2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA: common problems and reliability

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA has 8 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and steering. Owners most often flag persistent interior rattles and squeaks: missing gaskets, creaking sunroof panels, and chirping seals requiring detailed owner intervention to diagnose and fix. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2020 model year

8
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2020 a good year for the GLA?

Across the 7 GLA model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2014) to 100 (2015). With 8 complaints, the 2020 GLA sits belowthe model's median of 29.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
2
steering
2
power train
2
electrical system
2
fuel/propulsion system
1

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owner reports for the 2015-2021 generation highlight significant reliability and quality control concerns, including major mechanical failures, persistent interior rattles, and…

  • Persistent interior rattles and squeaks: Missing gaskets, creaking sunroof panels, and chirping seals requiring detailed owner intervention to diagnose and fix. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Major mechanical failures: 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). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the GLA. See the full GLA owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used GLA listings typically run $24,394–$39,990 across 2016 to 2026 model years.

Other GLA model years

Compare every GLA year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.

Compare the GLA against its rivals