AI Damage2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4matic: common problems
Owners of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4matic filed 3 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and service brakes. The maker issued 56 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 3
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 56
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 100% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 33% of all complaints
- Engine: 3 complaints (100% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 7.
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (33% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 3 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 7 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 4 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
On 7/17/26, while driving at highway speed, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power and shut off. I safely pulled over. It would not restart; a red battery warning displayed. Towed to [dealer] -Barre, [ref].
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.
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.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 17,152 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 47% most complained about).
On average one model year of the GLA 250 4matic has 1 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 3, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and…
- Complaint Slight creaking noises when steering
Cause Noises may come from one or more sleeves of the horn contact plate. Remedy Remove the horn contact plate and check the sleeves for noise; see attached video. If necessary, apply lubricant to the sleeves.
- Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE
Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration…
- Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations
The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head Unit application to fail to overwrite…
- Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission…
Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to…
- Complaint Temporary no start condition with check engine light and multiple warning messages
When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3/14 ‑ Transmission control for 8‑speed dual‑clutch transmission (DKG): P24F100 The wake‑up line of the control unit has a short circuit to positive…
- Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner
In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for…
- Complaint Customers may report one or more of the following
• Transmission malfunction message • Check engine light illuminated • Shifts into N • Concern disappears after ignition cycle When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3/14 ‑ Transmission…
- Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally
Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so…
- Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed,…
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than…
- Complaint 1
General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root…
- Complaint Customers may report one or more of the following
• Transmission malfunction message • Check engine light illuminated • Shifts into N • Concern disappears after ignition cycle When performing a quick test, the following fault code is stored in Y3/14 - Transmission…
NHTSA lists 56 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4matic?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, service brakes. Total complaints: 3. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: loss of power / limp mode (100%), warning lights, check engine (100%), engine failure or replacement (67%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4matic?
NHTSA lists 56 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4matic from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.