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Mercedes-Benz GLA 250Model year report

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Problems

Compared with other Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 years

More complaints than typical for this model

87/100 2.4× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2016, 2017, 2018

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
94filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
37,500miles, 44 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—no overall rating published
EPA fuel economy
28 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 34 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2015 GLA 250 most often report a check-engine light tied to the crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve, along with panoramic sunroof problems — shattered glass or plastic slider shoes that break and leave the roof stuck or tilted. Powertrain complaints describe stalling, hesitation, and rough or delayed shifting, and several owners also describe strong fuel or exhaust odors entering the cabin. Reports arrive both at very low mileage and well past 70,000 miles, and the overall volume of complaints for this year is rising.

  1. Body and structure

    Panoramic sunroof glass shatters or roof jams

    • 13 complaints (14%)
    • median 98,000 mi at 8.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2017–2025

    Complaints describe the panoramic roof glass breaking with a loud bang while driving, with no impact reported, sometimes at highway speed in warm weather. Others describe the roof failing to open or close, or a panel tilting on one side, traced to cracked plastic guide shoes or roof guides. Several owners link the problem to roof-panel recall campaigns but say their vehicle identification number was not covered. Spread from about 10,000 to 130,000 miles, with several reports while driving at speed in warm weather.

    Recall 23V854000Recall 21V197000

    What to check: Open and close the roof fully through several cycles and listen for grinding or uneven travel, and inspect the guide rails for cracked plastic. Ask whether any roof-panel recall work was performed on this vehicle.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving at 45mph during day time, in normal slow-traffic conditions on a california freeway, when my panoramic sunroof exploded. Outside temperature was 66f, I was not driving under a bridge and I didn't hear any noise of impact generated by a foreign object. At the time of the explosion I was passing a truck and by the sound of it, I immediately thought that one of the truck's tires exploded. Instead I looked up and my entire panoramic sunroof was in pieces. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11004296, filed 2017-07, 16,300 miles

    “Was diving on a local interstate at posted speed level and the front half of the panoramic sunroof shattered without any visible/obvious reason (no impact, prior damage, road conditions, etc.). Traffic was light, weather was sunny (high 80's), road conditions normal/good.”

    NHTSA complaint #11337293, filed 2020-07, 30,000 miles
  2. Engine

    Stalling, hesitation or loss of power while driving

    • 15 complaints (16%)
    • median 43,874 mi at 6.2 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2015–2025

    Owners describe the engine losing power or shutting off without warning while driving, sometimes requiring a restart to keep moving, and in other cases the car would not restart at all. Complaints also mention slow or delayed acceleration at stops and occasional rough running. Diagnosis in some cases pointed to the transmission valve body, a failed control unit, or a camshaft weld, while other cars were not repaired. Mostly reported between roughly 20,000 and 98,000 miles, across mixed city and highway driving.

    Recall 15V6620001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask for service records covering camshaft, control unit and transmission work, and test drive at low speed plus a stop-and-go stretch to check for hesitation or abrupt power loss.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving and without warning, the car shifted itself into neutral and displayed the following error message: transmission malfunction stop. I coasted to the side of the road and upon stopping, the following error message was displayed: service required do not shift gears visit dealer. I turned the car off, restarted it, and it drove without incident. This has happened 5 different times: once on a suburban road, once in a parking garage, and three times on a city street.”

    NHTSA complaint #11128815, filed 2018-09, 20,000 miles

    “I have problems with my car when it's in park position and when it's at a red light or stopped. The car will accelerate slowly when it's at a red light or when turned on in park position. I took my car to mb in dallas (10/18) before warranty expired to check on the engine and the camshaft recall. After picking up my car, the same day, my car had the same problem and now it has the check engine light on. I have been taking my car to the dealer on and off for the last months to get this fixed. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11182527, filed 2019-02, 40,000 miles
  3. Engine

    Check engine light — crankcase vent (PCV) valve

    • 16 complaints (17%)
    • median 56,000 mi at 8.3 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2015–2025

    Owners report the check engine light coming on, frequently with code P052E, which diagnosis traces to the crankcase ventilation regulator valve. In several complaints the vehicle also loses power or stalls, and owners describe exhaust fumes or a fuel smell inside the cabin. According to the complaints, the repair often means replacing the whole assembly rather than just the valve, and owners note the same part is covered by an extended warranty or recall on other models sharing the engine but not on the GLA. Reported from about 40,000 to 98,000 miles, with many cases filed after the basic warranty had ended.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Before buying, scan the ECU for stored or pending P052E codes and ask whether the crankcase ventilation assembly has been replaced. Look for a check engine light and any exhaust or fuel smell after a cold start.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Check engine appeared on our dash board at 56,000 mileage and diagnosed with a problem of the auxillary electrical oil pump. This is the second time we have check engine after we are off warranty. I can also smell gas inside the cabin when I turned on the engine”

    NHTSA complaint #11258021, filed 2019-09, 56,000 miles

    “Check engine light on my 2015 MB GLA250 4matic came on and the error is P052E PCV Regulator Valve Performance . There is a recall for other MB vehicle with the same engine. I believe the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and other models with the same engine should be included in the recall.”

    NHTSA complaint #11670346, filed 2025-06
  4. Air bags

    Airbag and SRS warning lights

    • 12 complaints (13%)
    • median 72,747 mi at 4.2 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2016–2026

    Complaints describe the airbag, seat belt or SRS warning lights staying on while driving, and some owners report an airbag deployment that occurred without a collision. Others were told their vehicle identification number was not covered when they asked about frontal airbag recall campaigns. Repairs ranged from diagnostics to module replacement. Mostly reported between about 34,000 and 180,000 miles.

