CarBrief

NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GLA-Class, and the engine is the most named component[1][2]. It also has 12 recalls, more than any other GLA model year on file[3].

50owner complaints[1]
12recalls[3]
25–27MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 50 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Two mention a crash, one a fire and one an injury. None report a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Component group Complaints
Engine[2] 12
Unknown or other[5] 10
Electrical system[6] 10
Air bags[7] 6
Power train[8] 6
Fuel/propulsion system[9] 6
Wheels[10] 5
Structure[11] 4

Engine. The engine group has the most complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 30,000[2]. In the sample of engine complaints we read, six of 11 describe a problem with the crankcase ventilation valve, often with a check engine light[2]. Several of those owners are upset about the repair cost and say their car is not part of a recall[2].

Electrical system. One complaint in this group describes a car that caught fire while parked in a garage[6]. In the sample we read, seven of 10 describe screen, dashboard or warning light faults[6]. One describes a battery that keeps going flat[6].

Air bags. In a sample of six air bag complaints, four describe an air bag warning light or a steering column fault, and some also describe a clicking sound. Two owners say a dealer told them parts for an air bag recall were unavailable[7].

Power train. In the sample we read, five of six describe the transmission shifting into neutral while driving and the car losing power[8].

Wheels and structure. Wheels has 2 crashes and 1 injury among its 5 complaints[10]. Structure has 1 crash and 1 injury among its 4[11]. We did not read samples for these two groups.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2018 model year[3]. Newest first:

Recalls are free to fix at a dealer. Check your own VIN on NHTSA's recall page to see which of these are still open on your car.

Fuel economy

EPA lists four versions for 2018. All use a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo with Automatic (AM7)[4][24]. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
GLA250, front-wheel drive[4] 24 / 33 / 27 $3,050
GLA250 4matic, 4-wheel drive[25] 23 / 31 / 26 $3,150
GLA250 4matic, part-time 4-wheel drive[26] 23 / 31 / 26 $3,150
AMG GLA45 4matic[24] 22 / 28 / 25 $3,300

All of them are rated for premium fuel. One 4matic listing says premium or E85[4][25][26][24].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list shows two power ratings for this model year. A 2.0L 4-cylinder is rated 355 hp[27]. A vehicle with an electric motor is rated 208 hp[28]. These are ratings for EPA test vehicles.

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models[29].

Measure (GLA 250 4MATIC 4DR SUV AWD) Value
Length[29] 174 in
Width[29] 71 in
Height[29] 61 in
Wheelbase[29] 106 in
Curb weight[29] 3,318 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

2015: 94 complaints, 5 recalls20152016: 50 complaints, 4 recalls20162017: 31 complaints, 9 recalls20172018: 50 complaints, 12 recalls5020182019: 29 complaints, 11 recalls20192020: 11 complaints, 5 recalls20202021: 21 complaints, 9 recalls20212022: 5 complaints, 2 recalls20222023: 8 complaints, 1 recalls20232024: 2 complaints, 2 recalls20242025: 3 complaints, 1 recalls20252026: 2 complaints, 1 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each GLA-Class model year. The 2018 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
2015945
2016504
2017319
20185012
20192911
2020115
2021219
202252
202381
202422
202531
202621

NHTSA counts for GLA-Class model years 2015 to 2021[3]:

Year Complaints Recalls
2015 94 5
2016 50 4
2017 31 9
2018 50 12
2019 29 11
2020 11 5
2021 21 9

The 2018 model year has the most recalls of any year listed, 12[3]. Its 50 complaints tie 2016 for second most, behind 94 for 2015[3]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they show where reports and recalls pile up, not how likely a single car is to have trouble.

Should you buy a used 2018 GLA-Class?

The 2018 GLA-Class has a long recall list, with 12 recalls on file[3]. Ask for the VIN and check NHTSA to see which were completed, especially the steering shaft and roof panel recalls[14][15]. In the complaint sample we read, engine ventilation valve repairs and electrical faults came up often enough to ask about[2][6]. Complaints are unverified and the sample is small, so treat them as questions for a pre-purchase inspection, not a verdict. EPA rates the car between 25 and 27 combined MPG depending on version[4][25][26][24].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
Engine is the group named most often in NHTSA complaints, with 12 of 50[1][2]. Electrical system has 10[6]. In the sample we read, engine owners describe crankcase ventilation valve faults[2].
How many recalls does the 2018 GLA-Class have?
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2018 model year, from 17V627 to 23V854[3][23][12].
What is the gas mileage of the 2018 GLA-Class?
EPA rates the front-wheel drive GLA250 at 27 combined MPG[4]. The 4matic versions are rated 26[25][26] and the AMG GLA45 4matic 25[24].
Is the 2018 GLA-Class a bad year?
It has the most recalls of any GLA year on file, 12, and 50 complaints, which ties 2016 for second most behind 2015[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 12 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for GLA250, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 33 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 10 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 10 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 6 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 6 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 6 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 5 complaints name the wheels component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 4 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 23V854, filed December 15, 2023: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 22V365, filed May 20, 2022: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 21V229, filed April 1, 2021: Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 21V197, filed March 19, 2021: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 21V072, filed February 12, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 21V058, filed February 5, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 19V585, filed August 12, 2019: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 19V132, filed February 26, 2019: Seats. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 18V912, filed December 19, 2018: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 18V405, filed June 15, 2018: Child Seat › Tether › Connector / Clip. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 17V653, filed October 16, 2017: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 17V627, filed October 6, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  24. EPA rating for AMG GLA45 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for GLA250 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Premium or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for GLA250 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Premium, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 355 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class with electric motor: rated 208 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GLA CLASS GLA 250 4MATIC 4DR SUV AWD: length 174 in, width 71 in, height 61 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,318 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.