Home · 2015 Mercedes-benz GLA · Complaints

What 100 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Mercedes-benz GLA

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (100)Crash / fire / injury (5)Engine (31)Transmission & drivetrain (15)Airbags (13)Electrical system (13)Body & structure (12)Fuel system (12)Visibility & wipers (10)Brakes (5)Driver assistance (4)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (3)

31 of 100 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Aug 11, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressed. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and DTC: P052E71; was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11679767

Jun 30, 2025EngineFuel system

Check engine light on my 2015 MB GLA250 4matic came on and the error is "P052E PCV Regulator Valve Performance". There is a recall for other MB vehicle with the same engine. I believe the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and other models with the same engine should be included in the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11670346

Jun 24, 2025Engine

I have a 2015 Mercedes benz GLA 250 showing code P052E There’s a TSB (MC‑10241531‑0001) and (LI01.20-P-076894 )covering intake‑line assemblies on similar M270‑engine models. Based on these two service bulletin kindly assist with extended emissions warranty

NHTSA ODI 11668794

Aug 27, 2024Engine

Today a Check Engine Light turned on my vehicle. I pulled the code via the OBD2 port and looked it up online. It turns out that this issue, code P052E, a defective Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve, is a well known problem on in-period MB cars and the manufacturer has issued an extended warranty to other models in their range, but excluded the GLA250, which uses the same parts as several other covered models including the GLC300, a vehicle covered by said extended warranty. If left untreated oil can travel up the electronic lines, ultimately fouling the ECU leading to an extreme hazard. This fault is also extremely expensive to fix, about $2000, as the faulty part (alone about $70) is sold only as a component of a larger kit (about $700), and installing the kit requires removing motor mounts and hoisting the engine. Mercedes should either widen the Extended Warranty to cover all of it's vehicles built with the defective part or issue a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11611263

Aug 22, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Good Afternoon, the status of my vehicle is simply UNKNOWN. I purchased my vehicle on the 26th last year of January. That same day I drove it back home my car was jerking. So I went back the following day to see if I could get into another vehicle because this one was malfunctioning they didn’t want to do anything for me. I tried so many different options to get out of this car I had a few scares driving this car the week of ownership. About sis times my car cut off completely during traffic and I have some recorded videos. Theirs a leakage somewhere I can fill up my gas tank to full and drive maybe two blocks away from my house and the gas meter is say that I have half a tank. Now my car is overheating, it’s not cranking it just tells me on the dashboard that 4MATIC is unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11610274

May 10, 2024Engine

My 2015 Mercedes Benz GLA check engine light came on for error P052E Positive Crankcase ventilation assembly. This is a $2,000 dollar repair because you need to buy the whole assembly and you can’t just buy the valve like other cars. This part has a recall on other models but not the GLA. For example the metrics uses the same part and is covered by a recall but not the GLA. We need to included in this recall. This design flaw renders my 2015 useless and virtually has no value. Please compel Mercedes to recall this defective part and design flaw that requires 6-8 hours of labor for a simple part that is easily accessible on all other cars.

NHTSA ODI 11588169

Apr 16, 2024Engine

The engine light is one and the related code for the engine light is P052E-71. The valve for Crankcase ventilation has a malfunction. There is recall for the code for other Mercedes Benz car model varies from 2015 to 2019. I believe this code on for GLA 250 is the same manufacture malfunction parts and should be recalled for free replacement for safety reason.

NHTSA ODI 11583328

Mar 8, 2024EngineFuel system

All MB GLA and CLA 2015 cars have a common issue "CRANKCASE VENTILATION VALVE" which should be replaced a few times for the cars. Each service will cost at least $2000.00. Please ask MB to recall their cars and fix this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11576297

Feb 5, 2024Electrical systemEngine

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle sputtered, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the collision assists warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed PVC valve. Additionally, the transmission assist needed service due to overheating. The collision assist warning light was reset. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred, and the collision assist, and the check engine warning lights illuminated again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure occurred four times. The vehicle was repaired twice by the dealer and once by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ODI 11570114