    Recall 17V627000

    What to check: Check that all airbag and seat belt warnings clear after starting the car, and ask whether the frontal airbag recall was performed for this vehicle identification number.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I started the car and I got a message stating the right front air bag malfunctioned. There is a short. I took the car in for repair, there have been several recalls on this model for the air bag, mine is not included. The air bag has shorted out. This is a huge safety issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #11162549, filed 2018-12, 34,520 miles

    “Takata recall. I was in an accident in my car in march of 2017 where driver and passanger airbags were deployed. Driver's front tooth was knocked out and left side damaged. Passanger side airbags side airbag deployed but not sure about rest. I don't know if the airbags did what they were supposed to but the car is a total loss and with my insurance and title holder (car loan). The driver had skin lacerations from airbag and I dn't know what went off where and have memory loss so the insurance company would be better able to asess.”

    NHTSA complaint #11048126, filed 2017-11, 350,000 miles
  5. Fuel system

    Fuel and exhaust odors in the cabin

    • 5 complaints (5%)
    • median 53,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2017–2024

    Owners report a strong gasoline or exhaust smell inside the cabin, often noticed with the heater on or after starting the engine. In one case a dealer traced it to a low-pressure fuel line leak with intake line, seals and filter needing replacement. Others describe the odor alongside a check engine light or an idling problem. Reported from about 10,000 to 98,000 miles, often in cooler weather with the heater running.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: After a cold start with the heater on, check for any fuel or exhaust smell in the cabin, and ask whether fuel lines, seals or the intake line have been serviced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have mercedes benz GLA 250 year 2015 and the engine light is already appearing in my dash board . I have only driven this car from home to work which is 10-20 miles away. Other issue I have is that when the weather is 30-40 degrees and will have my heater in max I smelt a terrible gas odor coming from my air vents”

    NHTSA complaint #11203129, filed 2019-04, 50,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and there were fumes from the exhaust entering the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #11562014, filed 2023-12, 98,000 miles

Buying note. Check for stored P052E engine codes and sunroof operation first, since those account for many of the reported repairs, and confirm which recall campaigns have actually been completed on the vehicle. A pre-purchase scan and a full sunroof cycle are quick ways to see whether the common complaints are already present.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 94 consumer complaints for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. 44 of the complaints include a mileage, and 61% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 37,500 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 106 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 87 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Electronic stability control (3), Steering (3), Suspension (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Lane departure (2), Exterior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “Transmission violently engage in reverse: so far I have only experienced this (twice) during cold-starts. Started the engine, shift car in to reverse gear, disengage parking break. In normal situation, the car would reverse slowly without applying throttle. In the two times I experinced the problem, the car would still be idle, even after gently applying throttle. After about 5 seconds or so, the car would violently jerk and the transmission finally engaged in reverse. The local mb service center was not able to diagnose the issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #10860609, filed 2016-04, 7,400 miles

Other or unknown: “Back door was ajar and there was no warning display to state the door was not closed completely. I was able to pull out of my driveway and the warning did not display until I was driving. Safety issue especially with small children in the back seat.”

NHTSA complaint #10928181, filed 2016-11, 21,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “The vehicle slips into neutral and says 4 matic not available. I have to coast to a stop and then shutoff the vehicle, turn it off and then restart it. Also the forward collision warning alerts when I pass underneath a large metal freeway signage.”

NHTSA complaint #11416606, filed 2021-05, 72,000 miles

Air bags: “I had two mva accidents (february 1 and march 16, 2016) in this vehicle within~ 3 months of ownership. The accidents occurred when I slowed down this vehicle under 10-15mph. Upon purchase, I noticed unlike other cars I have owned, at a stop this mbgla 250 vehicle engine would cut off completely and start back when the gas pedal was pressed. I was told by the dealership this was normal. …”

NHTSA complaint #10874019, filed 2016-06, 8,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

61% of the 44 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,500 and 72,000 miles.

25%0–1014%10–2523%25–5016%50–759%75–1009%100–1505%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (44 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 37,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

’14’16’18’20’22’2418’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
GLA250 FWD2.0L 4-cyl7-speed automatic253428$2,950
GLA250 4matic 4WD2.0L 4-cyl7-speed automatic243127$3,050
GLA250 4matic 4WD2.0L 4-cyl · flex-fuel7-speed automatic243127$3,050

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 106 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 106 bulletins →

Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20238—1—28—Too new
2021186,6009—28—Stable
20201143,1005—28—Not enough data
20192950,00011—2730 · FewerRising
20185042,50012—2761 · TypicalRising
20173162,0009—2748 · TypicalRising
20165135,0004—2850 · TypicalRising
20159437,5005—2887 · MoreRising

All Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250?

Owners of the 2015 GLA 250 most often report a check-engine light tied to the crankcase ventilation (PCV) regulator valve, along with panoramic sunroof problems — shattered glass or plastic slider shoes that break and leave the roof stuck or tilted. The issues reported most often: Panoramic sunroof glass shatters or roof jams; Stalling, hesitation or loss of power while driving; Check engine light — crankcase vent (PCV) valve.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 have?

NHTSA recorded 94 consumer complaints for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 27 complaints (29% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 16.

Has the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 (GLA250, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 34 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 reported?

Among the 44 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 37,500 miles and the middle half falls between 10,500 and 72,000 miles; 61% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.