The Lemon Index
2020Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 14,322 in the U.S. in 2021 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 14 complaints in its first 3 years.
14 owner complaints, first 3 years 27–28 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 Acura RDX 1162021 BMW X3 722021 Mercedes-Benz GLK/GLC 72
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V481000 (latches/locks/linkages), 22V365000 (electrical) and 22V232000 (back over prevention) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mercedes-Benz's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 14 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
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.
Transmission problems in every Mercedes-Benz GLA year →
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Recalls 6
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information.
- Electrical · recall issued 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2022
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
Show all 6 recalls
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2021
Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details.
- Communication · recall issued 2021
On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles.
- Electrical · recall issued 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.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Mercedes-Benz GLA recall, all years · All Mercedes-Benz recalls
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$2,950 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Every Mercedes-Benz GLA year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 5 Mercedes-Benz GLA years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mercedes-benz-gla/?y=2021" title="Mercedes-Benz GLA reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="330" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mercedes-benz-gla/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA reliable?
We can't score it: only 14,322 were sold in the U.S. in 2021 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (21%), brakes (14%) and backup camera (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA have?
6 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA get?
27 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $2,950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Mercedes-Benz GLA year is better than the 2021?
Nearby, the 2018 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit under half as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2016 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner 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 years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works