Mercedes-Benz GLA Common Faults in the UK
first generation 2014–2020 and second generation 2020–on — compact SUV. Updated 11 November 2026.
This guide covers the first generation 2014–2020 and second generation 2020–on. For any other version of the GLA, see how to check any car for known faults.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a long DVSA recall list, so check every car by registration. They include an oil-leak sealing ring on diesels built February to November 2014 (R/2014/182), a starter fuse fix on cars built February 2014 to February 2017 (R/2017/096) and a series of emergency-call recalls on 2016 to 2021 builds. What Car? ranks the 2020-on GLA 15th of 33 family SUVs at 94.6% (page updated 12 June 2025). GLAs registered 2014–2022 pass the MOT above all cars registered those years in 3 of 9 years and level in 6.
Largest DVSA recall for the GLA: R/2021/134, 162,581 vehicles in the whole recall — The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications. See the 18 DVSA recalls listed for this model.
85.4% of Mercedes-Benz GLAs pass the MOT first time, 1.4 points better than the national average for cars of the same age (84.0%). Counted from 9,620 DVSA tests on cars registered 2014–2022; a pass with rectification at the station counts as a pass here, and as a failure in DVSA's own initial-test measure.
Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0), a sample of the 2025 file (about one test in ten, from nine months). Class 4 tests in Great Britain, test type NT (a normal annual test), retests excluded. A pass, or a pass with rectification at the station, counts as a pass here (passed on the day); DVSA's own initial-test measure counts a rectified pass as a failure and so reports a lower figure. Testing in Northern Ireland is run separately by the DVA under its own rules. Compared against cars of the same registration years, because pass rates otherwise mostly measure how old a model's surviving fleet is.
See it by registration year and by mileage ↓The asking-price figures above are the middle 80% and the median of what sellers were asking on Autoza on 11 November 2026 — not what buyers pay — for Mercedes-Benz GLA cars registered from 2014. They are worked out from the cars on sale when this page is generated, and none is shown when fewer than 10 cars qualify. The road tax line comes from GOV.UK's vehicle tax rate tables (2026/27 rates). The fuel economy tile names the source it rests on or says there is no sourced figure, and the insurance tile gives no figure. We do not publish a UK price index, and no figure here should be quoted as one.
Best and worst years to buy
We name a year as a best or worst buy only where the DVSA MOT table further down does not rate it the other way.
DVSA’s MOT table rates 2014, 2015 and 2021 registrations above all cars registered those years (by 8.9, 2.9 and 2.7 points) and the other six years level with them, so no single year stands out. The recalls follow build dates rather than registration years. What Car? ranked the 2020-on GLA 15th of 33 family SUVs at 94.6% (its page, updated 12 June 2025).
No year is named as one to avoid: DVSA’s MOT table rates no GLA registration year from 2014 to 2022 below the average for its year. The recall list is long for the first cars, built 2014 to 2017, so judge a GLA by its registration and its dealer record. MOT results measure roadworthiness at the test, not engine or electronics reliability.
Known faults — Mercedes-Benz GLA first generation 2014–2020 and second generation 2020–on
How to read this list. Items marked Safety recall are DVSA safety recalls, shown with DVSA’s own reference. Whether a particular car is affected depends on when it was built: check it by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check. Everything else in this list is owner-reported: what the UK publication named on each card reports from its owner surveys and tests. Those are worth checking on a viewing, but we hold no count of how many cars have each one, other than any survey share a card itself quotes. Treat an owner-reported item as a question to ask, not a fault this car has.
Starter current limiter — fire risk if the engine seizes (2014–2017 builds)
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: where the car incurs severe engine damage and the engine fails to turn over, and the driver repeatedly tries to start it, the very high electrical current could overheat the starting current limiter, with the potential for a fire. An additional fuse is installed in the electrical line to the starter.
- Years affected
- GLA built 1 February 2014 to 28 February 2017
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. On a 2014–2017 car, ask for the Mercedes-Benz dealer record showing the extra fuse was fitted.
