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ProblemsByVin Index / 2021-MERCEDES-BENZ-GLA-CLASS / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class owner complaints

19 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 2 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Listed by category, newest first within each section.

other 5 complaints shown

09/09/2022 ODI #11483717.0

I consider this issue a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE that could be LIFE-THREATENING and all Mercedes-Benz service departments should be alerted to the problem. Mercedes-Benz should issue a revised, more user-friendly label so independent tire shops will not misread the label and over-inflate customers' tires. The tire inflation specifications provided for this vehicle, located both on the B-pillar and gas filler flap, are configured poorly and lead techs, both at Mercedes service departments and independent tire shops, to grossly over-inflate the tires. Please see the attached photo of the gas filler flap sticker on our AMG GLA 45. Our car has 20" tires and the techs incorrectly read the tire inflation pressures as 42 psi front / 46 psi rear. These are the correct pressures for a fully loaded

05/23/2021 ODI #11418252.0

Please fix issue associated with my vin so I can Turo it

05/16/2025 ODI #11661372.0

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, sudden engine shutdown while driving. This issue appears to be widespread among GLA models equipped with the M260/M270 engine, often occurring well before 100,000 miles. It raises serious concerns about the design, durability, and safety of the engine’s top-end components. Given the frequency and severity of this failure — and the high cost of repairs — I believe this warrants an official investigation and potential manufacturer recall. I urge the NHTSA to review similar complaints and initiate a fo

04/29/2024 ODI #11585806.0

My vehicle has two separate tire inflation placards. There is a placard inside the drivers door recommending 43 PSI (cold) all tires, and another placard inside the fuel door recommending 38 PSI front and 34 PSI rear (cold). Two different tire service centers have confirmed that my tires are wearing out prematurely because of overinflation. My telephone calls to Mercedes USA have been handled poorly because their representatives are poorly training and do not understand the nature of my issue.

01/26/2026 ODI #11713295.0

The Gas Door did not open in order to pump gasoline. There is no mechanical device for the driver, passenger, owner of the vehicle to manually open the gas door from the inside. There was no electronic warning within the Mercedes Benz to alert driver about malfunction of gas door not working. Driver took vehicle to local Firestone mechanic who said the "gas door actuator" needed to be replaced. Accordingly, vehicle with the remaining gasoline was taken to local Mercedes Dealer who after the vehicle being looked at, "confirmed gas door to not opening due to internal mechanical fault" and replaced with new gas door actuator at a cost of $820.28. Vehicle owner mentioned to service rep, that he lives from parents about 150 miles away and had the vehicle owner stopped at gas station in between,

electrical 3 complaints shown

3 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
10/28/2022 ODI #11491304.0

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

09/27/2023 ODI #11546751.0

The entire circuit board was short circuited immobilizing the car in the middle of the highway. It was determined that the condensation of the air conditioning was unable to drain due to the drainage tubing being clogged with insects, causing water to back up and short circuited the electrical system.

09/03/2021 2,200 mi ODI #11431590.0

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was not displaying on the display screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not activate the display screen and informed the contact that they were waiting for parts to arrive to perform the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,200.

engine 3 complaints shown

3 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
10/02/2023 ODI #11547873.0

Engine misfired in operation requiring an emergency stop while on a mountain road. Severe check engine light turned on (Mercedes has a two stage check engine light). Vehicle was parked for 20 minutes and battery was disconnected. This appeared to fix the issue. Vehicle was brought to dealer. Dealer stated the cylinder head for early 2021 GLA 250 engines had a casting flaw that result in hot gases escaping and damaging engine. Engine and turbo rebuilt under warranty at 17000 miles.

09/12/2023 ODI #11544109.0

I purchased this car approx 3 months after real issues began. My car would have issues idling where it would sometimes turn off at stop lights and require multiple reignition attempts before proceeding. This would also happen when the auto-start feature (anti-idle/gas saving) was engaged (which is the default in the system) and this posed major safety concerns. The unstable idling of the car would result in an initial acceleration after being stopped, shortly followed by the engine dying. There were multiple times I was at an intersection yielding before turning where this happened and it resulted in my being in the path of oncoming traffic without the ability to accelerate until the car restarted. I contacted my local Mercedes dealer who acted like this wasn't a big deal, but it is re

