The most-reported GLA-Class run is WDCTG4GB0FJ (2015 builds) with 5 complaints, 3.6× the typical run. Engine problems make up 23% of reports; 2015 is the worst model year at 1.8 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns for GLA-Class model years 2015–2026.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has 71 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 18% of every GLA-Class complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WDCTG4GB0FJ•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4GB4JJ•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4GB1FJ•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4GB2JJ•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4GB8JJ•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4GB0JJ•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4EB9GJ•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4GB8GJ•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4GB8FJ•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4GB2FJ•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4EB3FJ•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| WDCTG4GB9HJ•••••• | 2017 | — | — |
Each of the other 59 GLA-Class runs has 2 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 93 GLA-Class VINs so far, most often 2023, 2021, 2019 builds; 8 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class the gap between build years is 1.8×: a 2015 car draws 1.8 complaints per run, a 2020 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 6 | 5 | — | |
| 2020 | 6 | 6 | — | |
| 2019 | 13 | 11 | — | |
| 2018 | 26 | 15 | — | |
| 2017 | 7 | 6 | — | |
| 2016 | 15 | 10 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 20 | 11 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2015 at 1.8 complaints per run; lightest is 2020 at 1. The 2023 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 23% of everything Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class owners report: Engine, 28 of 101 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | — | — | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | — | — | |
| Electrical System | — | — | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | — | |
| Air Bags | 2 | — | |
| Visibility | — | — | |
| Structure | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 28 recall campaigns on the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class; the 6 below cover build years 2015 to 2025. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 21V197000 | Structure:body:roof And Pillars | 2015–2020 |
| 26V481000 | Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock | 2021–2025 |
| 21V072000 | Communication | 2017–2021 |
| 21V058000 | Electrical System:software | 2017–2021 |
| 22V365000 | Electrical System:software | 2017–2021 |
| 23V854000 | Structure:body:roof And Pillars | 2015–2019 |
21V197000 was opened in 2021 on cars built from 2015: 6 years on the road before the recall.
The GLA-Class against its rivals
The GLA-Class draws 1.4 complaints per production run; the Toyota RAV4 2.3, the Jeep Wrangler 4.7 and the Hyundai Tucson 5.1. That is the lowest rate of the 4.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | 101 | 71 | 2% | |
| Toyota RAV4 | 8,453 | 3,661 | 8.5% | |
| Jeep Wrangler | 14,316 | 3,055 | 3.2% | |
| Hyundai Tucson | 6,090 | 1,188 | 3.8% |
How serious were they
Of the 101 reports on the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, 2% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 101 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 2 (2%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 0 (0%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 66% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class share of that is 101 complaints over 71 runs, 0.01% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 101 NHTSA complaints from 71 GLA-Class runs and 28 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which GLA-Class production run has the most complaints?
WDCTG4GB0FJ, a 2015 build, with 5 complaints. The typical GLA-Class run has 1.4.
Which GLA-Class years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2015 is heaviest at 1.8 complaints per run and 2020 lightest at 1.
Does the GLA-Class get more complaints than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 1.4 complaints per production run for the GLA-Class against 2.3 for the Toyota RAV4.
How many GLA-Class complaints involve a crash?
2% of 101 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 0 involved a fire.
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