Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class years to avoid and best years
Newer Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2021 has the most complaints per year, at 4 (23 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 0 (from 7 complaints), 2020 at 1 (from 9 complaints), and 2022 at 1 (from 4 complaints). The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, 3 of 23 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2015
2020
2022
2025–26
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 8 | 0 | Air bags, Seat belts | — |
| 2022 Fewest | 1 | 4 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2021 → Most | 4 | 23 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2020 Fewest | 1 | 9 | 0 | Fuel system, gasoline, Engine | — |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2018 → | 3 | 51 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2017 → | 3 | 33 | 0 | Electrical system, Engine | — |
| 2016 → | 3 | 52 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2015 Fewest | 0 | 7 | 0 | Air bags | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 (GLA 250) · 5.9 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/60R17, 215/55R18, 235/50R18, 235/45R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA complaints on 2016 GLA filings most often name the engine, with air bags and the electrical system also among top components. Complaints on 2019 GLA filings most often name the power train, steering, and air bags.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20, 0W-30, or 0W-40 (GLA 250; verify MB sheet on the oil container) · 5.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/55R18, 235/50R19 (common; confirm placard)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA complaints filed on 2022 GLA vehicles name the engine and forward-collision avoidance among the components reported.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 0 (from 7 complaints), 2020 at 1 (from 9 complaints), and 2022 at 1 (from 4 complaints).
Which Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class year has the most owner complaints?
2021 has the most complaints per year, at 4 (23 complaints). On the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, 3 of 23 complaints name Engine.
How do Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class years are too early to compare?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 take?
X156 GLA 250 lists 0W-30/0W-40/5W-30/5W-40 (~5.9 qt); H247 GLA 250 lists 0W-20/0W-30/0W-40 (~5.8 qt). Verify the MB sheet on the container.
What components show up most in NHTSA complaints on the GLA?
On 2016 filings the engine is named most often, with air bags and the electrical system also among top components; 2022 filings also name the engine and forward-collision avoidance.
Which GLA generations does this site track?
X156 (2015-2020) and H247 (2021-on).