2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
91/100
#2 most-complained of 12 GLA 250 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 has 49 NHTSA complaints, 12 recalls, and a complaint index of 91, ranking 2nd worst of 12 model years. Top problem areas are Engine (24%) and Electrical System (20%), with median failure mileage around 30,000 and 28,398 miles respectively.
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23 city / 31 hwy
Top 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine12 (24%)
- Electrical System10 (20%)
- Other10 (20%)
- Airbags6 (12%)
- Fuel System6 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (8%)
- Structure & Body4 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (6%)
What owners report
- Owners report an electrical fire starting spontaneously while the vehicle was parked and unused, with fire damage tied to the electrical system.
- Airbags failed to deploy during a crash despite the vehicle's advertised eight-airbag safety system.
- Tire tread separated in chunks while driving at low speed on equipped Bridgestone Dueler tires.
- A metallic clanging noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle at low speeds shortly after purchase.
- The 12-volt battery drained repeatedly when the vehicle sat unused for extended periods, with no dashboard warning and no permanent fix offered.
- The transmission unexpectedly shifted into neutral while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, requiring a tow.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 recalls
12 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V854000Dec 15, 2023Structure & Body2,976 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
- NHTSA 22V365000May 20, 2022Electrical System242,722 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system:software
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
- NHTSA 21V229000Apr 1, 2021Steering4,992 vehicles
Steering
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 B250e, CLA250, 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250, and AMG GLA45 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
Risk: A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060001.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other GLA 250 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2018 GLA 250 has a complaint index of 91, the second-highest among the 12 model years covered, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other GLA 250 years.
- What problems does the 2018 GLA 250 have?
- The largest share of complaints involves the Engine (24%, median failure mileage 30,000) and Electrical System (20%, median failure mileage 28,398), followed by Airbags, Fuel System, and Transmission & Powertrain issues.
- How many recalls does the 2018 GLA 250 have?
- NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2018 GLA 250, covering areas including structure/body panel bonding, electrical communication modules, steering shaft bore holes, and seat belt anchor plates. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 GLA 250 compare to other years?
- The 2018 model's complaint index of 91 is higher than the 2017 (36), 2019 (73), 2020 (27), 2021 (55), and 2023 (45) model years, though lower than the 2015 (100) model year.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 GLA 250?
- The 2018 GLA 250 is EPA-rated at 26 mpg combined (23 city / 31 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050.