SUV, gasoline, FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Aug 10, 2020 to Sep 23, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-854 | Dec 15, 2023 | Front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair,… | Structure | 2,976 | Part replacement |
| 22V-365 | May 20, 2022 | Error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system | Communication | 242,722 | Software update |
| 21V-961 | Dec 13, 2021 | During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak | Fuel system | 139 | Part replacement |
| 21V-197 | Mar 19, 2021 | Front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair | Structure | 15,096 | Repair or modification |
| 21V-072 | Feb 12, 2021 | On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles | Communication | 67 | Inspection |
| 21V-058 | Feb 5, 2021 | Software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the… | Communication | 1,292,258 | Software update |
| 21V-033 | Jan 29, 2021 | Power supply for the automatic transmission control unit might be interrupted while driving, possibly causing the transmission to shift into neutral | Powertrain | 4 | Part replacement |
| 20V-672 | Oct 30, 2020 | Engine compartment fusebox may come loose over time, potentially damaging fuses and disrupting certain vehicle functions such as engine, power… | Electrical system | 47 | Inspection |
| 19V-585 | Aug 12, 2019 | Left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt may be loose | Seat belts | 3,435 | Repair or modification |
| 19V-132 | Feb 26, 2019 | Incorrect rear seat back covering carpet could have been installed on the split-rear seat back | Seats | 8 | Part replacement |
| 18V-912 | Dec 19, 2018 | Sunroof bonding may allow water to leak into the vehicle | Airbags | 13 | Part replacement |
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.
29 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.
My car had 78,530 miles on it when the rear differential binding causes shuddering/thumping during turns, which risks sudden wheel lockup or loss of control on sharp turns or low-traction surfaces. Please Note that Mercedes-Benz acknowledged this issue in TSB LI35.31-P-072105 but has not issued a safety recall. Dealer Diagnostic & Repair: Dealership confirmed a total component failure of the rear differential. The entire rear axle differential assembly (Part #A1763503100) and related hardware had to be removed and replaced. Total cost for rear axle replacement alone was $7,541.30.
NHTSA complaint 11766491The emergency braking system keeps coming on every time I go to drive, my car automatically shifts into neutral gear when driving and I have an error message saying that I can’t reverse. My seat will Not go further back and I have an air bag issue light
NHTSA complaint 11710573The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission inadvertently shifted to neutral(N), causing a loss of drive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "See Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V033000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
NHTSA complaint 11708296The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, several unknown warnings illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond while the engine revved. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. Upon restarting the vehicle, no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the destination without further incidents. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing the failure intermittently. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had called an independent mechanic, who advised that the failure was related to the transmission. Upon researching online, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V033000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 145,495.
NHTSA complaint 11707506I was driving my vehicle and it shifted into neutral and would not go back into gear until I pulled over to side of the road, turned it off and back on. A check engine light came on when I restarted the vehicle and I took the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis. They told me they couldn't find an issue and reset the check engine light. A week later, I was driving on the freeway and it shifted into neutral again at 70 miles an hour. Luckily, I was in the right hand lane and was able to coast to the side. At that point I started looking online to see if others had this issue and came across this: Campaign No. : 2021020038 NHTSA ID: 21V033 Campaign Desc. : Replace Transmission Control Unit 21P5495403 Which is exactly what is happening to my vehicle
NHTSA complaint 11703689The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, the abnormal fuel odor was also on the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several other independent mechanics; however, the failure could not be replicated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint 11695763My turn signals are not working and warnings are showing up on my dashboard. My pillars are both wet on the drivers side and passenger side. My speed odometer and tachodometer are not working. The dash board iis showing the brake and high beams are on but they aren't on. I have fog on the front window when I get in the car. This situation is of major concern for my safety. I am not certain that the air bags would work? I refuse to drive this vehicle. I called Mercedes Benz in Wilmington, NC and I can't get an appointment until October 13th. I see in the Mercedes Benz recall that the sun roof and electrical problem were recalled.in 2019. I have a Mercedes Benz GLA 250 2019 and that was in the article. Mercedes told me my vin number was not included in the recall. I have the exact same problems as the other vehicles that were recalled. I appreciate your help in this matter to be put on the recall list. This is a major recall issue. I am in fear for my safety to drive with all the electric issues that exist as a part of this recall. Please notify me once this is approved so that I can call my dealership and have this issue resolved. I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter as this is my only transportation. Thank you for your attention in this matter [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11690737Structure body: roof and pillars affected Recall ID: 450977 year 2014- 2020 NHTSA campaign # 23v854000 Vehicle affected 2,976 A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle is making a loud noise from the panoramic soon roof.