04/08/2026 ODI #11729834.0

I recently purchased my vehicle with under 30k miles in July of 2026. Not long after my purchase my car began roughly idling with a blinking check engine light, and soon after the engine began misfiring. This also cause loss of power when attempting to accelerate creating dangerous conditions in high traffic/fast paced areas. After lots of research I found several reports of owners with cylinder failures. The dealership only responded to fixing the issue after calling them out directly on the issue.

brakes 3 complaints shown

3 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $450 · see brakes cluster analysis →
09/13/2021 ODI #11432715.0

Car's brake system slammed on in light traffic with no nearby obstacles. Clear night, light traffic, road dry, moderate temperature. If there had been more traffic, or if the road had been slick, high probability of risk. Dealer has been notified, will not be able to pick up vehicle for a day or two. I did not see any warning lights, heard no warning sounds.

04/29/2022 9,429 mi ODI #11462756.0

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250W4. The contact stated that while parking his vehicle when he went to apply the brake pedal, the brakes did not engage. The contact stated that the vehicle then crashed into the wall, however, the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the warning light illuminated after the crash indicating that "the brakes are now operational". The contact stated that there was no police report made, however, the 2 passengers did seek medical attention. The contact stated he was able to drive his vehicle home, however, the dealer did have the car towed days later and it remains for repair. The contact stated the dealer advised him to contact the manufacturer, as he did to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 9,429.

02/05/2026 ODI #11715960.0

Component/System: Engine cooling and lubrication system. Coolant was found mixing with engine oil (milky oil), indicating internal engine failure (I was informed it could be oil cooler/housing, thermostat, head gasket, or related components). Vehicle is currently at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership and available for inspection. The front left inner lining of my front break pad also "failed" inspection and the other 3 front break pads say "caution" and I never received a notification or warning about my breaks. Safety Risk: Coolant contamination of engine oil can cause sudden engine failure or loss of power without warning, creating a serious safety risk while driving, especially at highway speeds. There was no indication that engine oil was mixing with coolant, check engine light fai

tires 2 complaints shown

06/14/2022 11,000 mi Crash ODI #11469173.0

The contact called on behalf of his client who owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 equipped with Continual tires, Tire Line: Procontact GXSSR, Tire Size: 235/55r/18, and DOT 6y3lwxx43220. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH on a local road and attempting to get into the right lane, the driver crashed into a pole where the vehicle came to a stop. The contact suffered injuries to the face from the air bag deploying and hurt her leg. No medical attention was needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 11,000.

06/03/2022 ODI #11467250.0

I have a zero point dmv clean record!! Tires are dysfunctional poorly made235/55 R18 The front tires are ready to blow out and look /feel very unsafe to drive no blow out yet - however last 6 months many people have noticed POOR TRACTION & asked if the car tires need air. No air WAS NEEDED!! Continental offered 40% off for replacement tires. This is unacceptable ! These are not industry safe and continental stated there’s no mileage warranty! Who gets all new tires at 26,500 miles. I’m a mom going to the grocery store and the mall! My brand new 2021 leased Car now has approx. 26,500 miles . Bought October 2020! Front tires are near bald. Back tires are nearly worn as well. Car was in & serviced at Mercedes’ where point inspections prove NO ALIGNMENT ISSUES 04/2022 and prior service date

body 1 complaint shown

12/23/2024 1 injury ODI #11632215.0

Twice now, my husband is putting groceries in the back of the vehicle and the top closes on him and this last time, hit him hard in the head. This is a safety issue, what can we do??

cruise control 1 complaint shown

08/02/2025 ODI #11677929.0

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 engine is still running the AC) . When you start to drive again the car always jerks before moving , on at least 3 occasions it has actually cut off completely and must be restarted (everything goes off) - it is big problem, especially in heavy traffic (horns blaring & angry drivers are encountered) I almost had a car hit me from behind; my car had jerked slightly when I began to accelerate and then shut off completely. It is definitely a dangerous defect. The Dealership emphasizes 93 Octa

powertrain 1 complaint shown

05/16/2022 ODI #11464869.0

I was parked in a lot and turned the ignition on and selected "DRIVE" but when I started to pull away the vehicle went backwards instead of forwards (as though "REVERSE" had been selected). I switched back to PARK, then selected DRIVE again and the vehicle once again went backwards. I then turned the engine off altogether and restarted it and this seemed to clear up the problem as now the vehicle went forwards when in DRIVE. No damage, or injuries, but of course very concerning from a safety point of view which is why I am reporting this. Mercedes did check the vehicle out the next day and could not locate any problem.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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