The Lemon Index2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 9 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 33, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 27 to 28 mpg combined. It's the best Mercedes-Benz GLA year we track.
One of the most reliable. 3× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2015
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 53 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz GLA year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 8K to 59K miles on the car (12 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- body structure 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- body structure 2021
The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.
- communication 2019
For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf.
Show all 4 recalls
- airbags 2017
If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about
Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 126 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gasket may settle causing a slight oil leak
- Fault code P06DA00 is found current or stored in engine control unit
- Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedFront roof panel detachment2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 4 DR 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2850–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 33; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (33%), engine (22%) and electrical (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA have?
4 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA get?
27 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA cost in fuel a year?
About $2850 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works