NHTSA complaint 11685719The ABS Sensor light, engine light, anti skid light and 4 matic malfunction, transmission malfunction all lit up on my dashboard on Tuesday July 22, 2025. The stearing would lock up and the brakes would not break it also shifted gears into neutral. The dashboard finally told me in bold red letters (transmission malfunction STOP). It would do this then all the lights would go away. I thought it may have just been the battery since I hardly drive the car. The shop cleared out all the malfunctions and re drove it and they said it appeared fine but the next day (Wednesday) it acted up again and that is when I got the transmission malfunction STOP warning on the dashboard. I pulled over and called the shop to come tow my car. By Thursday they said they couldn't diagnose or fix the problem but stated it had to do with the Transmission and to have it towed to the Mercedes Benz dealership. I had it towed to the Morristown, NJ Mercedes Benz service dept and they stated that it appears that it is the Transmission Valve Body. I spoke with Mercedes this morning (July 28, 2025) and that is when I learned it was the Transmission Valve Body and that it is going to cost me $4,000.00 plus labor. This makes no sense as the car has less than 26,000 miles on it. I researched a bit on this and found that there may have been a recall for this car but I was never notified of the recall. When the service rep told me that he was waiting to hear from corporate on this before he could give me an exact cost (this was after the technician stated what the issue was). I got suspicious as why would they need to contact corporate to figure out the cost of the repair. I could have gotten into a really bad accident if I was on a major road going 65mph.
NHTSA complaint 11676757The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and while parked, the contact observed a gasoline odor in the cabin of the vehicle and outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector and fuel rails needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.
NHTSA complaint 11658896Clock spring broke
NHTSA complaint 11649940The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with crankcase vent valve failure and a block actuator. The contact was informed that the crankcase sensor valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,264.
NHTSA complaint 11629045In December 2023, the check engine light came on. The dealership said it was the rear differential. The dealership fixed the problem under warranty. In July 2024, the problem returned. The dealership said it could repeat the procedure from December, but that eventually the rear differential will need to be replaced. The dealership said that only replacing the rear differential will fix the problem for good. Obviously, MB recognized the problem and upgraded the software and whatever else was wrong with the current rear differential. The car is now out of warranty. Clearly, MB knew of the problem and chose to direct it's dealerships to use stop-gap measures that do not fix the problem, until the rear differential must be replaced, at the owner's expense, with an upgraded rear differential. It is dangerous to drive the vehicle with a faulty rear differential.
NHTSA complaint 11607211Noise in rear differential, had dealership where I purchased vehicle flush & change the fluid in rear differential. Tech stated it will need to be replaced. Vehicle has 75,000. Research has numerous problems with this issue.
NHTSA complaint 11595588The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a routine oil change, the contact was informed that the differential was fractured. The dealer provided a cost for the repair however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a used car dealer and to an independent mechanic, where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance in repairing the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint 11577393The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission inadvertently shifted into neutral(N). No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V033000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
NHTSA complaint 11575733The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that there was water leaking from all four grab handles above the front and rear driver's and passenger's side seats. Upon inspection, the contact noticed water stains around the sunroof and headliner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V912000 (Visibility, Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint 11569250The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking from the fuel rails at the fuel injectors. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
NHTSA complaint 11566364The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the vehicle independently turned off. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the front driver’s side wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The wheel speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
NHTSA complaint 11554361The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 MPH, the transmission inadvertently shifted into neutral(N). The Reverse Inoperative message was displayed. The contact's wife turned off and restarted the vehicle before driving to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V033000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint 11550412Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.