Most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 problems
Share of the 50 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercedes-Benz GLA250 complaints by model year
Best GLA250 years: 2024, 2020, 2017. Years to avoid: 2015. Compare all years →
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 recalls (4)
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
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…
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.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
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…
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.
Communication
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal
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…
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250:
Front Roof Panel Detachment
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the…
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.
What 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLA. The contact stated that the check engine light had appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The dealer determined that the crankcase ventilation valve had malfunctioned which blocked the actuator. As a result, both the fuel and the oil had started to mix inside the engine which caused the ventilation valve to not close as intended. The contact was given an estimate for repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the crankcase ventilation system had failed. The dealer determined that the engine oil separator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown Extended Warranty Coverage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,180.
Air bags
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 the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the contact was unable to schedule an appointment. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 101,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
All warning lights on dashboard lights up while driving. Got two diagnostic tests and conclusion is steering column module needs to be replaced 2016 had a recall between 2015-2018 on Gla250 2nd diagnostic test the SRS Module needs to be replaced it sounds like a manufactured problem and Mercedes Benz repair shop needs to investigate because it's a hazardous safety issue lights on dashboard lights up are traction control airbags off brake lights cruise control and SES all reads malfunctioning see dealership
Electrical system
My GLA250 Instrument Cluster had been glitching out. The turn signals indicators would go off when the turn signal lights are initiated. The Check engine light, high beam light, and other warning lights come on for no reason, or dim or no backlight, inaccurate gauge readings, erratic gauge needle movement, and even a completely dead cluster. I took the car to the dealership and they said the instrument cluster was faulty and needed to be replace. The car is still at the dealership because they haven't figured out how to program it right. Since the instrument cluster is a vital component of the vehicles safety feature, this should be a recall. I have spent $3500.00 to fix an issue that should not have occurred since the car is only 6 years old. There are several online forums that discuss this very same issue that Mercedes is having with their instrument clusters.
My car puts itself into neutral while driving and while stopped. This has happened 4 times now. The dealer claims they aren't familiar with this issue. My safety and the safety of others driving around me are in danger. Today, I was changing lanes on the feeder road, and my car locked up into neutral and wouldn't let me drive it. The error message says "Do not shift gears. Visit dealer". This car has been in no accidents and hasn't had any work done other than routine work.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 25 / 34 / 28 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 a good car?
Based on 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 GLA250 rates average: 14% fewer complaints than a typical year of the GLA250 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250?
The engine & cooling — 16 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › crankcase (pcv). Next are the air bags (8) and electrical system (6).
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250, the most recent from December 15, 2023 (roof and pillars). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercedes-Benz GLA250?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2024, 2020 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2015. See the full Mercedes-Benz GLA250 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 35,000 miles; 73% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.