2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 has a Complaint Index of 64 and ranks 5th worst of 12 model years, earning a Caution verdict. It has 18 NHTSA complaints, 9 recalls, and its top problem area is the Engine at 33% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 64/100
- #5 of 12 GLA 250 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 18
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 9
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 27.5
- 24.5 city / 33.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine6 (33%)
- Electrical System4 (22%)
- Other4 (22%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (17%)
- Fuel System3 (17%)
- Structure & Body3 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (11%)
- Brakes1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Cylinder head casting flaws lead to engine misfires, rough idling, or sudden loss of power, sometimes requiring an emergency stop.
- Rearview camera image fails to display even after the recall software update was applied.
- Circuit board and electrical system short out after air conditioning condensation drainage becomes clogged, immobilizing the car.
- Transmission engages the wrong gear, moving backward when the driver selects Drive.
- Fuel system hesitation feels like the engine is about to stall when idling at a stop, linked to a fuel-saving mode.
- Power tailgate closes unexpectedly on people standing behind the vehicle.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V481000Jul 24, 2026Structure & Body310,667 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
- NHTSA 23V732000Nov 1, 2023Brakes42,742 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- 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.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24.5 MPG
- Highway
- 33.5 MPG
- Combined
- 27.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,900
- 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.
2021 compared with other GLA 250 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 reliable?
- It carries a Complaint Index of 64 and a Caution verdict, ranking 5th worst among the 12 GLA 250 model years with data. Engine problems make up the largest share of complaints at 33%.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 GLA 250?
- Engine issues are the top complaint area, accounting for 6 of 18 complaints (33%), including reports of cylinder head casting flaws causing misfires and loss of power.
- Does the 2021 GLA 250 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2021 GLA 250, covering areas like Electrical System, Brakes, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, and Airbags.
- How does the 2021 GLA 250 compare to other GLA 250 years?
- Its Complaint Index of 64 is better than 2015 (100), 2016 (82), and 2018 (91), all rated Avoid, but worse than 2017 and 2020, which are rated Good.
- What mileage do 2021 GLA 250 problems typically show up at?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 6,600 miles, though electrical system complaints had a median of 2,200 miles.