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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Gas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
4 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
49 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical 12
Complaints3 crash · 1 fire · 1 injured reported 52
Crash ratingnot rated by NHTSA —
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 27 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the GLA250, is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 52 complaints, most often about the engine.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
GLA250GasFWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo243327$3,050
GLA250 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo233126$3,150
GLA250 4maticGas4WD (part-time)2.0L 4-cyl turbo233126$3,150
AMG GLA45 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo222825$3,300

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 38743, 38768, 38769, 38797.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
GLA250, GLA250 4matic5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
AMG GLA45 4matic3 / 10Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 / California LEV-III ULEV125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body stylePickup
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders8
Displacement5.7 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower395 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Transmission

Drivetrain4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
TransmissionAutomated Manual Transmission (AMT)
Transmission speeds7

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: AMG GLA45, GLA250, GLA250-4M, SLT). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length174.0–174.8 in
Width (body, without mirrors)70.9 in
Height58.3–60.6 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Track, front61.8 in
Track, rear61.4 in
Curb weight3,318–3,494 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear60/40

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 2 configurations: Gla 250 4Matic 4-door SUV AWD, Gla 45 AMG 4Matic 4-door SUV AWD. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

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Factory warranty running out?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
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Structure

2,976 vehicles 41% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle. Risk A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
NHTSA campaign 23V854000 reported Dec 15, 2023 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Electrical System

See Recall Schedule
242,722 vehicles 91% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system. Risk A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury. Fix The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V365000 reported May 20, 2022 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Steering

2021060001
4,992 vehicles 77% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 B250e, CLA250, 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250, and AMG GLA45 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint. Risk A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021060001.
NHTSA campaign 21V229000 reported Apr 1, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Structure

2021070010
15,096 vehicles 64% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. Risk The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V197000 reported Mar 19, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Communication

2021030005
67 vehicles 87% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function. Risk A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
NHTSA campaign 21V072000 reported Feb 12, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Electrical System

2021020025
1,292,258 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash. Risk Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
NHTSA campaign 21V058000 reported Feb 5, 2021 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Seat Belts

2019080010
3,435 vehicles 89% reported repaired built Jun 6, 2018 – Sep 27, 2018
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt may be loose. Risk The seatbelt for a passenger seated in the rear middle seating position might not be properly secured, which could increase the risk of an injury in the event of a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt, correcting its installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080010.
NHTSA campaign 19V585000 reported Aug 12, 2019 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Seats

2019030003
8 vehicles 88% reported repaired built Feb 15, 2018 – Aug 8, 2018
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA-250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. An incorrect rear seat back covering carpet could have been installed on the split-rear seat back. As a result, the child seat anchorage point (top tether) on the center positon of the rear seat may be covered and inaccessible for use. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." Risk If the upper anchorage point is covered, the child seat will not be able to be secured as intended in the center position of the rear seat, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Fix Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear seat back covering carpet on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz's customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mercedes' number for this recall is 2019030003.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V132000 reported Feb 26, 2019 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Visibility

2019030006
13 vehicles 92% reported repaired built Jun 7, 2018 – Jul 13, 2018
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The sunroof bonding may allow water to leak into the vehicle. Risk Water leaking into the vehicle from around the sunroof may affect the electrical contacts of the window air bag, potentially causing the window air bag to not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Fix Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding of the panorama sliding sunroof and the electrical contacts of the window air bag on the affected vehicles, replacing the components as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030006.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V912000 reported Dec 19, 2018 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Child Seat

2018070008
399 vehicles 74% reported repaired built Mar 13, 2017 – Apr 28, 2017
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and GLA250 4Matic vehicles. The child seat top tether anchorage point on the center position of the rear seat may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." Risk If the top tether anchorage point is missing, a child seat will not be able to be properly installed in the center rear seat position, increasing the risk of injury. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat backrest, free of charge. The recall began August 15, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V405000 reported Jun 15, 2018 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
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Exterior Lighting

2017100009
8 vehicles 88% reported repaired built Dec 12, 2016 – Dec 16, 2016
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLA250 4Matic vehicles. The low beam headlight settings on these vehicles may deviate from the required specification, reducing the range of light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Risk Reduced headlight range can affect visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Fix MBUSA owns the affected vehicles. Dealers will inspect the headlight adjustment, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 27, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017100009.
NHTSA campaign 17V653000 reported Oct 16, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Air Bags

2017110011
495,290 vehicles 81% reported repaired
Problem Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Risk If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash. Fix MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V627000 reported Oct 6, 2017 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module — Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf. Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a subst

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · action EA21002 · the investigation’s page →

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars — Front Roof Panel Detachment closed

On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles. The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adh

Opened Jan 8, 2021 · closed Oct 14, 2021 · action PE21001 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific GLA-Class

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2018 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Mercedes-Benz publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this GLA-Class →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
52complaints filed

3 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 1 injuries · 0 deaths reported

17 per 10,000 built · Mercedes-Benz reported 30,106 GLA-Class built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2017: 1 · 2018: 4 · 2019: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2022: 7 · 2023: 6 · 2024: 8 · 2025: 14 · 2026: 8

