Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC by year filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC
SUV, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Feb 5, 2026 to Sep 19, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year1311k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints3Below the median 2021 suv
Severity index0.02021 suvs average 6.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC name engine and cooling
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-481 | Jul 24, 2026 | 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… | Latches and locks | 310,667 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Sep 19, 2026Failure Jul 17, 2026Albrightsville, PAEngine
On 7/17/26, while driving at highway speed, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power and shut off. I safely pulled over. It would not restart; a red battery warning displayed. Towed to Mercedes-Benz of Wilkes-Barre, RO #8388432. Dealer found battery severely discharged, replaced it, then found engine would not turn by hand. Diagnosis: internal engine damage/seized; recommended full engine replacement, est. $20,128, on a 2021 GLA 250 with 82,137 miles. MBUSA TSB MC-10241534-0001 (8/4/2023) extends the emission warranty on the exhaust valve assembly (cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seat rings/guides) on the M260 2.0L turbo engine from 4yr/50k mi to 15yr/150k mi, covering MY2021-2022 GLA 250. My vehicle falls within this window. The bulletin's defect (valve guide/seat wear causing misfire and MIL activation) is consistent with the check engine light observed at failure. I have repeatedly asked MBUSA in writing to confirm whether the DTCs referenced in this bulletin were pulled/reviewed, and whether my case was cross-checked against the bulletin before any offer. MBUSA has not provided a written response. Reps made verbal offers ($2,100 toward the engine; separately $800.20 "service credit" equal to a battery charge that does not appear to have been performed), and on one call described the bulletin as "only a sensor issue," inconsistent with its own text. Filing to document a possible unaddressed engine defect on a GLA 250 within this TSB's covered model years, and concern that vehicles with catastrophic seizure may not be evaluated against this known condition before being treated as ordinary out-of-warranty repairs.
NHTSA complaint 11765458 - Filed Apr 8, 2026Failure Apr 6, 2026Park City, KSEngine
I recently purchased my vehicle with under 30k miles in July of 2026. Not long after my purchase my car began roughly idling with a blinking check engine light, and soon after the engine began misfiring. This also cause loss of power when attempting to accelerate creating dangerous conditions in high traffic/fast paced areas. After lots of research I found several reports of owners with cylinder failures. The dealership only responded to fixing the issue after calling them out directly on the issue.
NHTSA complaint 11729834 - Filed Feb 5, 2026Failure Jan 27, 2026Blauvelt, NYEngine, Service brakes
Component/System: Engine cooling and lubrication system. Coolant was found mixing with engine oil (milky oil), indicating internal engine failure (I was informed it could be oil cooler/housing, thermostat, head gasket, or related components). Vehicle is currently at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership and available for inspection. The front left inner lining of my front break pad also "failed" inspection and the other 3 front break pads say "caution" and I never received a notification or warning about my breaks. Safety Risk: Coolant contamination of engine oil can cause sudden engine failure or loss of power without warning, creating a serious safety risk while driving, especially at highway speeds. There was no indication that engine oil was mixing with coolant, check engine light failed to illuminate/ no diagnostic warning illuminated. The condition was discovered incidentally during routine maintenance, which prevented any opportunity for corrective action prior to the failure. Confirmation: The condition was confirmed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership during routine maintenance. The dealership stated the failure was not caused by owner misuse.Inspection: Vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership (manufacturer representative). No police or insurance inspection occurred, as there was no accident or external event. Warnings/Symptoms: No check engine light or diagnostic warning ever illuminated. The issue was discovered incidentally after I received a low battery voltage notification and a routine maintenance reminder indicating service was due in approximately 1,000 miles, which I arranged promptly. The manufacturer will not perform full diagnostic teardown to determine the root cause unless I pay approximately $3,000 out of pocket. Link to video: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11715960
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
52 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- LI 27.10-P-080851 Aug 29, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur… - LI27.19-P-080869 Aug 29, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Temporary no start condition with check engine light and multiple warning messages. When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3/14 ‑ Transmission control for 8‑speed dual‑clutch transmission (DKG): P24F100 The wake‑up li… - CL - Tank Leak Detection Aug 15, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage … - LI27.19-P-080823 Aug 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Customers may report one or more of the following: • Transmission malfunction message • Check engine light illuminated • Shifts into N • Concern disappears after ignition cycle When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3… - LI72.20-P-075746 Aug 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so… - PSL-NCU Return Parts 8/21 Aug 21, 2026 · Other
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, September 10th, 2026. After … - LI54.65-P-080132 Aug 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached di… - LI82.62-P-078631 Aug 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis wor… - LI27.19-P-080823 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Customers may report one or more of the following: • Transmission malfunction message • Check engine light illuminated • Shifts into N • Concern disappears after ignition cycle When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3… - EW - DMTL Jul 31, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of… - LI54.21-P-080326 Jul 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167, 465: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivabili… - LI46.10-P-078012 Jul 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active Emergency Stop Assist not available" "Active Lane Keeping Assist not available" "Active steering assist not available" Cause Possible causes:… - LI35.30-P-058566 Jul 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by exp… - LI82.60-P-080383 Jul 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head U… - LI54.21-P-080326 Jul 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint CEL light on with no drivability concerns. Cause Signal timing error. Remedy 167: SW has been released. Update the FSAM to the latest SW version. 465, 290, 118, 243, 247: Software is still in development. This fault code does not cause a drivabili… - PSL-NCU Return Parts 6/19 Jun 19, 2026 · Other
