RoadVitals

2019 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.
28
Latest Jan 13, 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.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 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

  • Steering410.0%
  • Airbags410.0%
  • Engine37.5%
  • Fuel system37.5%
  • Brakes37.5%
  • Driver assistance37.5%
  • Electrical25.0%
  • Body & structure25.0%
  • Visibility25.0%
  • Other / unspecified12.5%
  • Suspension12.5%
  • Transmission12.5%

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

Powertrain (other)

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

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 2, 2026

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 · filed Dec 29, 2025
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other)

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle independently turned off. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the front driver’s side wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The wheel speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

NHTSA ID 11554361 · filed Nov 9, 2023

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 13, 2026

Clock spring broke

NHTSA ID 11649940 · filed Mar 22, 2025

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

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The ABS Sensor light, engine light, anti skid light and 4 matic malfunction, transmission malfunction all lit up on my dashboard on Tuesday July 22, 2025. The stearing would lock up and the brakes would not break it also shifted gears into neutral. The dashboard finally told me in bold red letters (transmission malfunction STOP). It would do this then all the lights would go away. I thought it may have just been the battery since I hardly drive the car. The shop cleared out all the malfunctions and re drove it and they said it appeared fine but the next day (Wednesday) it acted up again and that is when I got the transmission malfunction STOP warning on the dashboard. I pulled over and called the shop to come tow my car. By Thursday they said they couldn't diagnose or fix the problem but stated it had to do with the Transmission and to have it towed to the Mercedes Benz dealership. I had it towed to the Morristown, NJ Mercedes Benz service dept and they stated that it appears that it is the Transmission Valve Body. I spoke with Mercedes this morning (July 28, 2025) and that is when I learned it was the Transmission Valve Body and that it is going to cost me $4,000.00 plus labor. This makes no sense as the car has less than 26,000 miles on it. I researched a bit on this and found that there may have been a recall for this car but I was never notified of the recall. When the service rep told me that he was waiting to hear from corporate on this before he could give me an exact cost (this was after the technician stated what the issue was). I got suspicious as why would they need to contact corporate to figure out the cost of the repair. I could have gotten into a really bad accident if I was on a major road going 65mph.

NHTSA ID 11676757 · filed Jul 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with crankcase vent valve failure and a block actuator. The contact was informed that the crankcase sensor valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,264.

NHTSA ID 11629045 · filed Dec 5, 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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and while parked, the contact observed a gasoline odor in the cabin of the vehicle and outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector and fuel rails needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ID 11658896 · filed May 5, 2025

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle independently turned off. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the front driver’s side wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The wheel speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

NHTSA ID 11554361 · filed Nov 9, 2023

The vehicle with only 29,775 miles on it, and I bought it new, made a knocking noise in the brakes and the brake pedal jumped up and down at first stop sign when I left my house. I reapplied the brake to see if it would work. It did. I turned onto the highway and within two blocks the vehicle shifted itself into N, a message on dashboard said pull over, contact service immediately. I was able to coast then turn onto a side street. Upon stopping the vehicle, another warning came on the dashboard: Reversing Not Possible Service Required. This vehicle has had quirky electrical problems from the beginning. I have reported to the dealership at least 3-4 times. I believe this could have been a very dangerous situation for me and my family if I was on an Interstate. I have no confidence in this vehicle now.

NHTSA ID 11429422 · filed Aug 17, 2021

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 13, 2026

The active brake assist front radar sensor is defective. Mercedes Benz USA has failed to provide the part for repair even through the vehicle is only a few years old. They claim the parts on back order until April 2024, which is totally unacceptable. Several Mercedes Benz dealerships in the United States do have the part but refuse to release it to other dealerships.

