YearToAvoid

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

45/100

#7 most-complained of 12 GLA 250 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 has a complaint index of 45, ranking 7th out of 12 model years, with a Good verdict relative to other GLA 250 years. It has 8 complaints, 1 recall, and no fires reported.

Complaints
8
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
27
23.5 city / 33 hwy

Top 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine3 (38%)
  2. Fuel System2 (25%)
  3. Other2 (25%)
  4. Seat Belts2 (25%)
  5. Airbags1 (13%)
  6. Brakes1 (13%)
  7. Electrical System1 (13%)
  8. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (13%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (13%)
  10. Transmission & Powertrain1 (13%)

What owners report

  • Engine loses propulsion or fails outright, in one case shortly after passing a related recall inspection.
  • Check Engine Light cycles on and off after a scheduled 60,000-mile maintenance, accompanied by rough idling and reduced power.
  • Cylinder misfiring, stalling, and jerking during acceleration occur along with intense vehicle vibrations.
  • Rear seat belt buckle fails to latch because a small object becomes lodged in the receiver, leaving the seat without protection.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2023Sep 2024Dec 2025Jan 2026Feb 2026Jun 2026Jul 2026Aug 2026
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2023 to Aug 2026; peak Dec 2025 (3).

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
23.5 MPG
Highway
33 MPG
Combined
27 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,950
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.

2023 compared with other GLA 250 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2021Caution5518927.5
2022No verdict94227
2023Good458127
2024No verdict02227.5
2025No verdict643128.5

All Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 reliable?
NHTSA lists 8 complaints and a complaint index of 45 for the 2023 GLA 250, giving it a Good verdict and a rank of 7th out of 12 GLA 250 model years.
What are the main problem areas for the 2023 GLA 250?
Engine complaints make up 38% of reports, followed by Fuel System and Seat Belts, each at 25%.
Does the 2023 GLA 250 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2023 GLA 250, covering a driver's door lock issue with a free dealer replacement remedy; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
What is the fuel economy of the 2023 GLA 250?
EPA rates the 2023 GLA 250 at 27 mpg combined (23.5 city / 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.
Which GLA 250 model years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA data, 2015, 2016, and 2018 carry an Avoid verdict with complaint indexes of 100, 82, and 91 respectively, all higher than the 2023 model's 45.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.