Avoid: 2015 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2020
9 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 11 model years, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has 317 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. 2015 drew the most complaints (101), 2022 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (5).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mercedes-Benz GLA vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $16,979–$29,403.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2015 (101 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (5).
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
Expensive dealer service (A/B services $1,000+), costly brake jobs, and premium parts prices are consistently highlighted.
Missing gaskets, creaking sunroof panels, and chirping seals requiring detailed owner intervention to diagnose and fix.
Engine replacement required at low mileage (17,000 miles cited), cylinder head issues on 250 models around 50,000 miles, and transmission failures ("Reversing Not Possible" errors linked to auxiliary battery or transmission fluid contamination).
Various infotainment and system malfunctions described as "electrical gremlins.".
Excessive road and wind noise, especially at highway speeds, noted as a significant drawback for comfort.
Owner insights cover all generations of the GLA. Individual model years are broken down above.
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