2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Problems

What owners report

Owners of this 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 most often describe the automatic transmission shifting into neutral or park while driving, and the engine stalling or cutting off, often in traffic or at traffic lights. Crankcase ventilation valve faults (code P052E), airbag warning lights linked to delayed recall parts, and panoramic sunroof failures are also reported. Where mileage is given, the ventilation valve complaints cluster between about 59,000 and 92,000 miles, while the shifting reports appear from low mileage up to about 101,000 miles.

1. 1
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Unexpected shifts into neutral or park

   • 13 complaints (25%)
   • median 101,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • filed 2020–2026

   Owners describe the automatic transmission shifting into neutral on its own while driving, at traffic lights, or at a stop, sometimes with a message saying not to shift gears and to visit the dealer. Some owners say they could not shift back into drive or reverse until the car was turned off and restarted, and one highway report describes the car slamming into park. According to complaints, the dealer first attributed the problem to a sensor and later quoted a transmission valve body, and in another case said it was not familiar with the issue. Where mileage is given, these reports range from about 6,800 to about 101,000 miles, and some describe the shift happening at traffic lights.

   What to check: Ask whether the transmission has any stored shift-related fault codes, and whether the sensor or valve body work and the 'do not shift gears' message have been addressed. On a test drive, shift through all gears including reverse and check that the car holds its gear while stopped at a light.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “My Mercedes-Benz, 2016GLA 250 vehicle. The automatic transmission shifts into neutral while driving. It’s happened on multiple occasions and it’s very scary. This is a dangerous safety issue! I’ve seen it’s been recalled/addressed for other GLA250 model years, but not for 2016 year models. Please bring to MB USA attention. Thank you very much for your assistance!”

   NHTSA complaint #11535283, filed 2023-07

   “The vehicle change's gears and automatically switch to neutral while driving. I almost had a major accident on the interstate. This happened several times and the last time it happened was on September 23rd. The first time the incident happened I was told that it was a sensor in the car and was charged $700 and 4 days later it happened again. I took the car in again and now I am being charged for a new valve body in the transmission and a battery replaced aux battery. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11546542, filed 2023-09
2. 2
   Engine

   Engine stalls or cuts off while driving

   • 12 complaints (24%)
   • median 43,313 mi at 5.1 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2019–2025

   Owners describe the engine shutting off or stalling while driving on the highway, in traffic, or when coming to a stop, sometimes with no warning. Some complaints mention a warning after the stall, and some report the car slowing sharply before it stopped. According to complaints, a dealer replaced a module and the stalling returned, and in another case a dealer reproduced the problem while the car was in for service. A separate complaint describes a fuel leak that a mechanic found, which the owner believed was affecting fuel delivery to the injectors. Where mileage is given, these stalls are reported at about 35,000 and 43,313 miles, and some happen at traffic lights or during highway driving.

   What to check: Ask whether any stall or engine cut-off events are recorded in the car's fault memory, and whether a fuel leak or fuel injector check was done. During a test drive, watch for lost power, a dashboard warning, or the engine shutting off when stopping.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I was driving my car in motion and without any warning, the car decelerated and subsequently stalled while I was traveling on I-85 in gaffney south carolina. It went from 50 to 0 leaving me stranded on the highway. It was towed to mercedes benz of south charlotte where I was told that it was complete engine failure”

   NHTSA complaint #11373880, filed 2020-11, 43,313 miles

   “On august 4th, 2018, september 21st ,2018 and january 10th, 2019, my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 shutdown in the middle of the road. Specifically, in all 3 occasions mentioned above, my vehicle shut-downed and became disabled and non-operational, abruptly and without any warnings while driving. The occurrence on september 21st, 2018 was the most severe and happened during rush hour on I-93 where we almost got hit by incoming traffic from both directions. It is a miracle that nobody was hurt. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11205903, filed 2019-05, 35,000 miles
3. 3
   Engine

   Crankcase ventilation valve fault (P052E)

   • 7 complaints (14%)
   • median 75,590 mi at 8.6 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2022–2026

   Owners report a check engine light with code P052E or similar crankcase ventilation codes, with the valve described as blocked or its actuator stuck. According to complaints, the dealer found fuel and oil mixing in the engine and said the oil separator or ventilation valve needed replacing, and some owners say the replacement part failed too. Some complaints say the manufacturer's warranty or extended coverage was disputed, while others say the repair was done under the original warranty. Where mileage is given, these reports range from about 59,000 to about 92,000 miles, and some owners say the part had already been replaced once.

