Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: best & worst years

Here is every Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class model year we cover (2015–2024), ranked by our reliability verdict, with the owner-reported problems behind each one.

Every Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Caution 6 First-year (2021) engine complaints including cylinder-head/misfire and rough-running reports on the 2.0L turbo; largely a launch-year teething pattern that eased in later model years.; Engine stalling at idle, with some reports tied to the engine auto stop-start system.; Electrical faults traced to water intrusion (for example clogged air-conditioning condensate drains) shorting modules and triggering warning lights. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 6 First-year (2021) engine complaints including cylinder-head/misfire and rough-running reports on the 2.0L turbo; largely a launch-year teething pattern that eased in later model years.; Engine stalling at idle, with some reports tied to the engine auto stop-start system.; Electrical faults traced to water intrusion (for example clogged air-conditioning condensate drains) shorting modules and triggering warning lights. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 First-year (2021) engine complaints including cylinder-head/misfire and rough-running reports on the 2.0L turbo; largely a launch-year teething pattern that eased in later model years.; Engine stalling at idle, with some reports tied to the engine auto stop-start system.; Electrical faults traced to water intrusion (for example clogged air-conditioning condensate drains) shorting modules and triggering warning lights. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 5 First-year (2021) engine complaints including cylinder-head/misfire and rough-running reports on the 2.0L turbo; largely a launch-year teething pattern that eased in later model years.; Engine stalling at idle, with some reports tied to the engine auto stop-start system.; Electrical faults traced to water intrusion (for example clogged air-conditioning condensate drains) shorting modules and triggering warning lights. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 5 Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.; Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.; Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.; Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.; Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.; Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.; Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 4 Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.; Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.; Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 4 Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.; Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.; Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 4 Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.; Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.; Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix. Full report ↗

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class problems by year

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Caution

Refreshed H247 GLA250, roomier, much-improved MBUX cabin and ride versus the first generation, with no recurring defects logged yet; expect premium-fuel turbo running costs and Mercedes maintenance bills.

  • First-year (2021) engine complaints including cylinder-head/misfire and rough-running reports on the 2.0L turbo; largely a launch-year teething pattern that eased in later model years.
  • Engine stalling at idle, with some reports tied to the engine auto stop-start system.
  • Electrical faults traced to water intrusion (for example clogged air-conditioning condensate drains) shorting modules and triggering warning lights.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Caution

Mature H247 GLA250 with very few NHTSA complaints; a comfortable, well-built compact luxury SUV whose main caution is high upkeep cost and premium fuel rather than reliability.

  • First-year (2021) engine complaints including cylinder-head/misfire and rough-running reports on the 2.0L turbo; largely a launch-year teething pattern that eased in later model years.
  • Engine stalling at idle, with some reports tied to the engine auto stop-start system.
  • Electrical faults traced to water intrusion (for example clogged air-conditioning condensate drains) shorting modules and triggering warning lights.

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Caution

Second-year H247 GLA settled down after the 2021 launch (only a handful of complaints); a solid pick if you budget for Mercedes service and premium fuel.

  • First-year (2021) engine complaints including cylinder-head/misfire and rough-running reports on the 2.0L turbo; largely a launch-year teething pattern that eased in later model years.
  • Engine stalling at idle, with some reports tied to the engine auto stop-start system.
  • Electrical faults traced to water intrusion (for example clogged air-conditioning condensate drains) shorting modules and triggering warning lights.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Caution

First H247 model year carried launch teething, engine/misfire, water-intrusion electrical and stalling reports, alongside big interior and space gains; get a pre-purchase inspection and budget for premium upkeep.

  • First-year (2021) engine complaints including cylinder-head/misfire and rough-running reports on the 2.0L turbo; largely a launch-year teething pattern that eased in later model years.
  • Engine stalling at idle, with some reports tied to the engine auto stop-start system.
  • Electrical faults traced to water intrusion (for example clogged air-conditioning condensate drains) shorting modules and triggering warning lights.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Caution

Final X156 GLA250, fewest complaints of the generation but still firm-riding and tight on rear space, with premium-fuel costs and a below-average expected lifespan.

  • Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Caution

X156 GLA250 with recurring dual-clutch shift-to-neutral and power-steering complaints; sporty and premium-feeling but pricey to run and modest on reliability.

  • Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Caution

Facelifted X156 GLA250 still shows the crankcase-ventilation valve (P052E) and panoramic-sunroof problems; inspect those plus recall history and budget for high Mercedes upkeep.

  • Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Caution

X156 GLA250 with notable sunroof, brake and crankcase-ventilation complaints; a fun-to-drive but maintenance-heavy used buy that needs a thorough inspection.

  • Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Caution

Second-year X156 GLA250, crankcase-ventilation valve and the Takata airbag recall dominate; otherwise a premium-badge compact with a firm ride and high running costs.

  • Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Caution

Launch-year X156 GLA250 logged the most complaints of any year, Takata airbags, P052E crankcase-ventilation, panoramic-sunroof shatter and dual-clutch issues; only buy with recalls completed and a careful inspection.

  • Dual-clutch (7G-DCT) transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral or losing drive, sometimes at speed, requiring caution and in some cases mechatronic repair.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the early model years, verify the recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • Crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve failure on the 2.0L turbo, often logging fault code P052E, causes a check-engine light, rough running and hesitation, and in some cases stalling; a frequently reported recurring fix.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Mercedes-Benz models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.