2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

1. *Component Failure*: The sunroof/moonroof has stopped functioning correctly due to broken plastic rail guides/sliders, causing issues with opening and closing. Additionally, there's a potential risk of the sunroof detaching from the vehicle due to faulty bonding between the sunroof glass panel and the sliding roof frame. 2. *Safety Risk*: The safety risk is significant, as a detached sunroof can pose a hazard to other road users if it separates from the vehicle while driving at high speeds. This issue can lead to accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. 3. *Problem Confirmation*: Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an Authorized Mercedes dealer, who has inspected the vehicle and acknowledged the issue. 4. *Inspection*: The vehicle has been inspected by the Authorized Mercedes Dealer. Given the recent recall notices from Mercedes-Benz regarding sunroof issues, it's possible that my vehicle might be affected by a similar problem. 5. *Warning Signs*: There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms before the failure, indicating a mechanical issue or part/component failure.

Aug 28, 2025

To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am submitting this complaint regarding the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vehicles equipped with the M274 engine, which have been unfairly excluded from recent recall campaigns affecting this engine family. The same engine (M274) in other models — including the C-Class (C300), E-Class, and GLC-Class from the same model years — has been recalled due to serious issues affecting engine reliability and safety. The specific issue I (and many other GLA owners) have encountered is the activation of the Check Engine Light, accompanied by diagnostic trouble code P052E71, which refers to a malfunction in the crankcase ventilation valve. This is a well-documented failure associated with the M274 engine and has been a primary reason for recalls in other Mercedes-Benz models. The malfunction leads to engine performance problems, potential stalling, increased emissions, and poses long-term mechanical risks if not promptly addressed. My Mercedes-Benz GLA, which shares the exact engine platform (M274) and falls within the same production period as the affected C-, E-, and GLC-Class models, is experiencing this identical issue. Yet, Mercedes-Benz has excluded the GLA model from the recall, despite no technical justification for this omission. This selective treatment is concerning, especially given the safety and environmental implications of the defect. By failing to include the GLA-Class in the recall, Mercedes-Benz is leaving affected owners to bear the cost of repairs for what is clearly a manufacturer defect — one they have already acknowledged in other platforms. I urge NHTSA to: Investigate the exclusion of GLA-Class vehicles from the M274 engine-related recall; Require Mercedes-Benz to expand the recall to include all models sharing this engine, especially those exhibiting the P052E71 crankcase ventilation valve failure; Ensure affected GLA owners receive the same safety protections and

Jul 21, 2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The sunroof/moonroof stopped functioning correctly. The plastic rail guides/sliders broke and the sunroof stopped closing and opening correctly. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The sunroof is not properly attached to the broken parts and could be a hazard if it separates from the roof while driving at highway speed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes, the problem is confirmed by the Authorized Mercedes dealer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? It was inspected by the Authorized Mercedes Dealer. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings, it's a mechanical issue and a failure of the part/component

Aug 31, 2023

On a few occasions, the car shifted into neutral on its own after being in the drive gear. This is quite dangerous and unsafe. There are no warning lights or indications. I noticed this problem a few months ago and it has happened a handful of times. I have don’t extensive research on similar problems and have only found forums with other gla drivers experiencing the same problems. There is no recall that I can find regarding this issue. The dealer is also unaware of this issue.

Sep 25, 2022

The sunroof doesn't close. Wind and rain is getting into the car. I took the car to the dealer this morning. Problem was verified. There were no warning lamps or messages. I understand there are numerous problems with this sunroof.

Jun 14, 2022

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

4 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF FOOTHILL RANCH DEALER (81 AUTO CENTER DR, FOOTHILL RANCH, CA 92610 (949) 354-0112) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT....UPDATED 11/15/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 11/30/2017*JS

Sep 14, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTO HAUS EDENS (1600 FRONTAGE RD, NORTHBROOK, IL 60062) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE, AND THAT A SPECIAL TOOL WAS REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Sep 06, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN APRIL OF 2016. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF TAMPA 4400 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL, 33614) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR AND THAT SHE WOULD NEED TO WAIT ON THE INTERIM LETTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR REPAIR, AND STATED THAT AN INTERIM LETTER SHOULD BE SENT OUT AT BY THE END OF THE SUMMER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 08/08/17 *BF *JS

Jul 12, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT WAS LOANED A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE WHILE HIS VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT THE DEALER. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE GARAGE AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START DUE TO THE BATTERY HAVING A SHORT. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT'S GRANDDAUGHTER HAD TO BE HOSPITALIZED DUE TO SMOKE INHALATION. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE LOANER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 2017020021. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

May 03, 2017

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the warning light that the driver’s side air bag required service was illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light was constantly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, and the contact was informed that there might be a recall associated with the VIN. The contact stated that one of the independent mechanics retrieved a DTC that the "Squib to the Driver's Side Air Bag had an Open Circuit" and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a local dealer and was advised that there was a recall for the year, make, and model vehicle; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online related to the failure of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Sep 03, 2025

Stearing wheel began to make a clicking sound and would hardly turn. The Front Left Malfunction Service required light came on and when I took it to the dealership they informed me that the clock spring and airbag are broken and need to be replaced. He stated the vehicale is drivable but the airbag does not work. In 2017/2018 there was a recall for this exact issue and it shows my car was impacted and the recall repair was completed but that was prior to me purchasing the vehicle. Because the recall has been closed they will not honor repairing it and the vehicle now does not have a airbag that works properly.

