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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
48
Latest Apr 18, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
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.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 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

  • Engine1630.8%
  • Airbags815.4%
  • Driver assistance611.5%
  • Fuel system59.6%
  • Electrical59.6%
  • Powertrain (other)47.7%
  • Visibility35.8%
  • Brakes23.8%
  • Steering23.8%
  • Exterior lighting11.9%

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.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am reporting a P052E fault code related to the crankcase ventilation system on my Mercedes-Benz GLA. This is a known and widespread defect on multiple Mercedes-Benz models and is commonly covered under service bulletins and extended warranties up to 150,000 miles. My vehicle has 92,000 miles. However, Mercedes-Benz has refused coverage, stating that the GLA model is not included, despite extensive evidence that this same defect affects GLA vehicles. Numerous documented owner reports and forum discussions confirm identical failures on GLA models. This appears to be a systemic defect rather than normal wear. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and require Mercedes-Benz to extend coverage and assume responsibility for repairs on affected GLA vehicles.

NHTSA ID 11711026 · filed Jan 14, 2026

Engine runs fine while driving and then cuts off while coming to a stop. This happened three (3) times last week since 7/23/24. Each time it happened I was stopping at a traffic light! After the failure a warning lamp flashed something about, Do Not Change Gears. Will make appointment to have it checked out as soon as possible.

NHTSA ID 11604990 · filed Jul 28, 2024
All 16 reports naming engine

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My car totaled by another car and my air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID 11714576 · filed Jan 30, 2026

My airbag malfunction light appeared on the dashboard. Once the light appeared, the HORN STOPPED WORKING, a safety hazard that caused me not to be able to drive my vehicle for over a year due to the risk! I took the vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz dealership, 200 S Pickett St, Alexandria, VA 22304, and was told that the recall was closed and that they could not assist me. I was advised to contact NHTSA. PLEASE HELP AS I WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE & BE SAFE ON THE ROAD! This is a huge safety hazard!!

NHTSA ID 11693888 · filed Oct 16, 2025
All 8 reports naming airbags

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving on the highway and when I stopped because there was traffic my car completely cut off. Screen and display went back and then it came back on and went into neutral and when I went to shift gears and try to change into drive it would not allow me to change gears. I had to turn the car off and turn it back on. THIS WAS ON THE HIGHWAY!!! This happened 2 times on my way home. I have a 2016 Mercedes my coworker has the same vehicle but the 2015 model. She has the SAME ISSUE. Her car is in the shop now and the mechanics are trying to see what the issue may be and I have an appointment at the end of the week. I have looked this issue up and there are TONS of people reporting this issue and I cant believe there is no recall! This is beyond dangerous and someone could die because of this. My coworker brought it to my attention and if we didn't drive the same vehicle I wouldn't have looked into this. However its NOT a coincidence that we both have Mercedes same make and model that cuts off and goes into neutral when driving.

NHTSA ID 11555303 · filed Nov 15, 2023

All warning lights on dashboard lights up while driving. Got two diagnostic tests and conclusion is steering column module needs to be replaced 2016 had a recall between 2015-2018 on Gla250 2nd diagnostic test the SRS Module needs to be replaced it sounds like a manufactured problem and Mercedes Benz repair shop needs to investigate because it’s a hazardous safety issue lights on dashboard lights up are traction control airbags off brake lights cruise control and SES all reads malfunctioning see dealership

NHTSA ID 11540872 · filed Aug 26, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLA. The contact stated that the check engine light had appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The dealer determined that the crankcase ventilation valve had malfunctioned which blocked the actuator. As a result, both the fuel and the oil had started to mix inside the engine which caused the ventilation valve to not close as intended. The contact was given an estimate for repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA ID 11586706 · filed May 3, 2024

Following regular maintenance of my 2016 GLA 250 with my mechanic for the car repeatedly stalling, the mechanic discovered there is a fuel leak causing the fuel injectors and fuel rall to not get proper fuel injection. The mechanic found a manufacturer’s recall for the make, model, and year of my car. My car’s VIN# says this particular car is not affected. However, the exact issue is presenting in my car, which can cause significant engine damage. It’s believed my car, with the same make, model& year, is indeed impacted by this issue. My VIN should be considered to be included to have this recall.

NHTSA ID 11581399 · filed Apr 5, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My GLA250 Instrument Cluster had been glitching out. The turn signals indicators would go off when the turn signal lights are initiated. The Check engine light, high beam light, and other warning lights come on for no reason, or dim or no backlight, inaccurate gauge readings, erratic gauge needle movement, and even a completely dead cluster. I took the car to the dealership and they said the instrument cluster was faulty and needed to be replace. The car is still at the dealership because they haven't figured out how to program it right. Since the instrument cluster is a vital component of the vehicles safety feature, this should be a recall. I have spent $3500.00 to fix an issue that should not have occurred since the car is only 6 years old. There are several online forums that discuss this very same issue that Mercedes is having with their instrument clusters.