Oil leak from a chain tensioner sealing ring on diesels (2014 builds)
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: on certain diesel engines the O ring may not have been produced to the correct specification, which may allow oil to leak, and if excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur. The chain tensioner sealing ring is replaced.
- Years affected
- GLA diesels built 1 February 2014 to 30 November 2014
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. On a 2014 or 2015 diesel, check the oil level and look under the engine for oil.
Steering software backup (2019–2024 builds)
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: on affected vehicles the backup function of the steering software might not meet specifications, so the steering power support might be impaired and a loss of steerability cannot be ruled out. The software of the electric steering is updated.
- Years affected
- GLA built 24 June 2019 to 31 January 2024
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. On a 2019-on car, ask for the dealer record showing the steering software update was done.
Door lock spring greasing (2020–2021 builds)
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: on certain vehicles with an additional door lock, the locking pawl spring of the left-hand side door locks might not be greased according to specifications. The spring is greased. What Car? says this can be put right for free at a Mercedes dealer.
- Years affected
- GLA built 19 January 2020 to 3 February 2021
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. On a 2020 or 2021 car, check every door latches and releases smoothly.
High-pressure fuel lines — fire risk (2015 builds)
- Symptoms
- DVSA wording: the high pressure fuel lines have not been manufactured to the correct specification, which over time can lead to cracks and fuel leaking, and fuel escaping in the presence of an ignition source could lead to fire. The lines are replaced. What Car? lists this recall for cars made 28 October to 19 November 2015.
- Years affected
- GLA built 28 October 2015 to 19 November 2015
- Indicative repair (UK)
- Free under recall
- What to check before buying
- Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. On a late-2015 car, note any fuel smell and ask for the dealer record showing the lines were replaced.
Infotainment and warning-light faults (second generation)
- Symptoms
- What Car? says owners of the 2020-on GLA found its reliability mixed in its survey: one reported an infotainment system with persistent faults needing several dealer visits, another a faulty warning light that proved to be a sensor fault, repaired under warranty after slow communication from the dealer, and another reported no faults in three years. It ranks Mercedes 22nd of 31 brands at 89.7%. Its page is updated 12 June 2025.
- Years affected
- Second generation 2020-on
- What to check before buying
- Test the infotainment and every driver aid on the test drive, and check no warning light stays on after start-up.
More DVSA safety recalls for the Mercedes-Benz GLA, largest first
These are the recalls DVSA lists for this model and its build years that the cards above do not already describe: every one of 10,000 or more vehicles, largest first, with DVSA’s own reference and figures. A recall covers only cars built in its dates and within its VIN range — check a particular car by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check. “Critical” here means DVSA’s own notice tells owners not to drive the car until it is fixed. It is never a size: “Large” means DVSA lists 10,000 or more vehicles in the recall.
- Safety recall · R/2021/134Large recall — 162,581 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
162,581 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021 · recall launched 5 May 2021
- Safety recall · R/2021/110Large recall — 108,971 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
108,971 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021 · recall launched 13 May 2021
- Safety recall · R/2021/133Large recall — 106,665 vehicles
The emergency call system might not meet specifications
106,665 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021 · recall launched 5 May 2021
- Safety recall · R/2021/111Large recall — 90,716 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
90,716 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021 · recall launched 10 May 2021
- Safety recall · R/2021/120Large recall — 86,604 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
86,604 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021 · recall launched 11 May 2021
- Safety recall · R/2021/131Large recall — 81,267 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
81,267 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021 · recall launched 5 May 2021
7 more recalls of 10,000+ vehicles
- Safety recall · R/2018/130Large recall — 78,608 vehicles
Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
78,608 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 1 November 2011 and 31 July 2017 · recall launched 11 June 2018
- Safety recall · R/2018/098Large recall — 74,329 vehicles
Steering components may be insufficiently grounded
74,329 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 1 November 2011 and 31 July 2017 · recall launched 11 May 2018
- Safety recall · R/2018/069Large recall — 67,027 vehicles
Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
67,027 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 1 November 2011 and 31 July 2017 · recall launched 9 April 2018
- Safety recall · R/2021/376Large recall — 50,390 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
50,390 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021 · recall launched 29 November 2021
- Safety recall · R/2017/282Large recall — 46,093 vehicles
Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
46,093 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 1 November 2011 and 31 July 2017 · recall launched 18 December 2017
- Safety recall · R/2021/202Large recall — 13,707 vehicles
A bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications
13,707 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 30 November 2016 and 28 February 2017 · recall launched 21 July 2021
- Safety recall · R/2021/132Large recall — 10,410 vehicles
The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
10,410 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021 · recall launched 5 May 2021
Source: DVSA vehicle recalls file (every recall since 1992), published under the Open Government Licence. Where DVSA gives one figure for a recall that covers several models, it is shown as the whole recall’s total.