Jan 23, 2024EngineFuel system

When it first started to malfunction, my car would suddenly loose power out of nowhere and pretty much stop wherever. It's done it when I was crossing a busy intersection and it stalled right in the middle of the road causing other cars to have to stop or go around me. It has also stopped while I was driving on the freeway. I didn't even have enough power or momentum to pull off to a safe lane and almost caused an accident and several times while I was driving up a narrow two way road in the mountains. Later down the road my check engine light came on and I got the code p205e, Crankshaft ventilation breather hose is clogged, then my car lost power for good. It has been parked for almost a year now because I can't afford the repair and I am still paying car payments and insurance on it

NHTSA ODI 11567146

Jan 2, 2024Engine

I was getting of the highway when i heard a knocking sound. I pulled off the road and had my vehicle towed to my mechanic. According to my mechanic. I need a new motor because of a weld failure on the crankshaft.

NHTSA ODI 11562966

Jan 2, 2024Engine

Have seen a lot people I know with Mercedes have a code p052e and it cost over 2000 grand to repair. Should be a resall since a lot have been having same problem with the same code. Went off for now but I’ve seen online a lot saying it had check engine light come on again!

NHTSA ODI 11563146

Dec 27, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated, and there were fumes from the exhaust entering the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11562014

Oct 30, 2023Engine

Crankcase Vent Value defect

NHTSA ODI 11552626

Oct 23, 2023Engine

Positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve preformence I know alot people have same problem

NHTSA ODI 11551496

Oct 5, 2023Engine

We own a 2015 Mercedes GLA. There has been a voluntary extended warranty due to a known issue on their end for years with this very expensive fix on low mileage cars. The voluntary extended warranty for this issue is not including the GLA class, when Mercedes has known this is a known issue and defect with their vehicles at the detriment and safety of the owners who unknowingly have to deal with this. I am writing to encourage the NHSTA to have Mercedes be accountable for this issue outside of the complaints related to the C class.

NHTSA ODI 11548401

Mar 23, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The car had only 71,000 miles on it when it it had a crank no start situation that immobilized it and had to be towed. After diagnostics at two repair shops, it was determined that the exhaust camshaft was the cause. This model year car has a recall (Mercedes campaign 2015100009 and NHTSA campaign 15V662000) for the camshaft but not for the car's VIN. This failure should not occur in a car with this mileage. Had it suddenly stalled while driving, it could have resulted in a potential accident.

NHTSA ODI 11513403

Jan 5, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated there was an unknown message in RED displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted after several attempts and operated normally. The contact stated that the failure became more frequent. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11500367

Oct 1, 2022Electrical systemEngine

When I went to start my vehicle it did not turn on. The lights weren’t on and we had the battery and alternator checked out and they were fine.

NHTSA ODI 11487464

Aug 22, 2021Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

I was driving and my car randomly changed to neutral on the highway in traffic. I could not changed the gear and was almost hit by several cars that swirved around me. There is a recall for the 2019 version of the car for this very same issue but it exists in all years prior and Mercedes has not addressed it. This is happening to many of us and is being reported at glaowners.com

NHTSA ODI 11430060

Oct 6, 2020Transmission & drivetrainEngine

IT APPEARS THAT WHEN THE TURBOCHARGER IS ENGAGED, COOLANT LEAVING THE TURBOCHARGER IS SPRAYING FROM WHERE A PRESUMABLY NOW MISSING CLAMP WOULD OTHERWISE FORM A TIGHT FIT AROUND THE TUBING, WHICH IS NORMALLY HOUSED BENEATH HEAT SHIELDING. THE HEAT SHIELDING HAS BEEN DISPLACED BY THE HIGH PRESSURE PRODUCED BY THE HOT LIQUID. THE LIQUID IS SO HOT LEAVING THE TURBOCHARGER THAT AS IT SPRAYS OUT ONTO THE SURROUNDING AREAS IT HAS MELTED THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM.

