The Lemon Index2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
The 2018 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 37, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wheels, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 26 to 27 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz GLA year is 2016.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 51 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mercedes-Benz GLA year. 2018 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 12K to 65K miles on the car (16 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- body structure 2023
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details.
- electrical 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- body structure 2021
The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.
Show all 6 recalls
- communication 2021
On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles.
- electrical 2021
Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details.
- 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 106 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 $2950–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 37; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz GLA year by this measure is 2016.
What are the most common 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wheels (33%), airbags (33%) and engine (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA have?
6 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA get?
26 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA cost in fuel a year?
About $2950 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz GLA year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2016, 2017 and 2018.
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