NHTSA ID 11648710 · filed Mar 17, 2025

Unknown… airbag light came on and horn and all buttons on wheel stopped working. It says airbag malfunction

NHTSA ID 11525752 · filed Jun 7, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Transmission from drive well sometimes shift to neutral while it is at a stand still usually waiting for a light to turn green, after which it takes its time to shift back into drive. While this happened a warning light appeared malfunction take straight to dealer. Yesterday seems as if ABS kicked in while driving, threw me into the steering wheel than stopped shaking within 1-2 sec, and let me accelerate off. Was passing in an individual at the time. Don’t know what to make of it.

NHTSA ID 11610643 · filed Aug 24, 2024

Rear differential failed at 55,000 miles. Mercedes-Benz of Lafayette IN last had possession of the part. In a high-speed turn, this could result in loss of control of the vehicle. The differential was replaced at the owner's expense, and the failed part was left with the dealership. I am aware of numerous reports of premature rear differential failure in this model (after the fact). There was an occasional thunking noise during turns that the driver (my son) did not think anything of. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained. Within the week the vehicle was serviced and the rear differential needed to be replaced. No warning lights were present.

NHTSA ID 11549872 · filed Oct 13, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID 11577510 · filed Mar 15, 2024

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID 11575598 · filed Mar 5, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Transmission from drive well sometimes shift to neutral while it is at a stand still usually waiting for a light to turn green, after which it takes its time to shift back into drive. While this happened a warning light appeared malfunction take straight to dealer. Yesterday seems as if ABS kicked in while driving, threw me into the steering wheel than stopped shaking within 1-2 sec, and let me accelerate off. Was passing in an individual at the time. Don’t know what to make of it.

NHTSA ID 11610643 · filed Aug 24, 2024

THE REAR AUTOMATIC PARKING BRAKES SOMETIMES DO NOT RELEASE AFTER DRIVING IN THE RAIN OR THROUGH PUDDLES. THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE CAR IS PARKED FOR A FEW HOURS. SO FAR, THE BRAKES HAVE BROKEN FREE AFTER APPLYING AN EXTRA AMOUNT OF GAS. THEN, A LOUD BANG IS HEARD WHEN THE BRAKES LET GO. THIS CONCERNS ME BECAUSE WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS IN A TIGHT PARKING SPOT, WITH CARS IN FRONT AND IN BACK? WITH THE SUDDEN RELEASE OF THE BRAKES, THE CAR MAY LURCH INTO EITHER OF THE CARS. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. THE SECOND TIME, THEY TOOK 2 DAYS TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AFTER I TOLD THEM THAT WET BRAKES MAY BE THE CAUSE. THEY THEN TOLD ME THE PROBLEM IS NORMAL, ALL THEIR CARS DO IT. THEIR SERVICE ORDER DOES NOT REFLECT WHAT THEY TOLD ME.

NHTSA ID 11003181 · filed Jul 5, 2017

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My airbag malfunction light appeared on the dashboard. Once the light appeared, the HORN STOPPED WORKING, a safety hazard that caused me not to be able to drive my vehicle for over a year due to the risk! I took the vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz dealership, 200 S Pickett St, Alexandria, VA 22304, and was told that the recall was closed and that they could not assist me. I was advised to contact NHTSA. PLEASE HELP AS I WOULD LIKE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE & BE SAFE ON THE ROAD! This is a huge safety hazard!!

NHTSA ID 11693888 · filed Oct 16, 2025

All warning lights on dashboard lights up while driving. Got two diagnostic tests and conclusion is steering column module needs to be replaced 2016 had a recall between 2015-2018 on Gla250 2nd diagnostic test the SRS Module needs to be replaced it sounds like a manufactured problem and Mercedes Benz repair shop needs to investigate because it’s a hazardous safety issue lights on dashboard lights up are traction control airbags off brake lights cruise control and SES all reads malfunctioning see dealership

NHTSA ID 11540872 · filed Aug 26, 2023

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

My GLA250 Instrument Cluster had been glitching out. The turn signals indicators would go off when the turn signal lights are initiated. The Check engine light, high beam light, and other warning lights come on for no reason, or dim or no backlight, inaccurate gauge readings, erratic gauge needle movement, and even a completely dead cluster. I took the car to the dealership and they said the instrument cluster was faulty and needed to be replace. The car is still at the dealership because they haven't figured out how to program it right. Since the instrument cluster is a vital component of the vehicles safety feature, this should be a recall. I have spent $3500.00 to fix an issue that should not have occurred since the car is only 6 years old. There are several online forums that discuss this very same issue that Mercedes is having with their instrument clusters.

NHTSA ID 11648710 · filed Mar 17, 2025

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

Data on this page last refreshed .