2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 has 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 41. The most common issue is engine problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: the problem is when travelling at low speeds or stop the car to halt able to hear a noise from the rear end. like a metal hitting another metal. it has been only 1 month i bought the car and 1300miles on it. the car is making really loud noise when stopped and hear it properly. it is making clin. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
67
Total Complaints
6
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.6x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
12 complaints- • THE PROBLEM IS WHEN TRAVELLING AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOP THE CAR TO HALT ABLE TO HEAR A NOISE FROM THE REAR END. LIKE A METAL HITTING ANOTHER METAL. IT HAS BEEN ONLY 1 MONTH I BOUGHT THE CAR AND 1300MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS MAKING REALLY LOUD NOISE WHEN STOPPED AND HEAR IT PROPERLY. IT IS MAKING CLIN
- • CAR BATTERY DIES IF VEHICLE NOT DRIVEN OFTEN AND/OR FOR LONGER DISTANCES. THIS WAS NOT EXPLAINED AT TIME OF SALE NOR DOES MANUAL MENTION. THERE IS NO WARNING LIGHT THAT BATTERY IS LOW. NO FIX. TOLD I SHOULD HOOK UP TO TRICKLE CHARGER. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY.
- • In July 2022 I was a few miles from my home when the cluster starting showing warning lights. It started scrolling inoperative power brakes, inoperative steering and inoperative parking. Also the cluster was completely lit up. I turned the car around and put it in my garage. This is where the is
“THE PROBLEM IS WHEN TRAVELLING AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOP THE CAR TO HALT ABLE TO HEAR A NOISE FROM THE REAR END. LIKE A METAL HITTING ANOTHER METAL. IT HAS BEEN ONLY 1 MONTH I BOUGHT THE CAR AND 1300MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS MAKING REALLY LOUD NOISE WHEN STOPPED AND HEAR IT PROPERLY. IT IS MAKING CLIN”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Based on 23 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 40K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (6)
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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Service Intervals
Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles
These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2018 GLA 250, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 67 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: THE PROBLEM IS WHEN TRAVELLING AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOP THE CAR TO HALT ABLE TO HEAR A NOISE FROM THE REAR END. LIKE A METAL HITTING ANOTHER METAL. IT HAS BEEN ONLY 1 MONTH I BOUGHT THE CAR AND 1300MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS MAKING REALLY LOUD NOISE WHEN STOPPED AND HEAR IT PROPERLY. IT IS MAKING CLIN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: AT 1:10 AM THE 2018 MERCEDES BENZ GLA SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE AND HAD NOT BEEN USED IN OVER 6 HOURS. THE CAR HAD 11,000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS LAST SERVICED BY MB OF COCONUT CREEK ONE MONTH EARLIER FOR THE ROUTINE 10K SERVICE. THE ONLY PROBLEM WE HAD WITH THE CAR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: THE PROBLEM IS WHEN TRAVELLING AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOP THE CAR TO HALT ABLE TO HEAR A NOISE FROM THE REAR END. LIKE A METAL HITTING ANOTHER METAL. IT HAS BEEN ONLY 1 MONTH I BOUGHT THE CAR AND 1300MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS MAKING REALLY LOUD NOISE WHEN STOPPED AND HEAR IT PROPERLY. IT IS MAKING CLIN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while his wife was driving and the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, the vehicle shifted independently into neutral(N). The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver restarted the vehicle and was able to cont
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 67
- Recalls
- 6
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 2
- Injury reports
- 1
- Segment avg
- 41
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250