2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class problems
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has 51 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has 51 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 12 complaints, typically surfacing around 47,495 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 GLA-Class | 7 | 0 |
| 2016 GLA-Class (this page) | 51 | 0 |
| 2017 GLA-Class | 33 | 0 |
| 2018 GLA-Class | 49 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 12 owner reports · tends to show around 47,495 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- electrical — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 9,900 mi · ~$850 to fix
- powertrain — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 101,000 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- visibility — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 47,000 mi · ~$350 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged severe on this model . Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Dec 2- filled car with gas, check engine light illuminated and then three more errors displayed on the dash. See list below. Errors displayed on dash… 1-INOPERATIVE -- SEE OPERATOR’S MANUAL (Shows ABS and skid icons) 2-COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS INOPERATIVE 3-ABS…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-benz gla250. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v627000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
The drivers side rear view mirror does not adjust outward enough to see the blind spot., requiring a 140 degree head turn for visual input about the blind spot. I don't care about seeing the rear quarter of the car, I needed to see the blind spot. A do-it-yourself repair…
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while at a traffic light the vehicle stalled and shifted into neutral. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 12 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 47,495 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 51 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 47,495 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 12 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 47,495 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 47,495 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 51 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.