Mercedes-Benz GLA MOT results by year and mileage
Measured from DVSA’s own MOT test records for tests carried out in 2025, not from owner reports.
By registration year
Against all cars registered in the same year, the MOT pass rate for the GLA was higher in 3 and level in 6 of the 9 registration years from 2014 to 2022 with enough tests to measure. The widest gap above is 2014 registrations: 83.2% against 74.3%.
Pass rate here: passed on the day, cars fixed during the test included. Rows: every Mercedes-Benz GLA DVSA tested in 2025, by registration year (2014–2022), all engines and fuels together.
| Registered | GLA | All cars that year | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022468 tests | 91.9% | 91.2% | +0.7 level |
| 2021804 tests | 92.8% | 90.1% | +2.7 higher |
| 2020890 tests | 89.8% | 88.7% | +1.1 level |
| 20191,685 tests | 87.1% | 86.9% | +0.2 level |
| 20181,788 tests | 85.0% | 84.5% | +0.5 level |
| 20171,410 tests | 83.2% | 82.2% | +1.0 level |
| 20161,214 tests | 80.8% | 79.4% | +1.4 level |
| 2015968 tests | 79.6% | 76.7% | +2.9 higher |
| 2014374 tests | 83.2% | 74.3% | +8.9 higher |
By mileage at the test
Against cars of the same age on the same mileage, the pass rate for the GLA was higher in 1 and level in 2 of the 3 mileage bands with enough tests. How other models compare at the same mileage.
Show the table by mileage (3 bands)
| Mileage | GLA | Same age and mileage | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20k–40k2,481 tests | 91.6% | 89.4% | +2.2 higher |
| 40k–60k2,855 tests | 85.1% | 84.3% | +0.8 level |
| 60k–80k2,081 tests | 80.5% | 79.9% | +0.7 level |
Only a major or dangerous defect fails an MOT. A minor defect is recorded on the certificate and the car still passes, and an advisory is not a failure at all.
We don’t give a recall count for the Mercedes-Benz GLA: whether a recall applies depends on the individual car. Check the one you are looking at by entering its registration on GOV.UK’s vehicle recall checker, and see how to check a car for known faults for the other free checks.
Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0), a sample of the 2025 file (about one test in ten, from nine months) (3,459,000 tests). Class 4 tests in Great Britain, test type NT (a normal annual test), retests excluded. A pass, or a pass with rectification at the station, counts as a pass here (passed on the day); DVSA's own initial-test measure counts a rectified pass as a failure and so reports a lower figure. Odometer readings below 100 or above 400,000 miles are discarded as misreadings, and cars under three years old are excluded because no MOT is yet due. Sampled from nine months of 2025 (January, February, April, May, July, August, September, October and November). Testing in Northern Ireland is run separately by the DVA under its own rules. Registration years shown are cars 3 to 12 years old when tested; the smallest rests on 374 tests. A gap is called level when it is under one percentage point or inside the 95% sampling margin for that number of tests. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
What fails at the MOT: DVSA 2025 results
Across 91,331 Mercedes-Benz GLA MOT tests in 2025 (all versions together), these defects turned up most often. This guide covers the first generation 2014–2020 and second generation 2020–on; the figures are for every Mercedes-Benz GLA tested, of any generation.
Where it stands out
The parts groups where Mercedes-Benz GLA tests carried a defect more often than cars of the same age and mileage:
- Body, chassis and structure. 2.1% of tests, against 1.0% for cars of the same age and mileage (2.1 times the rate).
What is found most often
The five defects found most often on Mercedes-Benz GLA tests, each compared with cars of the same age where it stands out:
- Coil spring: fractured or broken. On 1.9% of Mercedes-Benz GLA tests, 1.3 times the rate for cars of the same age.
- Tyre tread below the 1.6mm legal minimum. On 1.9% of Mercedes-Benz GLA tests.
- Constant velocity (CV) boot split or insecure. On 1.9% of Mercedes-Benz GLA tests, 2.9 times the rate for cars of the same age.
- Brake pads worn below 1.5mm. On 1.5% of Mercedes-Benz GLA tests.
- Tyre cut deep enough to reach the cords. On 1.5% of Mercedes-Benz GLA tests.
The MOT checks safety and emissions items, not the engine, clutch or gearbox, so this is one measure of how each car holds up rather than a full reliability verdict. These figures describe the model, all its versions together, not this particular car.
From DVSA’s 2025 MOT results. See the full analysis
Who this car suits — and who should look elsewhere
Buyers who want a compact SUV and will check the dealer record against the recall list for the car’s registration.
Anyone buying a 2014–2017 car without a dealer record showing its recall work, or a 2014 diesel without checking the oil.
Alternatives to consider
If the Mercedes-Benz GLA doesn't suit, these comparable models are worth a look in the UK market:
Mercedes-Benz GLA: questions buyers ask
What are the most common faults on a used Mercedes-Benz GLA in the UK?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a long DVSA recall list, so check every car by registration. They include an oil-leak sealing ring on diesels built February to November 2014 (R/2014/182), a starter fuse fix on cars built February 2014 to February 2017 (R/2017/096) and a series of emergency-call recalls on 2016 to 2021 builds. What Car? ranks the 2020-on GLA 15th of 33 family SUVs at 94.6% (page updated 12 June 2025). GLAs registered 2014–2022 pass the MOT above all cars registered those years in 3 of 9 years and level in 6.
What is the best year to buy a used Mercedes-Benz GLA in the UK?
Best-buy years: no single year stands out. DVSA’s MOT table rates 2014, 2015 and 2021 registrations above all cars registered those years (by 8.9, 2.9 and 2.7 points) and the other six years level with them, so no single year stands out. The recalls follow build dates rather than registration years. What Car? ranked the 2020-on GLA 15th of 33 family SUVs at 94.6% (its page, updated 12 June 2025).
What years of Mercedes-Benz GLA should I avoid in the UK?
No specific year of the first generation 2014–2020 and second generation 2020–on Mercedes-Benz GLA is generally avoided. No year is named as one to avoid: DVSA’s MOT table rates no GLA registration year from 2014 to 2022 below the average for its year. The recall list is long for the first cars, built 2014 to 2017, so judge a GLA by its registration and its dealer record. MOT results measure roadworthiness at the test, not engine or electronics reliability.
How much does a used Mercedes-Benz GLA cost in the UK in 2026?
What sellers were asking on Autoza on 11 November 2026, for Mercedes-Benz GLA cars registered from 2014: £8,770–£18,250, median £11,500 — the range is the middle 80% of asking prices. Those are asking prices, not what buyers paid, and not a UK price index. Prices vary by mileage, region and trim, so compare several adverts of the same year and mileage band before negotiating.
What is the road tax (VED) on a Mercedes-Benz GLA in the UK?
Annual road tax (VED): £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. A car registered from April 2017 with a list price over £40,000 when new adds the £440/year Expensive Car Supplement in years 2–6 (£640 in all). Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).
What real-world fuel economy does a Mercedes-Benz GLA achieve on UK roads?
No sourced real-world figure for the GLA, so none is printed: the official lab figure depends on the engine and on the test cycle the car was approved under, so use the figure for the exact version you are looking at.
How does a Mercedes-Benz GLA compare to its rivals?