Most-cited components

Engine 12
Electrical System 11
Unspecified 10
Fuel/Propulsion System 7
Air Bags 6
Power Train 6

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The instrument cluster would fail intermittently, the speedometer would be my accurate speed, and then suddenly 0. Same for RPMs, gas, etc. Then after a period of time they would work again. Some times is was just oscillating back and forth between the failure modes.
Electrical System Jun 26, 2026 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11746825
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while his mother was driving 45 MPH, the message that reverse was not available was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted into neutral independently and the ABS inadvertently engaged.
Power Train at 59,762 miles Nov 25, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11627247
Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve - Code P052E This Recall are mentioned for other models with same year 2017 - 2020 But why not for GLA250. it's same problem and Dealer quote me $1500 - $2000 for Repair Following threads prove there's lot of owners with same issue
Fuel/Propulsion System Aug 16, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11608936
My Car's warranty expired in Dec 2022 and a few months later the engine light came on. It stayed on for a few weeks than was turned off by itself. In Dec 2023, the engine light came back on again. I also noted jerks when driving slow (10 miles/h).
Engine Apr 27, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11585554
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the clockspring in the steering column was fractured and made inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired.
Air Bags at 45,000 miles Mar 1, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11509710
While driving the vehicle on the highway the front panel immediately in front of the panoramic roof was ripped off. The glue holding the panel in place was defective and is a known issue that currently has a recall out issued by Mercedes Benz.
Structure Sep 29, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11487062

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Mercedes-Benz itself: 12 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 2 killed, 17 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 40 per 100,000 built. Every GLA-Class model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 45k

miles, typically

Half the 16 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 18,000 and 60,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

Too few readings for a curve — the 16 on file: 3 under 10k, 2 10k–20k, 1 20k–30k, 1 30k–40k, 4 40k–50k, 1 50k–60k, 1 60k–70k, 1 90k–100k, 1 100k–150k, 1 150k +.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 1 filing by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Mercedes-Benz warranty extension (9) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 248
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-22
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 236 service bulletins, 5 warranty extensions, 4 others

Most often about: Electrical System, Equipment, Power Train, Exterior Lighting, Steering.

  • LI42.10-P-078779 Service bulletin
    2026-09-22 · Service Brakes
  • Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as
  • LI82.62-P-078631 Service bulletin
    2026-09-14 · Structure — Body
  • Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document i
  • LI42.10-P-063502 Service bulletin
    2026-09-01 · Service Brakes
  • Complaint Noises/ squealing from the service brake in various driving situations and ambient conditions. Cause Frictional vibrations Remedy The intent of this document is to reduce noise from high performance AMG brakes. AMG brakes are designed for performance under high load and in certain scenarios, can emit noise. Some scenarios are normal and some are induced by driving style like those listed
  • LI 27.10-P-080851 Service bulletin
    2026-08-29 · Power Train
  • Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur in all drive modes. Cause Dual‑clutch transmissions (DCT) inherently exhibit more dynamic shifting behavior compared to other types of transmi
  • 11036999 Warranty extension
    2026-08-15 · Fuel/Propulsion System
  • Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whicheve
  • LI82.85-P-079087 Service bulletin
    2026-08-06 · Electrical System
  • Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 H
  • LI82.62-P-078631 Service bulletin
    2026-08-06 · Structure — Body
  • Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Information: Please refer to this doc
  • LI35.30-P-058566 Service bulletin
    2026-07-14 · Power Train
  • Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P052E
P052E on Mercedes-Benz →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine3 owner reports

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class failed the emissions check on 2.6% of first inspections — close to the 3.0% for every 2018 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.6% (every 2018 vehicle: 1.9%).

New York inspections 2.6%

failed emissions

892 initial inspections of 872 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2018 GLA-ClassEvery 2018 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check2.6%3.0%891
Failed the safety inspection1.6%1.9%892
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.34%0.22%892
Miles driven a year8,14210,002odometer at inspection
Average odometer67,10782,833odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2018 vehicle” is every 2018 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Common questions about the 2018 GLA-Class

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 12 recall campaigns for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, 1 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 17V627000, covering Air Bags. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

NHTSA has not published a crash-test rating for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class yet. On the recall record WhichTrim grades it F (49/100), which measures open and severe recalls rather than crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

Across the 4 EPA-rated configurations of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the best EPA combined figure is 27 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

Transport Canada measured it at 174.0–174.8 in long, 70.9 in wide (body, without mirrors), 58.3–60.6 in tall, on a 106.3 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 3,318–3,494 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, most often about engine, electrical system, unspecified. Of those, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

The EPA smog rating for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class runs 3 to 5 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III ULEV125, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

The manufacturer has filed 248 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, most often covering electrical system, equipment, power train. The most recent is dated 2026-09-22. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class failed the emissions check on 2.6% of first inspections — close to the 3.0% for every 2018 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.6% (every 2018 vehicle: 1.9%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations4 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates4 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls12NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints52NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratingsnoneNHTSA NCAPNHTSA has not tested this model year. Cars are selected for testing, so untested is not unsafe.
Service bulletins248NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations2NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA11 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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