2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Owner Complaints

My vehicle is a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic with 79,779 miles. It is actively experiencing the severe, hazardous drivability issues detailed in your filings—specifically, unexpectedly rejecting gears and shifting into Neutral or Park when coming to a complete stop. This condition leaves the vehicle completely stranded at intersections, creating an immediate and unreasonable risk of a rear-end collision. Objective Diagnostic Data (Documented September 16, 2026): A professional diagnostic scan of my powertrain system failed due to critical communication dropouts. The scanner pulled active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) U1457, explicitly defined as: "The Signal 'Fuel Level' From The Rear Signal Acquisition And Actuation Module Was Not Received By The Instrument Cluster." Chronological Symptoms & Environmental Ingress Link: Erratic Gauge Indicators: Immediately preceding a complete system failure, the vehicle's fuel gauge fluctuates erratically up and down while driving. Instrument Cluster Blackout: Following the gauge erraticism, the entire instrument cluster drops off the digital high-speed network line (the CAN Bus) and displays a completely blank, unresponsive black screen. The CAN bus chain drops communication with individual modules—including the Transmission Control Module—forcing the vehicle to dangerously drop into Neutral or Park at low speeds.

NHTSA ID

11765106

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

After the vehicle's main battery fully discharged and the vehicle was jump-started, multiple SRS / driver airbag warnings appeared immediately, the horn and steering wheel controls stopped working, and a clicking noise developed in the steering column when turning the wheel. None of these symptoms existed before the battery discharge / jump-start event. Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota (Repair Order / Invoice 675113) performed XENTRY diagnostics and documented fault codes B000113 and B000213 (driver airbag squib stage 1 and stage 2 malfunction - open circuit), U100800 (LIN bus 1 malfunction in the steering column module), and B1F4500 (starter battery excessive resistance current; 12V battery failed test). The technician documented the root cause as "defective steering angle sensor and internal wiring of steering column module, thus no completed electrical circuit to driver airbag and steering wheel," and noted that the vehicle is unsafe to drive because the driver airbag will not deploy in a crash. Mileage approximately 73,447. No crash, fire, or injury occurred - the defect was discovered as a non-functioning driver airbag. I am reporting this because the failure mode appears related to the steering column module / clock spring / driver airbag circuit addressed in NHTSA recall 17V627 (MB campaign 2017110011), for which this VIN is not included; this vehicle was produced after the recall's stated production cutoff. Three dealership managers stated in writing that the failure was mechanical and unrelated to the electrical event, which is inconsistent with their own technician's documented electrical root cause. The dealership's Service Director stated he could not determine why the failure occurred. Mercedes-Benz USA (case 24257427) has not performed any engineering or product safety review of this failure. I request that NHTSA evaluate whether steering column module / driver airbag circuit failures are occurring in vehicles built after the 17V627 production cutoff.

NHTSA ID

11764183

Incident

Aug 31, 2026

Sunroof glass exploded without warning while driving at highway speed. Glass shards poured throughout the vehicle including on the driver, potentially putting the vehicle and other vehicles in danger.

NHTSA ID

11748081

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

I am filing a complaint regarding my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. My vehicle recently triggered a check engine light and was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with code P052E, related to the positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve / crankcase ventilation system. My mechanic advised that this issue appears to be similar to a known Mercedes-Benz issue affecting other model years and/or related Mercedes models. Mercedes-Benz has issued an emissions extended warranty/service coverage for a similar crankcase ventilation / intake line assembly issue on other vehicles, including fault code P052E71. However, my vehicle does not appear to be included despite having the same or very similar failure code and system issue. I am concerned that this may be a broader defect affecting additional Mercedes vehicles beyond the models currently covered. The issue involves the crankcase ventilation/PCV system and may require repair of related intake line, valve cover, oil separator, or ventilation valve components. I believe this should be reviewed because owners of vehicles with the same failure pattern may be responsible for costly repairs even though the issue appears similar to one Mercedes has already acknowledged on other models. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vehicles should be included in any related recall, defect investigation, emissions warranty extension, or service campaign related to code P052E / P052E71 and the crankcase ventilation regulator valve system.

NHTSA ID

11745674

Incident

May 27, 2026

The vehicle experienced a sudden, total communication network crash on [XXX] the vehicle simultaneously triggered cascading critical safety system faults including “ inoperable” messages for the SOS system, Supplemental Restraint System ( SRS) and antilock brake system(ABS) along with check engine light on dashboard. The car locked itself in park and completely refuses to engage any drive gears. I took it to the dealer in Henderson, NV and they reported to me on Dec 24, 2025 that it will be a $1200 diagnostic and the repairs can be thousands of dollars. Since then I have taken it to 5 European and independent shops and have spent thousands of dollars for guess work. This happens sporadically I have been broken down where tow trucks have to retrieve my car and take to a shop where they have no clue of the issue. I am scared to drive it if it stalls on the streets and have a major accident. No problem has been resolved INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11741006

Incident

Dec 20, 2025

Why is the Crankcase Ventilation System P052E Code (PCV) covered in most Mercedes models, but not the GLA? This is an expensive repair that seems to cover other cars but penalizes GLA owners just to have a safe car to drive like the other models. I strongly believe GLA should be on the recall list for the matter, as it is dangerous to drive on the road, especially for those who cannot afford to fix it for upwards of $1,500 to $2000.

NHTSA ID

11720771

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

My vehicle has been taken to the Mercedes dealership multiple times from 2/24/25 -12/14/25 (10 Mths) for the following issues and still no resolution to the problem. Each time they say they've fixed the issues we get the car home and end up bringing it back a couple days later for the exact same issue. The issues being the Instrument Cluster/Panel failure (check engine light, multiple warning lights on display while driving, dash display is blacking out and unresponsive). The speedometer, fuel amount and mileage is also blacked out and unresponsive. The headlights, and tail lights also go off and are unresponsive while driving. We've also experienced the vehicle not going in reverse or drive and had to return it multiple times for this as well. These incidents are very serious safety hazards to the driver of the vehicle, other drivers and pedestrians. On several occasions we've addressed these problems with the dealership and still no resolve. However, we are paying very expensive labor fees only to return it with the same problems repeatedly and no explanation as to why the problem keeps recurring. We have receipts, photos and videos of this problem because the dealership kept stating they weren't seeing the issues we were seeing. However, after we presented the evidence and confirmation we have, they stated that they would conduct a diagnostic test and take a look, but the issues still have not been resolved after several times picking it up after they stated that they had changed the instrumental cluster. The last time after we returned it they discovered they had put the wrong part in the vehicle, however the same issues occurred with that part as well which is the reason we returned it to be looked at again. They changed it and still the same issue has repeated again. This is concerning and alarming that we were trusting them to work on the vehicle and driving the vehicle home thinking it is fixed and then discovering that they had put a wrong part in the car.

NHTSA ID

11705978

Incident

Feb 24, 2025

Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 (VIN: [XXX] ). On October 28, 2025, while driving southbound on Interstate 5 near the Zamora Exit in California at approximately 8:15 a.m., the fully closed moonroof of my vehicle spontaneously shattered. There was no impact, debris, or external cause, and the vehicle was operated under normal conditions. The incident was extremely frightening and created a serious safety hazard while driving at freeway speed. I began shaking uncontrollably and immediately called my manager to report that I could not come into work due to shock. I also contacted my mother to help calm me down. Vehicle Details: VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 90,XXX miles Purchase: Approximately 5 years ago at Fairfield Mercedes-Benz dealership Condition: No prior repairs to the moonroof, no aftermarket modifications I have documented the incident with photos and video. I have reported this to Mercedes-Benz Customer Care and my insurance provider (USAA). Additionally, I have reached out to Washington Law Offices, who are currently handling a class action lawsuit regarding this issue. I am submitting this complaint to formally notify NHTSA of the dangerous defect and to request that the agency investigate this potential safety issue affecting Mercedes-Benz vehicles with panoramic or sunroof systems. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and advise on any additional steps I should take. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11696092

Incident

Oct 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, various warning lights, including the check engine, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), oil, and other warning lights, were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test; however, no faults were found with the vehicle. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to completely close; because of the failure, water was leaking inside the vehicle during inclement weather. In addition, the air bag warning light had also become illuminated. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was promised a call back. The failure mileage was 45,695.

NHTSA ID

11694586

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

Mileage

45,695 mi

This vehicle has a transmission control module defect. While driving, the car cuts off unexpectedly and prevents shifting gears, creating a serious safety risk that could easily cause an accident. A certified Mercedes-Benz dealer diagnosed the problem and confirmed it is an internal defect—one that cannot be prevented by regular maintenance or proper care of the vehicle. Because this is an internal issue, Mercedes-Benz should take immediate responsibility to repair it, rather than delaying or shifting accountability.

