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2018 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.
47
Latest Jul 2, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 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

  • Engine1220.3%
  • Powertrain (other)610.2%
  • Fuel system610.2%
  • Airbags58.5%
  • Other / unspecified58.5%
  • Body & structure46.8%
  • Driver assistance46.8%
  • Visibility35.1%
  • Suspension23.4%
  • Brakes11.7%
  • Steering11.7%
  • Exterior lighting11.7%

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.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 22, 2026

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 · filed Feb 26, 2026
All 12 reports naming engine

Electrical

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

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 30, 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 · filed Dec 18, 2025
All 9 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

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

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 15, 2025

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 · filed Nov 25, 2024

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 22, 2026

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 · filed Jun 3, 2025

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

Airbags

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

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clockspring in the steering column was fractured and made inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID 11509710 · filed Mar 1, 2023

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

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The rear differental is grinding loumd when stopped then go

NHTSA ID 11602435 · filed Jul 15, 2024

The car makes a clunking sound when driving at a low speed or backing up. The clunking noise occurred after I bought it. The clunking noise began around 65k miles. The wheels make a rubbing noise also. I took car to my mechanic, he could not find anything.

NHTSA ID 11526288 · filed Jun 9, 2023

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

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 2, 2026

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 · filed Oct 28, 2025

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

Driver assistance

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

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 30, 2026

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 · filed Feb 4, 2025

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

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 · filed Oct 20, 2025

to a sunroof bonding issue that could cause water leakage

NHTSA ID 11668964 · filed Jun 24, 2025

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The rear differental is grinding loumd when stopped then go

NHTSA ID 11602435 · filed Jul 15, 2024

YOU WOULD ALWAYS NEED TO THINK AND SEARCH WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO INVEST YOUR MONEY REGARDLESS OF CAR BRAND NAME... YES, NON OF THE (8) AIRBAGS EQUIPPED IN MY BRAND NEW 2018 CAR, AS CLAIMED BY MERCEDES BENZ (DISTRIBUTED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CAR), ALONG WITH THE MODERN SOPHISTICATED SAFETY TECHNOLOGY AS CLAIMED, HAS BEEN ACTIVATED/DEPLOYED DURING THAT CAR ACCIDENT TO PREVENT SEVERE PAIN FOR MY WIFE WHO WAS RUSHED THAT DAY TO A HOSPITAL FOR INTENSIVE MEDICAL CARE. AFTER THEIR ENGINEERING CREW INVESTIGATIONS, MB USA COMPANY PROVIDES RIDICULOUS AND UNPROFESSIONAL EXPLANATIONS ON WHY AIRBAGS WHERE NOT ACTIVATED/DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT, WHICH WAS ALMOST ABOUT CAUSING THE CAR TO BE FLIPPED OVER. I'M LEFT NOW FOR PAYING SOAR MEDICAL EXPENSES AND CAR REPAIR COST.

NHTSA ID 11155898 · filed Dec 4, 2018

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I was getting a warning sign on my screen in car. Is said safety problem. I tried to tell Mercedes’ but they did not want to see the car . They told me to go to the mechanic who did a small job fixing the car due from a small collision. I did take it back and mechanic said he didn’t touch that. When I was going through all of this I told Mercedes’ financial to hold on my account . I did not want to pay for an unsafe car. The financial dept. agreed and I asked them to note it that I called about this issue. Because of not paying they repossessed the car and I could t do anything about this but pay. The car was leased and I did not want to pay for a car that was unsafe. Now I have a credit to pay off 13000 and I don’t want this . I tried to contact the company and got redirected to places that didn’t rely of do anything . I wanted a replacement . If I have to pay I wanted them to give me a car because I don’t have one since. The account disappeared and there was no notes on what happened all I have was the pictures of car and the write up from the mechanics inspection . He saw There was something wrong . I sent in letters and the punctures but got nothing back. I emailed the sakes guy to tell him, this was revolt and no reply . I was right and the car got recalled shortly after this . It’s not fault of my own it is the car company to support their customers . As a consumer my rights were ignored and I am demanding some kind of compensation for this. I asked for a replacement and no reply the vin number is [XXX] glc gla?? 300 black I lost the car in 2019 and have not had a car since .a repossession in my credit report does not help me My address info [XXX] I could not even get a copy of my contract due to a wipe out of my account . Please let me know what I can do after this complaint . All of this is wrong and should not beesoecialky Mercedes’ ! They present themselves as a “family and caring but I isn’t INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11506704 · filed Feb 10, 2023

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. OVER TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL FEATURES ON THE STEERING CEASED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ATLANTA CLASSIC CARS (1705 BOGGS RD NW, DULUTH, GA 30096) WHERE IT REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER WHILE WAITING TO BE DIAGNOSED. UPON INVESTIGATION, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS) WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000. *LN*JB

NHTSA ID 11362772 · filed Oct 5, 2020

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 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 · filed Dec 18, 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

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