2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
55/100
#6 most-complained of 12 GLA 250 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 has a Complaint Index of 55, ranking 6th worst out of 12 model years, with 18 complaints and 9 recalls. Its verdict is Caution, driven mainly by engine and electrical complaints reported early, at a median 6,600 miles.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 27.5
- 24.5 city / 33.5 hwy
Top 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report cylinder head issues causing engine misfires, rough idling, and sudden loss of power, sometimes requiring an emergency stop.
- Rearview camera images fail to display after the back-over prevention recall, with some owners reporting long waits for repair parts.
- The electrical system has shorted out due to clogged air conditioning drainage tubing, immobilizing the vehicle on the highway.
- At least one report describes the transmission engaging reverse when drive was selected, resolved by restarting the engine.
- The fuel system reportedly causes hesitation and near-stalling at stops, which owners link to a fuel-saving idle feature.
- One owner reported the tailgate closing unexpectedly and striking a person during loading.
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?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 GLA 250 a Complaint Index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 6th worst among 12 model years. It has fewer complaints (18) than the worst years like 2015 (94 complaints, index 100), but more recalls (9).
- What problems does the 2021 GLA 250 have?
- The top problem area is the Engine, accounting for 33% of complaints, followed by the Electrical System at 22%. Owners also reported issues with collision avoidance/cameras, fuel system, and structure/body components.
- Does the 2021 GLA 250 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2021 GLA 250, covering airbags, brakes, electrical software, collision-avoidance cameras, and structure/body components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- At what mileage do 2021 GLA 250 problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure across reported issues is 6,600 miles, though suspension-related complaints show a median of 11,000 miles and electrical/camera complaints show 2,200 miles.
- Should I avoid the 2021 GLA 250 compared to other years?
- The 2021 GLA 250 carries a Caution verdict, better than Avoid-rated years like 2015 (index 100), 2016 (82), and 2018 (91), but worse than Good-rated years like 2017 (36) and 2020 (27).