMENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,747. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a loud explosion and she noticed that the front passenger’s side tire had exploded, causing the front passenger’s side headlamp to fracture. The contact stated that she was unsure if the failure was due to a defective tire or if an unknown object had caused the tire to explode. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .