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Mercedes-Benz GLA.
The best Mercedes-Benz GLA years are 2016, 2017, 2018, and no year drew much more than the average car's complaints. Across 2015-2021, it has a Lemon Index of 50, where 100 is the average car and lower is better.
Reliability by year, 2015 to 2019.

Every year. Lower is better. Tap a year for its full report.
Best years to buy
2016.
Years to avoid
None.
No Mercedes-Benz GLA year drew much more than the average car's complaints.
Quick answers.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA a good car?
Yes, it draws fewer complaints than the average car, by owner complaints to the government per car sold (2015-2021: Lemon Index 50; 100 is average). Some years are much better than others: the best is 2016 and the worst is 2015.
What are the best Mercedes-Benz GLA years to buy?
By owner complaints per car sold: 2016, 2017, 2018.
What Mercedes-Benz GLA years should you stay away from?
No Mercedes-Benz GLA year drew much more than an average car's complaints.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GLA have?
27 safety recalls across the 5 model years we track. Most: 2017 (7), 2018 (6), 2019 (6). Each year's page lists them.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz GLA problems?
Across every year, owners' complaints to the government name airbags, engine and electrical most. Some years are much worse than others: see the chart above.
Every year in one table
| Year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Top complaint | Recalls | Crash test | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 84 | 1.2× fewer complaints than average | 27 | airbags (30%) | 4 | — | 27–28 |
| 2016 | 33 | 3× fewer complaints than average | 9 | airbags (33%) | 4 | — | 27–28 |
| 2017 | 35 | 2.9× fewer complaints than average | 9 | electrical (56%) | 7 | — | 26–27 |
| 2018 | 37 | 2.7× fewer complaints than average | 9 | wheels (33%) | 6 | — | 26–27 |
| 2019 | 39 | 2.6× fewer complaints than average | 9 | transmission & drivetrain (44%) | 6 | — | 26–27 |
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. How it works
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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