VehicleVerdict

2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 carries two red flags at once: 67 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 4.8× the Gla 250 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the Gla 250 years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (12), electrical system (9), and other (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

67

NHTSA complaints

12

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Gla 250 years?

Gla 250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted137 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 137 complaints2016: 71 complaints2017: 41 complaints2018: 67 complaints2019: 46 complaints2020: 14 complaints2021: 26 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 12 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 6 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Gla 250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Gla 250 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1218%
Electrical System913%
Other812%
Fuel System69%
Transmission69%
Airbags57%
Driver Assistance57%
Tires & Wheels57%
Body & Structure34%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Suspension23%
Steering11%
Brakes11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 have recalls?

12 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V854000Body & StructureDecember 15, 2023 · 2,976 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

22V365000OtherMay 20, 2022 · 242,722 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Consequence

A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

21V229000SteeringApril 1, 2021 · 4,992 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 B250e, CLA250, 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250, and AMG GLA45 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.

Consequence

A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060001.

21V197000Body & StructureMarch 19, 2021 · 15,096 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.

Consequence

The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

21V072000OtherFebruary 12, 2021 · 67 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

Consequence

A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

21V058000OtherFebruary 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Consequence

Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

19V585000Seat BeltsAugust 12, 2019 · 3,435 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt may be loose.

Consequence

The seatbelt for a passenger seated in the rear middle seating position might not be properly secured, which could increase the risk of an injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt, correcting its installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080010.

19V132000SeatsFebruary 26, 2019 · 8 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA-250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. An incorrect rear seat back covering carpet could have been installed on the split-rear seat back. As a result, the child seat anchorage point (top tether) on the center positon of the rear seat may be covered and inaccessible for use. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Consequence

If the upper anchorage point is covered, the child seat will not be able to be secured as intended in the center position of the rear seat, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear seat back covering carpet on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz's customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mercedes' number for this recall is 2019030003.

18V912000AirbagsDecember 19, 2018 · 13 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The sunroof bonding may allow water to leak into the vehicle.

Consequence

Water leaking into the vehicle from around the sunroof may affect the electrical contacts of the window air bag, potentially causing the window air bag to not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding of the panorama sliding sunroof and the electrical contacts of the window air bag on the affected vehicles, replacing the components as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030006.

18V405000Child SeatJune 15, 2018 · 399 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and GLA250 4Matic vehicles. The child seat top tether anchorage point on the center position of the rear seat may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Consequence

If the top tether anchorage point is missing, a child seat will not be able to be properly installed in the center rear seat position, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat backrest, free of charge. The recall began August 15, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

17V653000LightingOctober 16, 2017 · 8 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLA250 4Matic vehicles. The low beam headlight settings on these vehicles may deviate from the required specification, reducing the range of light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Reduced headlight range can affect visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA owns the affected vehicles. Dealers will inspect the headlight adjustment, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 27, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017100009.

17V627000AirbagsOctober 6, 2017 · 495,290 units

Defect

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.

Consequence

If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.

Remedy

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA21002

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE PROBLEM IS WHEN TRAVELLING AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOP THE CAR TO HALT ABLE TO HEAR A NOISE FROM THE REAR END. LIKE A METAL HITTING ANOTHER METAL. IT HAS BEEN ONLY 1 MONTH I BOUGHT THE CAR AND 1300MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS MAKING REALLY LOUD NOISE WHEN STOPPED AND HEAR IT PROPERLY. IT IS MAKING CLING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 26, 2017

“AT 1:10 AM THE 2018 MERCEDES BENZ GLA SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE AND HAD NOT BEEN USED IN OVER 6 HOURS. THE CAR HAD 11,000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS LAST SERVICED BY MB OF COCONUT CREEK ONE MONTH EARLIER FOR THE ROUTINE 10K SERVICE. THE ONLY PROBLEM WE HAD WITH THE CAR WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 5, 2018 · fire

“THE PROBLEM IS WHEN TRAVELLING AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOP THE CAR TO HALT ABLE TO HEAR A NOISE FROM THE REAR END. LIKE A METAL HITTING ANOTHER METAL. IT HAS BEEN ONLY 1 MONTH I BOUGHT THE CAR AND 1300MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS MAKING REALLY LOUD NOISE WHEN STOPPED AND HEAR IT PROPERLY. IT IS MAKING CLING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 26, 2017

“Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve - Code P052E This Recall are mentioned for other models with same year 2017 - 2020 But why not for GLA250. it's same problem and Dealer quote me $1500 - $2000 for Repair [XXX] Following threads prove there's lot of owners with same issue. [XXX] [XXX]…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 12, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the transmission unintendedly shifted to neutral. No warning light was illuminated; however, the message "Transmission Error" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 28, 2024

2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 — common questions

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 67 complaints put the 2018 model at #3 of 13 Gla 250 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Gla 250 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Gla 250 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (12 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), other (8 complaints).

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Gla 250 years to avoid are 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2017. The cleanest record among Gla 250 years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.