Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

○ Not enough data

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:01:17.058Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 49
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2016: 49 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2014	1
2015	94
2016	49
2017	30
2018	50
2019	29
2020	11
2021	17
2022	4
2023	8
2024	2
2025	3
2026	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

31% · 15 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. While driving approximately 30-54 MPH, the vehicle would vibrate and made a rumbling noise under the hood. Once the vehicle reached 1,400 rpms/55 MPH, the failure seized.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-25

Air bags

16% · 8 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My car totaled by another car and my air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-30

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V627000 (Air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-06

"Takata recall" What purpose does this recall serve if the manufacturer still does not have a "Remedy" Available? I have 3 benz's, all affected by this recall and for over 1 year the dealer cannot repair due to "No remedy yet avail".

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-07

Fuel/propulsion system

12% · 6 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The parking brake comes on while driving , the screen goes off and on while driving it makes it impossible to give signal because it's inoperable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-18

Also filed under Electrical system and service brakes

Smell of gas when turning on heater, fuel leaking on engine block

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-25

Electrical system

12% · 6 reports

Power train

8% · 4 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2017-12-06Air bags17V627000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-12-23Communication19V787000 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

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. The recall began December 23, 2019.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-09-03Structure21V197000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2024-03-22Structure23V854000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 15 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V627000 · Air bags
Recall 19V787000 · Communication
Recall 21V197000 · Structure
Recall 23V854000 · Structure

FAQ

Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.