repaired · 2026 Q3
Doors: lock
NewRisk. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, most often about the engine. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-732 the manufacturer reports only 71% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 23, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 has problems
18 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Engine
4Electrical system
3Fuel/propulsion system
2Back over prevention
2Latches/locks/linkages1 crash/fire/injury
2Power train
2Tires1 crash/fire/injury
1Service brakes
1Structure
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 1 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Other: owners/service/other manual
Risk. Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…
repaired · 2024 Q2
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 5 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q4
Disc: caliper
Risk. Reduced brake performance can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. Inadvertent air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury for an occupant in the front passenger seat, and increase the possibility of a vehicle crash.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Communication
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying…
repaired · 2023 Q4
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other GLA 250 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the GLA 250 median. How we score
'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What GLA 250 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Cowl vent grille openings allowed normal environmental debris to accumulate, plug drainage and divert water onto electrical components and potentially result in a fire if not addressed. Some of the debris passes through into the hvac system and cannot be cleaned without dealer removal/repair of the…
When coming to a full stop at a red light (or any need to idle at a stop), the car frequently begins to hesitate as if it is about to cut off. I assume it has something to do with the ‘fuel saving feature’ which comes on in the form of a green symbol in the lower left of the odometer display (the…
I am reporting a potential safety and mechanical defect involving the cylinder head in the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. Many owners, including myself, have experienced premature cylinder head failure, often without warning, leading to loss of power, engine misfires, rough idling, and in some cases,…
Own a 2021 GLA 250?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.