Strong alternatives in the UK: Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Audi Q3, BMW X1, Land Rover Discovery Sport. Choose based on dealer network in your area, parts availability, and your priorities (running cost vs. cabin quality vs. badge).
Who is the Mercedes-Benz GLA most suitable for?
Buyers who want a compact SUV and will check the dealer record against the recall list for the car’s registration.
Who should NOT buy a Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Anyone buying a 2014–2017 car without a dealer record showing its recall work, or a 2014 diesel without checking the oil.
Are there safety recalls on the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
DVSA lists 18 safety recalls for the Mercedes-Benz GLA that this guide shows or names, the largest first: R/2021/134 (162,581 vehicles in the whole recall, built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021): The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications; R/2021/110 (108,971 vehicles in the whole recall, built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021): The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications; R/2021/133 (106,665 vehicles in the whole recall, built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021): The emergency call system might not meet specifications. Whether a particular car is affected depends on its build date and VIN, so check its registration on GOV.UK (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy.
Is the Starter current limiter — fire risk if the engine seizes (2014–2017 builds) on the Mercedes-Benz GLA a serious problem?
Starter current limiter — fire risk if the engine seizes (2014–2017 builds) on the Mercedes-Benz GLA is covered by DVSA safety recall R/2017/096. Symptoms: DVSA wording: where the car incurs severe engine damage and the engine fails to turn over, and the driver repeatedly tries to start it, the very high electrical current could overheat the starting current limiter, with the potential for a fire. An additional fuse is installed in the electrical line to the starter. Years affected: GLA built 1 February 2014 to 28 February 2017. Indicative repair cost in the UK: Free under recall. What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. On a 2014–2017 car, ask for the Mercedes-Benz dealer record showing the extra fuse was fitted.
Is the Oil leak from a chain tensioner sealing ring on diesels (2014 builds) on the Mercedes-Benz GLA a serious problem?
Oil leak from a chain tensioner sealing ring on diesels (2014 builds) on the Mercedes-Benz GLA is covered by DVSA safety recall R/2014/182. Symptoms: DVSA wording: on certain diesel engines the O ring may not have been produced to the correct specification, which may allow oil to leak, and if excessive oil is lost engine damage may occur. The chain tensioner sealing ring is replaced. Years affected: GLA diesels built 1 February 2014 to 30 November 2014. Indicative repair cost in the UK: Free under recall. What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. On a 2014 or 2015 diesel, check the oil level and look under the engine for oil.
Is the Steering software backup (2019–2024 builds) on the Mercedes-Benz GLA a serious problem?
Steering software backup (2019–2024 builds) on the Mercedes-Benz GLA is covered by DVSA safety recall R/2024/166. Symptoms: DVSA wording: on affected vehicles the backup function of the steering software might not meet specifications, so the steering power support might be impaired and a loss of steerability cannot be ruled out. The software of the electric steering is updated. Years affected: GLA built 24 June 2019 to 31 January 2024. Indicative repair cost in the UK: Free under recall. What to check before buying: Check this one by registration through GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check (gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall) before you buy — an outstanding recall is free to put right and a completed one should be on the service record. On a 2019-on car, ask for the dealer record showing the steering software update was done.
Check these next
The guide above is about the Mercedes-Benz GLA as a model. These are about the car in front of you.
- Browse Mercedes-Benz GLA listings on AutozaEvery one listed now.
- Check any car by its registrationFree: its MOT history, tax status and any open recall, from a number plate.
- Work out the road tax for the GLAVehicle tax (VED) by registration date, CO2 and list price.
- Work out the monthly payment on a £11,500 GLAThe median asking price on Autoza on 11 November 2026, not what buyers pay: change it to the car you are looking at.
- What is your GLA worth?A price range from dealers' asking prices for comparable cars.
More checks on a Mercedes-Benz GLA
A fault list tells you what goes wrong; these tell you about the car in front of you.
Looking to buy a Mercedes-Benz GLA in the UK?
Search Autoza listings filtered by year, mileage, and region. Every dealer page shows the business name, address and contact details, so you can check the business before you enquire.