Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Best and Worst Years (2014–2025)
Avoid the 2015, 2016, and 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, which carry complaint indexes of 100, 82, and 91 and multiple recall campaigns. The 2017, 2020, and 2023 model years rate Good, with lower complaint indexes of 45, 27, and 36. No GLA 250 year earns a Best verdict.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- 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 | 45 | 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 | 64 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 9 | Engine | 27.5 | — |
| 2022 | No verdict | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2023 | Good | 36 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 27.5 | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 55 | 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 has the highest complaint index of any year, 100, with 94 total complaints. Engine problems make up 32% of complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 44,000, and transmission issues account for another 15% at a median 55,000 miles. Owners also reported airbag deployments, including Takata-related recalls, and electrical faults with a median mileage of 19,500. NHTSA lists five recall campaigns for this year, including a front roof panel bonding issue and Takata airbag inflators. One fire and eight injuries were reported across four crashes.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Index 91 · 49 complaints · 12 recalls
The 2018 GLA 250 has a complaint index of 91 and 12 recall campaigns, the most of any GLA 250 year. Engine complaints account for 24% of reports at a median mileage of 30,000, while electrical system issues make up 20% at a median of 28,397 miles, including a reported fire in a parked vehicle with about 11,100 miles. Airbag and fuel system complaints each made up 12% of reports. Recalls cover the front roof panel, a communication module software update, and a steering shaft bearing issue.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Index 82 · 49 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2016 GLA 250 carries a complaint index of 82, with 49 complaints. Engine issues dominate at 33% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 43,313, including reports of vibration and rumbling noise under the hood at highway speeds. Airbag complaints, largely tied to the Takata recall, made up 16% of reports, with owners describing long waits for replacement parts. Electrical problems occurred at a much lower median mileage of 9,900. NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for this year, including the same structure and body panel recall as 2015.
Most common Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2015, 2016, and 2018 model years are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 100, 82, and 91 respectively.
- Is there a Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 model year rated Best?
- No. Across the 12 model years with data, none reaches a Best verdict; 2017, 2020, and 2023 are rated Good, the highest verdict this model achieves.
- What is the most common problem area for the GLA 250?
- Engine problems are the top issue across all years, accounting for 82 complaints and 28% of the total 295 complaints logged with NHTSA.
- Does the 2018 GLA 250 have recalls?
- Yes. The 2018 GLA 250 has 12 recall campaigns, more than any other GLA 250 year, covering the front roof panel, communication module software, and steering shaft components.
- How many total complaints does the GLA 250 have with NHTSA?
- NHTSA has logged 295 total complaints and 27 recall campaigns across the GLA 250's 2014-2025 model years.