Feb 19, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF MARIN (540 FRANCISCO BLVD W, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 (415) 233-6509) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Dec 08, 2017

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 complaints

A few times a week I will go to start my car and the smell of gas is too much to bear inside the vehicle! You can smell it for hours and is hard to drive with the windows up!

Feb 25, 2024

Smelling gas in the inside of vehicle when starting the engine. The smell of gas while driving dizzy and headache have drive with windows down until smell is no longer in the inside of vehicle. Took vehicle in and was charged $1500 no smell for about a week then called to let them know issue is still there took car back and was told the couldn’t smell anything. Started February 2023 as of today one year later still have the gas smell in vehicle repair shop is just taking my money and want me to keep bring in vehicle but issues still exist.

Feb 22, 2024

Car smells strongly of gasoline.

Jan 05, 2024

ENGINE

2 complaints

I have a 2017 GLA-250 with 90k miles and check engine light is on. My mechanic told me it was engine code P052E-71 crankcase ventilation valve and was a very known problem with 4 cylinder turbo engine and mercedes benz has extended emissions warranty for this issue. Called Mercedes dealership and they told me my model was NOT covered. Only models 2015-2020 C/E/CLC/SLC/SLK. What a bunch of crap! All these models have the same engine. Cost of repair $2,300. I will never buy another Mercedes again. Company doesn't stand by their product when they know they have a known problem. My model should be covered. This is an emissions problem that they should recall for all models with 4 cylinder turbo engine

Feb 22, 2024

car engine turned off by itself in the traffic. It has happened a few times when I was waiting at the traffic light or waiting in lane to make turn. The engine suddenly turned off completely and I was caught in the traffic.

Oct 13, 2023

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof button was depressed, but the sunroof failed to close as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.

Sep 19, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CRACKING SOUND AND FELT WATER DRIPPING ON TOP OF HER. THE CONTACT THEN REALIZED THAT WATER HAD BEEN LEAKING IN THE VEHICLE BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND A CRACK THAT HAD FORMED ON THE SUN ROOF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF HOUSTON GREENWAY (3900 SOUTHWEST FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77027) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT AN OBJECT HAD MADE IMPACT WITH THE SUN ROOF CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DISPUTED THE CLAIM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,544.

Sep 25, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the computer software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and the contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 74,000.

Sep 15, 2023

The command screen has completely went out, similar to the same active recall on newer models.

Jul 15, 2022

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

Check engine light received a diagnosis from Mercedes dealership that the crankcase ventilator line is malfunctioning and it’s a very common issue with this model. The transmission stalls during driving, the gears do not jump properly and the car cannot reverse, extremely dangerous at intersections and on the highway. Car needs to be turned off, cooled and restarted. This issue first appeared within a month of owning the vehicle from a certified Mercedes dealership. Refused to help during COVID, and by the time they were taking appointments again (two to three months after warranty expiration), warranty expired, would not honor and refusing to offer any help currently, expensive repair.

Jan 06, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AND SAID YOUR CAR WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE

Aug 23, 2024

WHEELS

1 complaint

When turning, I hear a thumping, grinding or chatter noise from the rear differential and the car slows. Mechanic changed the differential oil and found metal shavings/particals. Noise was not there for about 80 miles but has returned. I have to get a new right differential. I checked on the forums and this seems to be a common problem, one owner has had to replace his differential 4 times.

Aug 02, 2023

STEERING,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the horn and the speedometer failed to operate. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number; however, the contact was still awaiting a call back. The failure mileage was 69,605. The contact stated that they took the vehicle to two dealers and eventually paid out of pocket for the repairs. Unlike other vehicles with the same defects, the contact's vehicle is not a part of the recall.

Dec 09, 2022

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

Car was driving two separate times and it turned on an auto magic braking system Or engine stopped on freeway

Oct 23, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,COMMUNICATION

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V058000 (COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF DES MOINES (9993 HICKMAN RD, URBANDALE, IA 50322) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE OVER THE AIR UPDATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND FIRST INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE OVER THE AIR UPDATE WOULD BE DONE OVER THE WEEKEND IF THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON FOR 10-20 MINUTES. SOMETIME LATER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE AS TO WHEN THE OVER THE AIR UPDATE WOULD BE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

May 04, 2021

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

ON 12/23/18 AND AGAIN ON 2/19/19 MY 2017 GLA SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. MY DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL THE RADIO STOPPED PLAYING OR SKIPPED IN AND OUT. AN ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION STOP" ON BOTH OCCASIONS MY DEALER HAS SAID IT NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE AND SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. BUT OF COURSE IT HAS HAPPENED 2 TIME IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING MALEFUNTION. I DON'T BELIEVE THE SOFTWARE UPDATE IS THE ISSUE. SURELY A SOFTWARE UPDATE WOULD NOT CAUSE A LIFE THREATENING MALEFUNTION.

Feb 20, 2019

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AROUND 70 MPH, THE IP DISPLAY JUST SUDDENLY DISAPPEAR FOR 1 SPLIT SECOND, THEN THE CAR SHIFTED ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL AND DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION STOP", THEN I COASTED TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AREA OF THE FREEWAY, THEN I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, WAITED FOR 1-2 MINUTES, THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN WITHOUT ANY ISSUE. IT HAPPENED 2 DAYS IN THE ROW-ONE IS YESTERDAY AFTERNOON; THE OTHER ONE THIS MORNING.

Nov 08, 2018

4.8/5.0

35 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class have?

The 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class currently has 30 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class?

The most common problems reported for the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.