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 the emergency parking brake has been manually engaged. Immediately following this event, multiple warning lights illuminate on the dashboard (including a warning stating "Active Brake Assist Functions Limited"). Once these lights appear, the braking system completely locks up the wheels, stalling the vehicle in place and making it entirely impossible to move. This failure has occurred in active traffic, leaving the vehicle stranded and creating a severe rear-end collision hazard. I have already paid over $2,000 in out-of-pocket repair costs attempting to diagnose and fix this issue at independent shops, but the dangerous malfunction continues to happen. I am aware of a recent XXX Mercedes-Benz safety recall concerning defective door latch microswitches causing identical electronic parking brake lockups on GLA models. However, when checking my specific VIN on the manufacturer's database, it states my vehicle is not included. Given that my vehicle exhibits the exact same life-threatening failure symptoms as the recalled population, I request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue to determine if the current recall scope needs to be expanded to include my vehicle's batch. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical3
- Driver assistance2
- Engine2
- Fuel system2
- Steering2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical3
- Driver assistance2
- Engine2
- Fuel system2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Seats1
- Wheels1
Recalls 5
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 22V365000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 21V961000 · Recall details
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 21V197000 · Recall details
Communication
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 21V072000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 21V058000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Defect investigations
Front Roof Panel Detachment
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the federal safety agency 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 adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified the federal safety agency that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183
PE21001
Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 142
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz...
- In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the...
- Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is...
- Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors
- Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction...
- A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially...
- Hand detection system – malfunction / vehicles with code 266 Fault message in instrument cluster: "Active...
- Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end)
- Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed,...
- The customer requests deactivation of the N112/9 HERMES communication module Note: Deactivation of the...
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 24 | 34 | 28 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 22 | 30 | 25 |
What 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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 seat does create a blind spot, especially for someone of short stature since I cannot see over the passenger seat. To avoid anything like this, I’ve had to remove the passenger headrest, it even at the lowest to the ground setting, the top of the passenger seat is higher than the rear passenger window, but at least the headrest no longer obstructs the view over my shoulder
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 videos. The shade below the sunroof was not damaged, seems to be an internal force that made it explode and shatter into a thousand pieces.
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 submission that they are aware something is wrong. I don’t feel safe driving a 2020 car. There have been many class action suits but there needs to be another investigation and recall which MB knows there is a problem and hazard
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 replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB No: 2022030003. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
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 deteriorate and possibly have metal shavings travel into the engine. I was told initially by Mercedes Benz it was bad tires! I replaced the tires and the shuddering became worse. I searched for the problem myself on the internet as the problem continued to worsen and countless people are complaining, saying it’s the rear differential. The cost is between $4K and $5K to replace.
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 just “flashed” which also caused some “Panic” on me- brought the car to the shop- all they did ABS sensor replaced- no other issues noted- I read from MB owners forums about MB Recalls about same issues the federal safety agency 21V‑961 the federal safety agency 23V- 445
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 Not opening 4. Vehicle Overheating 5. Faulty Wiring 6. Screen Black out
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 accident for stopping without notice. I have one photo of the sudden transmission switch to M1 (today). Car has been towed to Mercedes service department; no other inspection yet. No warning lamps. Only that it is happening more frequently.
Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Other model years
Questions about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 reliable?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, fewer than a typical GLA 250 model year.
What is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 year score?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 scores 86 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250?
Electrical system, with 3 complaints. Next is driver assistance (2).
How many recalls does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 have?
5 recalls, covering electrical system, fuel system, gasoline and structure.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 electrical?
Yes, 3 recalls: 22V365000, 21V072000, 21V058000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 have the most electrical problems?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2015 (11 complaints), 2017 (10 complaints) and 2018 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 get?
Official estimates for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 range from 25 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 24 city and 34 highway.
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