The Lemon Index

All cars · Mercedes-Benz GLA

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The 2019 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 39, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 26 to 27 mpg combined. The best Mercedes-Benz GLA year is 2016.

39Lemon Index · 100 = average car

One of the most reliable. 2.6× fewer complaints than average.

Best year 2016 · Worst year 2015

Mercedes-Benz GLA
Photo shows a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA. Vauxford, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Owner complaints9first 3 years
Fuel economy26–27 mpgcombined, EPA
Crash testnot ratedNHTSA

How serious. Out of 30 owner complaints, owners reported:

2crashes
2injuries
0fires
4tows

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

transmission & drivetrain44%
airbags22%
brakes22%
automatic emergency braking22%
steering22%

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.

Transmission problems in every Mercedes-Benz GLA year →

When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.

half by 50K
0K50K100K150K200K

Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 40K to 60K 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 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.

  • fuel system, gasoline 2021

    During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.

Show all 6 recalls
  • body structure 2021

    The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunro.

  • 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.

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Problems Mercedes-Benz told dealers about

Mercedes-Benz sent dealers 110 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

  • 7G-DCT: Scratching noise when changing gear from D to R when transmission cold
  • Noises from area of front axle
  • 7G-DCT: Scratching noise when changing gear from D to R with transmission cold

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Government investigations

  • ClosedFront roof panel detachment2021

NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.

Safety

Stability controlStandard
Collision warningOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Crash test details
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV 4WDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV FWDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated
Fuel cost and engines

About $2950–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.

In owners' words

While driving at various speeds, my car suddenly and without warning goes into neutral. I have to them switch it into drive. It happens several times during a drive and at varying times and varying speeds.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA owner · NHTSA complaint 11448141

Quick answers

Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA reliable?

Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 39; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mercedes-Benz GLA year by this measure is 2016.

What are the most common 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (44%), airbags (22%) and brakes (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2019 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 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA get?

26 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 44% of its owner complaints.

How much does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA cost in fuel a year?

About $2950 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA have?

2.0L 4-cyl.

What Mercedes-Benz GLA year is better than the 2019?

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

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data