2020 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Wheels (1) · Structure:body (1) · Steering (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (5)
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2022-05-20 · campaign 22V365000 · 242,722 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors 2021-12-13 · campaign 21V961000 · 139 vehicles
Defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
Structure:body:roof And Pillars 2021-03-19 · campaign 21V197000 · 15,096 vehicles
Defect: 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 wi
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.
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2021-02-12 · campaign 21V072000 · 67 vehicles
Defect: 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
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.
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2021-02-05 · campaign 21V058000 · 1,292,258 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Service bulletins (142)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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,
Power Train 2026-08-29 · LI 27.10-P-080851 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 tran
Fuel/Propulsion System 2026-08-15 · CL - Tank Leak Detection · Warranty Program/Extension
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
Electrical System 2026-08-06 · LI82.85-P-079087 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 al
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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,
Showing the 6 most recent of 142 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-19 · Service Brakes“vehicle: 2020 mercedes-benz gla 250 vin: [xxx] i am filing a safety complaint regarding a severe, recurring defect in the electronic parking brake (epb) and vehicle braking system. on three separate occasions, the vehicle has malfunctioned while driving, dangerously creating an imminent risk of an accident. without warning, the vehicle acts as if t…”
2026-09-30 · Structure:body“i have a 2020 gla 250 4 matic mileage 62000 with a rear differential failure was confirmed by a dealer. mercedes is aware of this problem, there should be a safety recall before someone gets hurt.…”
2026-08-15 · Seats“a bicyclist claims i almost ran him over. i didn’t hit him, but he fell over and made sued my insurance company. he claims he was at the right side of my car as i was merging towards the right to make a turn. if he was indeed in my blind spot, then it’s important to note that the blind spot assist didn’t alarm and that the design of the passenger s…”
2025-08-24 · Unknown Or Other“had just gotten on the expressway, when a loud gunshot noise was heard. out of fear, i ducked down, thinking it had actually been one. however, i heard a lot of wind coming in as if a window was down, when i look up, majority of my panoramic sunroof was gone. no messages or warnings appeared on the dash, and i pulled over to document photos and vid…”
2025-06-04 · Fuel/Propulsion System“problem has been confirmed by dealer that the rear differential assembly needs to be replaced. this is a very common defect with gla250’s. it been recalled in the past and mercedes benz is putting many drivers at risk. the estimated to replace is $6100! mercedes benz corporation refuses to replace the part only offering $1300. that is submiss…”
2024-10-21 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System · 86,000 mi“the contact owns a 2020 mercedes-benz gla250. the contact stated that while driving 35-40 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. there was an abnormally loud rumbling sound heard. the contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replac…”
2024-10-04 · Wheels“my mercedes benz gla250 has a faulty rear differential and began shuddering and driving poorly when it had 44k miles on it. this is a very premature failure as diagnosed by two repair shops and is happening to thousands of this model mercedes benz. the damage can be catastrophic if continued to be driven as the differential metal continues to deter…”
2024-09-24 · Unknown Or Other“strong “gas odor” upon entering car and continues despite opening all windows to ventilate-also on one time occasion - sudden deceleration and “surging speed” alternately while cruising- it feels that the car will “stop” and it’s worrisome that i may be “hit “ by the vehicle behind me- also several “dashboard warning lights” different messages ju…”
2024-03-06 · Steering“1. power steering: steering wheel went out on a freeway almost causing massive collision (this has happened twice) 2. car jerkiness: reported this to mbz of san rafael for 2 years (went into shop 10+ times for same issue and not resolved. it lunges forward while driving. this also is a safety issue almost causing me to hit a pedestrian 3. vehicle…”
2022-10-09 · Unknown Or Other“transmission problem. on several occasions while driving, the car has lurched to a stop because gear changed suddenly from drive to park. at other times, the engine revvs and slows when it suddenly switches from drive to "m1." after stopping, it goes back to "d" on its own. serious safety issue, as i can get rear ended in traffic, or cause an acc…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.