Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Best and Worst Years (2014–2025)
Avoid the 2015, 2016, and 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, which carry the highest Complaint Indexes (100, 82, and 91) and lead with engine problems. The 2017, 2020, and 2023 model years score best (Complaint Index 36, 27, and 45) with far fewer reported issues.
- Model years
- 12
- 2014–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 295
- Recall campaigns
- 27
- Crashes reported
- 13
- Fires reported
- 3
- Top problem area
- Engine
GLA 250 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | No verdict | 18 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Lane Departure | — | — |
| 2015 | Avoid | 100 | 94 | 4 | 1 | 5 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2016 | Avoid | 82 | 49 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2017 | Good | 36 | 29 | 0 | 1 | 9 | Electrical System | 26 | — |
| 2018 | Avoid | 91 | 49 | 2 | 1 | 12 | Engine | 26 | — |
| 2019 | Caution | 73 | 29 | 2 | 0 | 11 | Transmission & Powertrain | 26 | — |
| 2020 | Good | 27 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Electrical System | 26.5 | — |
| 2021 | Caution | 55 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 9 | Engine | 27.5 | — |
| 2022 | No verdict | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2023 | Good | 45 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 27.5 | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 64 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 28.5 | — |
GLA 250 years to avoid: what went wrong
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Index 100 · 94 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2015 GLA 250 ranks worst of all years, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 94 total complaints. Engine problems make up 32% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 44,000. Transmission and powertrain issues follow at 15% (median 55,000 miles), plus airbag complaints at 13% (median 72,747 miles) tied to the Takata recall, and electrical faults surfacing as early as a median of 19,500 miles. Owners reported vibration and rumbling from the engine bay, unexpected airbag deployment during crashes, and a cabin fire. Five recall campaigns hit this year, including a front roof panel replacement and steering-related work shared with other years.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Index 91 · 49 complaints · 12 recalls
The 2018 GLA 250 posts a Complaint Index of 91 across 49 complaints and carries 12 recall campaigns, the most of any avoid year. Engine complaints lead at 24% (median 30,000 miles), followed by electrical system issues at 20% (median 28,397 miles) and airbags at 12% (median 45,347 miles). Owners reported a spontaneous fire while the car was parked in a garage, tire tread separating at low speed, and clanking noise near the rear end shortly after purchase. Recalls covering the front roof panel, communication module software, and steering shaft bore hole all apply to this year.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Index 82 · 49 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2016 GLA 250 has a Complaint Index of 82 and 49 complaints. Engine issues account for 33% of complaints (median 43,313 miles), with airbags at 16% (median 57,000 miles) and electrical faults at 10% appearing as early as a median of 9,900 miles. Owners described vibration and rumbling noises under the hood at low speeds, rear parking brakes that failed to release after driving through rain or puddles, and long waits for Takata airbag recall parts. Four recall campaigns apply to this year, including the shared front roof panel and eCall software recalls.
Most common Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine82 (28%)
- Other67 (23%)
- Electrical System48 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain46 (16%)
- Fuel System37 (13%)
- Airbags35 (12%)
- Structure & Body22 (7%)
- Brakes19 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras19 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers18 (6%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2015, 2016, and 2018 model years score worst, with Complaint Indexes of 100, 82, and 91 respectively and engine problems as the leading issue.
- What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250?
- Among years with a verdict, 2017, 2020, and 2023 rank best based on NHTSA data, with Complaint Indexes of 36, 27, and 45 and notably fewer complaints than the worst years.
- Does the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 have engine problems?
- Engine issues are the top problem area across all GLA 250 years, making up 28% of the 295 total complaints, with the 2015, 2016, and 2018 model years most affected.
- How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 have?
- Across the 2014-2025 model years, NHTSA lists 27 recall campaigns for the GLA 250, with 2018 alone accounting for 12 of them.
- Are 2019 and 2021 GLA 250 models risky?
- NHTSA data places 2019 and 2021 in a Caution category, with Complaint Indexes of 73 and 55, better than the avoid years but not as clean as the best years.