YearToAvoid

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 has a complaint index of 36, ranking 8th worst out of 12 model years, with a "Good" verdict. It has 8 complaints, 1 crash, 1 recall, and no fires or deaths reported to NHTSA.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
36/100
#8 of 12 GLA 250 years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
8
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
1
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2020
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
27
23.5 city / 33 hwy
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Top 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Some owners report a rear driver-side seat belt buckle that would not let the belt insert due to a small object lodged in the receiver.
  • Owners describe engine failure occurring shortly after passing a related safety recall inspection, with the engine later needing full replacement.
  • Some drivers report cylinder misfiring, stalling, jerking during acceleration, and rough, unstable idle with intense vibrations.
  • One owner reported a check engine light cycling on and off right after scheduled 60,000-mile maintenance, followed by severe drivability problems and engine failure.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 complaints: complaints filed per month1Aug 2023Sep 2024Dec 2025Jan 2026Feb 2026Jun 2026Jul 2026Aug 2026
8 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2023 to Aug 2026; peak Aug 2023 (1).

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
2021Caution6418927.5
2022No verdict94227
2023Good368127
2024No verdict02227.5
2025No verdict553128.5

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 GLA 250 has a complaint index of 36 and ranks 8th worst among 12 model years, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other GLA 250 years.
What problems does the 2023 GLA 250 have?
Owners most often reported engine issues, making up 38% of complaints, followed by fuel system and seat belt issues at 25% each. NHTSA has logged 8 total complaints and 1 crash for this year.
Does the 2023 GLA 250 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2023 GLA 250, covering a driver's door lock replacement across several Mercedes-Benz models including the GLA/GLB range.
How does the 2023 GLA 250 compare to other years?
The 2023 model's complaint index of 36 is well below the 2015 GLA 250's index of 100 and the 2018 model's 91, both rated "Avoid." It performs better than most other GLA 250 years on record.
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.

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.