STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 29 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), steering and airbags categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 107 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 3 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 4 |
| Jul 2022 | 3 | 7 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 8 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 9 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 10 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 11 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 12 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 13 |
| Mar 2024 | 2 | 15 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 16 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 17 |
| Dec 2024 | 1 | 18 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 19 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 20 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 21 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 22 |
| Oct 2025 | 2 | 24 |
| Dec 2025 | 2 | 26 |
| Jan 2026 | 2 | 28 |
| Sep 2026 | 1 | 29 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)1127.5%
- Steering410.0%
- Airbags410.0%
- Engine37.5%
- Fuel system37.5%
- Brakes37.5%
- Driver assistance37.5%
- Electrical25.0%
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
11 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.govCOMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Front Roof Panel Detachment
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified NHTSA that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
My car had 78,530 miles on it when the rear differential binding causes shuddering/thumping during turns, which risks sudden wheel lockup or loss of control on sharp turns or low-traction surfaces. Please Note that Mercedes-Benz acknowledged this issue in TSB LI35.31-P-072105 but has not issued a safety recall. Dealer Diagnostic & Repair: Dealership confirmed a total component failure of the rear differential. The entire rear axle differential assembly (Part #A1763503100) and related hardware had to be removed and replaced. Total cost for rear axle replacement alone was $7,541.30.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766491
- Incident
- Aug 26, 2026
The emergency braking system keeps coming on every time I go to drive, my car automatically shifts into neutral gear when driving and I have an error message saying that I can’t reverse. My seat will Not go further back and I have an air bag issue light
- NHTSA ID
- 11710573
- Incident
- Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission inadvertently shifted to neutral(N), causing a loss of drive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "See Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V033000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11708296
- Incident
- Dec 31, 2025
- Mileage
- 39,000 mi
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, several unknown warnings illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond while the engine revved. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. Upon restarting the vehicle, no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the destination without further incidents. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing the failure intermittently. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had called an independent mechanic, who advised that the failure was related to the transmission. Upon researching online, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V033000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 145,495.
- NHTSA ID
- 11707506
- Incident
- Oct 6, 2025
- Mileage
- 145,495 mi
I was driving my vehicle and it shifted into neutral and would not go back into gear until I pulled over to side of the road, turned it off and back on. A check engine light came on when I restarted the vehicle and I took the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis. They told me they couldn't find an issue and reset the check engine light. A week later, I was driving on the freeway and it shifted into neutral again at 70 miles an hour. Luckily, I was in the right hand lane and was able to coast to the side. At that point I started looking online to see if others had this issue and came across this: Campaign No. : 2021020038 NHTSA ID: 21V033 Campaign Desc. : Replace Transmission Control Unit 21P5495403 Which is exactly what is happening to my vehicle
- NHTSA ID
- 11703689
- Incident
- Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, the abnormal fuel odor was also on the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several other independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be replicated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11695763
- Incident
- Aug 15, 2025
- Mileage
- 50,000 mi
My turn signals are not working and warnings are showing up on my dashboard. My pillars are both wet on the drivers side and passenger side. My speed odometer and tachodometer are not working. The dash board iis showing the brake and high beams are on but they aren't on. I have fog on the front window when I get in the car. This situation is of major concern for my safety. I am not certain that the air bags would work? I refuse to drive this vehicle. I called Mercedes Benz in Wilmington, NC and I can't get an appointment until October 13th. I see in the Mercedes Benz recall that the sun roof and electrical problem were recalled.in 2019. I have a Mercedes Benz GLA 250 2019 and that was in the article. Mercedes told me my vin number was not included in the recall. I have the exact same problems as the other vehicles that were recalled. I appreciate your help in this matter to be put on the recall list. This is a major recall issue. I am in fear for my safety to drive with all the electric issues that exist as a part of this recall. Please notify me once this is approved so that I can call my dealership and have this issue resolved. I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter as this is my only transportation. Thank you for your attention in this matter [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11690737
- Incident
- Sep 25, 2025
Structure body: roof and pillars affected Recall ID: 450977 year 2014- 2020 NHTSA campaign # 23v854000 Vehicle affected 2,976 A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle is making a loud noise from the panoramic soon roof.
- NHTSA ID
- 11685719
- Incident
- Aug 4, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN
Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur in all drive modes. Cause Dual‑clutch transmissions (DCT) inherently exhibit more dynamic shifting behavior compared to other types of transmissions. This is due to the use of physical clutches for starting and gear changes. In certain situations, dynamic driving behavior can lead to a slight jerk sensation which is a normal technical characteristic of the transmission. A typical example is a "Change of Mind" situation: • The customer is coasting towards a red traffic light. • The traffic light turns green while the vehicle is still coasting. • The customer then presses the accelerator pedal. In these situations, a slight jerk may occur briefly because the transmission must quickly engage the appropriate gear and control the clutches accordingly. Since shift forks are responsible for engaging the gears during shifting, a slight shifting noise may also be noticeable. Please note driving programs S, S+, and M are designed to provide sportier vehicle behavior and are not optimized primarily for maximum comfort, so this operation may be more audible. Remedy Verify the customer's concern and confirm proper transmission operation. If no faults or abnormal operating conditions are identified by IPR (Intelligent Predictive Repair), no hardware replacement is necessary. Inform the customer that the transmission has been designed to provide direct gear engagement and responsive vehicle performance. Under certain operating conditions, brief shift sensations may be perceptible and are consistent with the operating characteristics of the dual‑clutch transmission
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. Why the Warranty extension? On certain Model Year 2018 - 2024 A / C / CLA / CLS / E / G / GLA / GLB / GLC / GLE / GLS / GT / S / SL Mercedes-Benz vehicles, under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("MIL"). Any repairs under this warranty extension must be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. • If your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership performs a diagnosis and confirms that your vehicle has the issue, the repair will be covered under this extended warranty and performed at no cost to you. • This extended warranty does not apply to any other components or conditions beyond the ones mentioned above, and standard warranty terms apply, including the exclusions with respect to extra expenses, as identified in the Service and Warranty Information booklet.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Information: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, after completing diagnosis, select the damage code corresponding to the component part that caused the problem. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10-P-067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics. Note: Please do not create TIPS. Please do not replace any components. HU/Hermes SW update / SCN coding will not fix the issue.
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).
ENGINE; VISIBILITY/WIPER
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.
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
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.