   1 related service bulletin

   What to check: Ask whether the crankcase ventilation valve has been replaced and whether the service bulletin for crankcase vent connector checks has been applied, and check for stored P052E or P04DB codes. Ask the dealer to confirm in writing which extended coverage applies to this engine.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I am reporting a P052E fault code related to the crankcase ventilation system on my Mercedes-Benz GLA. This is a known and widespread defect on multiple Mercedes-Benz models and is commonly covered under service bulletins and extended warranties up to 150,000 miles. My vehicle has 92,000 miles. However, Mercedes-Benz has refused coverage, stating that the GLA model is not included, despite extensive evidence that this same defect affects GLA vehicles. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11711026, filed 2026-01

   “P052E-71 The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction. The actuator is blocked. Was initially intermittent but seems to be getting worse. Dealer quoted ~2k to repair, which seems astronomical for a PCV valve. Common problem with these engines.”

   NHTSA complaint #11481353, filed 2022-08
4. 4
   Air bags

   Airbag warning lights and delayed recall repairs

   • 15 complaints (29%)
   • median 13,000 mi at 2.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2017–2025

   Owners describe airbag or SRS warning lights, sometimes with other warnings such as a horn that stopped working, and say recall repair parts were not available for long periods. Some complaints cite the 2017 airbag recall, where the owner was told parts were not in stock and no time frame was given. According to complaints, dealers reported that a recall was closed, or that the steering column or airbag control module needed replacement, and a Takata-related complaint says the dealer had no remedy for more than a year. Mileage is given in only a small number of these complaints, with the figure at about 13,000 miles, and some describe recall repair parts being unavailable for more than a year.

   Recall 17V627000

   What to check: Ask whether recall 17V627000 has been completed, and get written confirmation from the dealer because parts have been reported as unavailable. Confirm that no airbag or SRS warning is shown after starting the car, and that the horn works.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “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 . So in the meantime, we should drive and pray that something tragic does not occur?”

   NHTSA complaint #11044216, filed 2017-11

   “All warning lights on dashboard lights up while driving. Got two diagnostic tests and conclusion is steering column module needs to be replaced 2016 had a recall between 2015-2018 on Gla250 2nd diagnostic test the SRS Module needs to be replaced it sounds like a manufactured problem and Mercedes Benz repair shop needs to investigate because it’s a hazardous safety issue lights on dashboard lights up are traction control airbags off brake lights cruise control and SES all reads malfunctioning see dealership”

   NHTSA complaint #11540872, filed 2023-08
5. 5
   Other or unknown

   Panoramic sunroof panel or glass problems

   • 5 complaints (10%)
   • median 29,500 mi at 4.6 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2017–2026

   Owners describe panoramic sunroofs that do not open or close evenly, with a plastic track failing and the glass tilting or jamming. Other complaints describe glass shattering out of the roof while driving and a roof panel that detached, letting wind and debris in, and the panel was pushed back into place only for the failure to return. Some owners say the repair cost is high, and some complaints raise concerns about water entering and affecting airbags or electronics. Mileage is given in only some of these complaints, from about 12,000 to about 47,000 miles, and some sunroof failures are described during highway driving.

   Recall 23V854000Recall 21V197000

   What to check: Open and close the sunroof repeatedly during a walk-around or test drive, and check that it moves evenly and seats fully. Ask whether recall 23V854000, which covers the roof panel bonding, has been checked for this vehicle.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Driving 70 MPH on highway, 12k miles on my 2016 car and the sunroof exploded out the top of my car. Sounded like a shotgun blast, shreds of glass everywhere. No warnings, sounds, any idea about to occur.”

   NHTSA complaint #10954279, filed 2017-02, 12,000 miles

   “Faulty Panoramic Sunroof. I took the car to the dealer service to have the sunroof checked since it won't close all the way that the guide rails jammed and faulty. It is too expensive to get it fixed after taking to Mercedes. I haven't owned the vehicle very long and only used the sunroof maybe once or twice and it stopped working. This should be a recall and I shouldn't have to pay to fix it. I am worried that it might come off while driving, for now it is sealed with wrap.”

   NHTSA complaint #11435356, filed 2021-10

Buying note. Prospective buyers should check for stored transmission and engine fault codes, and ask for proof that the airbag recall (17V627000) and any crankcase ventilation repairs were completed. A pre-purchase inspection should include a test drive through stop-and-go traffic to check for shifting or stalling problems.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 39 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.