NHTSA ID 11475972 · filed Jul 26, 2022

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 1, 2025

The ABS Sensor light, engine light, anti skid light and 4 matic malfunction, transmission malfunction all lit up on my dashboard on Tuesday July 22, 2025. The stearing would lock up and the brakes would not break it also shifted gears into neutral. The dashboard finally told me in bold red letters (transmission malfunction STOP). It would do this then all the lights would go away. I thought it may have just been the battery since I hardly drive the car. The shop cleared out all the malfunctions and re drove it and they said it appeared fine but the next day (Wednesday) it acted up again and that is when I got the transmission malfunction STOP warning on the dashboard. I pulled over and called the shop to come tow my car. By Thursday they said they couldn't diagnose or fix the problem but stated it had to do with the Transmission and to have it towed to the Mercedes Benz dealership. I had it towed to the Morristown, NJ Mercedes Benz service dept and they stated that it appears that it is the Transmission Valve Body. I spoke with Mercedes this morning (July 28, 2025) and that is when I learned it was the Transmission Valve Body and that it is going to cost me $4,000.00 plus labor. This makes no sense as the car has less than 26,000 miles on it. I researched a bit on this and found that there may have been a recall for this car but I was never notified of the recall. When the service rep told me that he was waiting to hear from corporate on this before he could give me an exact cost (this was after the technician stated what the issue was). I got suspicious as why would they need to contact corporate to figure out the cost of the repair. I could have gotten into a really bad accident if I was on a major road going 65mph.

NHTSA ID 11676757 · filed Jul 28, 2025

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 8, 2025

I was involved in an auto accident on 3/1/22 I no longer have confidence or feel safe driving the 2019 Mercedes GLA250 after having a minor" accident and repairs totaling $15,008.53. The steering wheel locked and the left tire was knocked out of place. According to Mercedes, repairs were required to the suspension system, new struts, new knuckles, steering gear. I am terrified to continue driving the GLA250 model and am anxious and fearful off having another accident which could very well result in a fatality. The first estimate for repairs totaled $5,385, followed by a second estimate of $13,776 and then a third estimate of $15,008.53.

NHTSA ID 11476212 · filed Jul 27, 2022

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that there was water leaking from all four grab handles above the front and rear driver's and passenger's side seats. Upon inspection, the contact noticed water stains around the sunroof and headliner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V912000 (Visibility, Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID 11569250 · filed Feb 1, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AT 48000 MILES (TPMS) Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor MALFUNCTION CAUSE AIR VALVE TO BLOWN OUT FROM FROM TIRE AT 65 MILE/HR ON BUSY INTERSTATE WHICH CAUSE VEHICLE TO VEER INTO BUSY TRAFFIC BARELY AVOIDING ACCIDENT MERCEDES NEEDS TO INVESIGATE WHY TMPS FAIL AT 65MI/HRS AND WHILE AIR VALUE BLEW OUT FROM TIRE AND RUN FLAT TIRE BECOME FLAT ON HIWAY

NHTSA ID 11489506 · filed Oct 17, 2022

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I was involved in an auto accident on 3/1/22 I no longer have confidence or feel safe driving the 2019 Mercedes GLA250 after having a minor" accident and repairs totaling $15,008.53. The steering wheel locked and the left tire was knocked out of place. According to Mercedes, repairs were required to the suspension system, new struts, new knuckles, steering gear. I am terrified to continue driving the GLA250 model and am anxious and fearful off having another accident which could very well result in a fatality. The first estimate for repairs totaled $5,385, followed by a second estimate of $13,776 and then a third estimate of $15,008.53.

NHTSA ID 11476212 · filed Jul 27, 2022

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

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT WAS LEASING THE 2019 MERCEDES BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED SHE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT TO PARK HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AS SHE CRASHED INTO AN UNKNOWN OBJECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE THEN WENT INTO DRIVE AT CRASHED INTO A TRUCK. THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT NOT THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING TO THE CHEST THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED FIRST AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE TOW LOT AND THEN TOWED TO AN INSURANCE LOT WHERE THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE AS TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,000.

NHTSA ID 11348431 · filed Aug 10, 2020

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 .