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th… - LI00.20-P-080703 Jun 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop menu, e.g., 505 or 550A, which includes a service A. Cause The root cause is currently being investigated. Remedy To determine the cause, the… - LI82.85-P-080507 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N1… - LI46.15-P-070510 May 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Noises from the area of the steering column. - Creaking - Squeaking - Chattering - Humming - Grinding Cause At present, there are no known noise problems with the steering column. Remedy Check surrounding area of the steering column for possible n… - LI32.25-P-070053 May 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint There may be creaking noises when steering while stationary or driving slowly. See Example Noise attachment Cause The vehicle level of the front axle may be too low. The noises when steering can be caused by continuous contact of the end stop buff… - LI67.10-P-071418 May 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Wind noises in area along the top of windshield at speeds above 60mph. Cause Insufficient sealing between the windshield lip seal and the body. Remedy Preliminary Check: Before beginning repairs, verify the source of the wind noise: 1. Mask off th… - LI54.65-P-080132 May 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia… - LI46.15-P-070510 May 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Cause At present, there are no known noise problems with the steering column. Remedy Check surrounding area of the steering column for possible noises. • Instrument panel support • Steering column switch module If noise only occurs when adjusting the steeri… - CL - 2026010005 Apr 18, 2026 · Other
Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: On behalf of Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”), thank you for being a part of the Mercedes-Benz family. We hope that you are enjoying your vehicle. Here at MBUSA, we are committed to delivering an exceptional ownership experience. I… - LI82.10-P-078301 Apr 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm… - LI00.01-P-078887 Apr 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint The intent of this document is to provide workshops with helpful technical reference language. • Commonly used acronyms in LI's and TIPS cases. • Control unit names, numbers, and how to identify. • Network/wiring architecture groups to baumuster q… - LI72.20-P-075746 Apr 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so… - LI82.60-P-080383 Apr 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head U… - Emissions - 2026010005 Apr 2, 2026 · Emissions
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles equipped with M139 gasoline engine, the nozzle geometry of the exhaust turbocharger might not meet specifications. This could affect exhaust flow i… - LI01.30-P-072328 Mar 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint -Check engine light illuminated. -Engine runs rough. -Poor shifting or jerking when accelerating. -Fault codes stored related to mixture formation, injector quantity adjustment, or misfire. Note: One or more of the above symptoms can occur. It is … - LI00.01-P-078887 Mar 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint The intent of this document is to provide workshops with helpful technical reference language. • Commonly used acronyms in LI's and TIPS cases. • Control unit names, numbers, and how to identify. • Network/wiring architecture groups to baumuster q… - LI82.60-P-080383 Mar 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause Root cause currently being investigated. Remedy Please do not replace any parts. Please … - LI54.65-P-080132 Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia… - LI32.25-P-070053 Mar 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint There may be creaking noises when steering while stationary or driving slowly. See Example Noise attachment Cause The vehicle level of the front axle may be too low. The noises when steering can be caused by continuous contact of the end stop buff… - LI82.10-P-078301 Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm … - LI54.10-P-073164 Mar 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Yellow information message in driver display (instrument cluster): "Switch on motor to charge the 12V battery" Cause The state of charge (SOC) of the 12V battery has dropped to 45% or less. Remedy This warning message appears as soon as the state … - LI46.15-P-070510 Mar 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Noises from the area of the steering column. - Creaking - Squeaking - Chattering - Humming - Grinding Cause At present, there are no known noise problems with the steering column. Remedy Check surrounding area of the steering column for possible n… - LI54.65-P-080132 Feb 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia… - LI72.20-P-075746 Feb 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. E.g. when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so tha… - NCU - 2026020005 Feb 28, 2026 · Service Campaign
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the control unit software for the engine electronics does not correspond to the current series production configuration. This may cause the electr… - LI82.10-P-078301 Feb 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm … - LI54.65-P-080132 Feb 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia… - NCU - 2025090001 Feb 13, 2026 · Service Campaign
Mercedes-Benz AG, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain subject vehicles, the TIREFIT sealant bottle may not meet specifications. The possibility exists that the sealant bottle may leak or may have otherwise been removed… - LI01.30-P-072328 Feb 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint -Check engine light illuminated. -Engine runs rough. -Poor shifting or jerking when accelerating. -Fault codes stored related to mixture formation, injector quantity adjustment, or misfire. Note: One or more of the above symptoms can occur. It is … - LI54.65-P-080132 Jan 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia… - LI00.01-P-078887 Jan 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint The intent of this document is to provide workshops with helpful technical reference language. • Commonly used acronyms in LI's and TIPS cases. • Control unit names, numbers, and how to identify. • Network/wiring architecture groups to baumuster q… - LI83.30-P-079850 Jan 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Customer states the AC either does not cool/has poor performance or heat is insufficient. Cause Many possible root causes Remedy *Note - This Li does not apply if there are other Li's that apply to your concern OR you have a fault and/or guided te… - LI83.30-P-079850 Jan 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Customer states the AC either does not cool/has poor performance or heat is insufficient. Cause Many possible root causes Remedy AC Diagnosis (General) Initial Steps Verify Customer Concern • Confirm the issue reported by the customer. Compare to … - LI83.30-P-079850 Jan 7, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Customer states the AC either does not cool/has poor performance or heat is insufficient. Cause Many possible root causes Remedy AC Diagnosis (General) Initial Steps Verify Customer Concern • Confirm the issue reported by the customer. Compare to … - LI54.65-P-066284 Dec 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint The flap of the reversing camera opens and closes by itself during forward travel several times during the trip. No camera image is displayed in the head unit. The reversing camera or the 360° system functions normally when activated manually or … - LI27.19-P-080155 Dec 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint Oil residue in connector of transmission control unit in dual-clutch transmission models 724.0 and 724.1. Cause As part of the production process, the electrohydraulic controller units are subjected to a function test in an oil bath. Any oil resid… - LI54.65-P-080132 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached dia…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.