NHTSA ID

11687218

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

My vehicle electrical panel is messed up can not read the driver panel the sunroof electrical also is not working the driver seat chair electrical stopped working and ever since the sunroof n chair started giving me issues my front panels started to go haywire went to dealer ship cost n repair are over 4K for the panel sunroof 4-8k chair another 1-3k I regularly maintain my vehicle and should not be having these issues with the gentle care I give my car I can no longer drive it as it has major issues electrical and no one will buy it from me.

NHTSA ID

11684208

Incident

Aug 25, 2025

Rear differential is faulty. This is the second time it has failed. The first time was in October 2021 the mileage was 44,812 and it was repaired. More recently it was making a noise and I took it back to Mercedes Benz dealership for repair. It was not properly diagnosed over an 8 week period and now it has completely failed. After the fact, I discovered many more Mercedes Benz owners have had the same problem with this happening but there is no recall. I am reporting it so it can be noted that this is an on going issue with these vehicles and hopefully a recall of faulty equipment will be issued

NHTSA ID

11673669

Incident

Jun 23, 2025

to a sunroof bonding issue that could cause water leakage

NHTSA ID

11668964

Incident

Jun 24, 2025

Crankcase Vent Valve needs replaced. Causes jumps in acceleration and pressure build up. Was a recall in other models. Took to a dealer today to confirm the check engine light and this was the cause.

NHTSA ID

11664595

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used an OBD2 scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes that indicated that the PCV valve had failed. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine if the repair would be covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the Manufacturer Communication Number: 10241531. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11648661

Incident

Mar 16, 2025

Mileage

110,000 mi

There was a gas smell that would seep into the driving cabin from the engine. It was intermittent however when it did occur, the smell was strong enough to cause light headedness to the occupants of the vehicle. I took the car to my personal mechanic who told me that this was a common issue with these cars; however, Mercedes had not issued a recall. I my mechanic fix the issue since they had already diagnosed the problem. I did some research and discovered that there is class action law suit regarding this same issue. (Please see link below:). I am respectfully requesting NHTSA conduct an investigation into this matter as this is definitely a safety hazard as the gas smell could impair the driver to the point of not being able to drive the vehicle safely. [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11645071

Incident

Mar 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 196,077.

NHTSA ID

11644599

Incident

Feb 24, 2025

Mileage

197,077 mi

Hello, Our car’s rear camera stopped working after about 31,000 miles. It has created a lot of safety problems. Apparently, the rear cameras stop functioning early on.

NHTSA ID

11640758

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLA 250. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, it was discovered that there was a fuel leakage. The hazard warning light was illuminated. The contact did research and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ID

11634864

Incident

Nov 8, 2024

Mileage

20,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally before accelerating. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while accelerating from the vehicle idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the crankcase vent valve had malfunctioned and caused the failure. The contact was informed that the crankcase vent valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11634672

Incident

Jan 7, 2023

Mileage

30,000 mi

Positive Crankcase valve malfunction

NHTSA ID

11632335

Incident

Dec 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while his mother was driving 45 MPH, the message that reverse was not available was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted into neutral independently and the ABS inadvertently engaged. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the wheel center and transmission needed to be replaced. The wheel center was replaced; however, the transmission was not repaired or replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V033000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 59,762.

NHTSA ID

11627247

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

Mileage

59,762 mi

I was driving on the freeway and the transmission shifted into neutral and the car lost power. The Red malfunction lights came on and said transmission malfunction, DO NOT SHIFT, STOP driving immediately, contact dealer. There is a class action lawsuit and a RECALL on the 2019 GLA 250 transmission of this car (mine is 2018 GLA 250) Mercedes customer service is telling me that my VIN is not included and I would like it to be included The NHTSA recall number for the 2019 cars is #21V033000 I was told by Mercedes that for this to be considered as part of the recall i would need an NHTSA inspector to see the car BEFORE i have any repair work done

NHTSA ID

11625915

Incident

Nov 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the transmission unintendedly shifted to neutral. No warning light was illuminated; however, the message "Transmission Error" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11622356

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

Mileage

40,000 mi

Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve - Code P052E This Recall are mentioned for other models with same year 2017 - 2020 But why not for GLA250. it's same problem and Dealer quote me $1500 - $2000 for Repair [XXX] Following threads prove there's lot of owners with same issue. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11608936

Incident

Aug 12, 2024