NHTSA ODI 11363083

Jul 16, 2020Engine

ON SEPTEMBER 3RD, SUNDAY 2019, WE WERE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 60 WESTBOUND AT THE SPEED OF AROUND 65 MILES/HOUR. THE ENGINE OF MY CAR STOPPED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING, AND WE COULD MOVE THE CAR 20~30 YARDS BEFORE COMPLETE STOP. THE ONTARIO(CALIFORNIA) MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE CENTER TOLD US THE CAUSE OF THE CAR FAILURE WAS A HIGH PRESSURE OIL PUMP RELATED PROBLEMS. ON DECEMBER 7, 2019, THE SAME CAR PROBLEM OCCURRED. WE WERE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 20 MILES/HOUR ON A ROAD IN THE CITY OF TORRENCE, AND THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE LA SERVICE CENTER SAID THE CAUSE OF FAILURE RELATED TO THE MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM THAT GOVERNS HYDRAULIC PUMP AND ENGINE, AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FIXED AT THE CENTER, AND THEY HAVE TO CONTACT THE FACTORY. THE 3RD CAR FAILURE OCCURRED ON SATURDAY, 2020.7.12. ON 2020.7.11., ONE DAY BEFORE THE CAR FAILURE, THE CAR FRONT PANEL SHOWED A LIGHT INDICATING AN ENGINE CHECK IS REQUIRED. HOWEVER, THE WARNING SIGNAL FOR ENGINE CHECK DISAPPEARED AND USED VISIT SON'S HOUSE. AFTER VISIT, WE STARTED THE CAR, AND THE ENGINE DID NOT START WITH A SYMPTOM SIMILAR TO. PREVIOUS TWO CASES.

NHTSA ODI 11339692

Jul 2, 2020Engine

I BOUGHT THE MERCEDES GLA 250 IN SEPTEMBER 2018 AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON FOR A DAY OR TWO AND GO BACK OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE DID THE SAME THING AS BEFORE AND TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE AND STATED IT WAS A POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION ISSUE. I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THE CAR CUT OFF AND HAD TO RESTART THE CAR THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER I STOPPED AT ANOTHER LIGHT AND THE CAR STOPPED AND HAD TO RESTART AGAIN. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MERCEDES OF BEDFORD ON JUNE 25 AND THE YOUNG LADY NEVER COMMUNICATED THAT I WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY OR HAD TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC FEE. I WENT TO MERCEDES ON JUNE 29TH AND STATED I HAD TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE BUT WAS NOT MADE AWARE PREVIOUSLY ON JUNE 29TH. THE WARRANTY ON ON THE VEHICLE WAS UP ON MARCH 30TH. I LEFT AND DID SOME RESEARCH AND SEEMS THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE IS A COMMON ISSUE PLUS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR SOMETIME NOW. THE DEALERSHIP STATED IT WOULD TAKE UP TO 3 WEEKS TO A MONTH FOR THE PART TO COME IN FROM GERMANY. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE AND SEE HOW MANY CARS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11337140

Sep 25, 2019Electrical systemEngineFuel system

CHECK ENGINE APPEARED ON OUR DASH BOARD AT 56,000 MILEAGE AND DIAGNOSED WITH A PROBLEM OF THE AUXILLARY ELECTRICAL OIL PUMP. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WE HAVE CHECK ENGINE AFTER WE ARE OFF WARRANTY. I CAN ALSO SMELL GAS INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN I TURNED ON THE ENGINE

NHTSA ODI 11258021

Apr 23, 2019Engine

I HAVE MERCEDES BENZ GLA 250 YEAR 2015 AND THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ALREADY APPEARING IN MY DASH BOARD . I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN THIS CAR FROM HOME TO WORK WHICH IS 10-20 MILES AWAY. OTHER ISSUE I HAVE IS THAT WHEN THE WEATHER IS 30-40 DEGREES AND WILL HAVE MY HEATER IN MAX I SMELT A TERRIBLE GAS ODOR COMING FROM MY AIR VENTS

NHTSA ODI 11203129

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Working with the data? Download all 100 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2015 Mercedes-benz GLA verdict →