What 49 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-benz GLA

The rear differental is grinding loumd when stopped then go

NHTSA ODI 11602435

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). Upon checking with Mercedes Benz of Tri Cities-Richland, WA, spending $400 on diagnostics, the staff quoted me $3500 for Crank Case Ventilation replacement. This is a really expensive part/labor and it is ridiculous that Mercedes does a poor job! A quick online search proved that this issue is pretty common in MBenz models, there should definitely be a recall. This is inconvenient and appropriate actions should be undertaken against this.

NHTSA ODI 11585554

Subject: Urgent: Electrical Issues Causing Frequent Dashboard crashes I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a recurring problem with my vehicle's electrical system, specifically the dashboard. Over the past few days, I have been experiencing frequent crashes where the dashboard turns off and on intermittently, rendering various functions inoperable. This issue has become increasingly problematic as it affects the proper functioning of essential components such as the speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature display, and other vital indicators. As a result, it has become difficult to monitor the vehicle's performance and ensure a safe driving experience. I have made several attempts to troubleshoot the issue, including checking the fuses, battery connections, and wiring harnesses, but to no avail. It appears that there is an underlying electrical fault that requires professional attention. Considering the importance of a fully functional dashboard system for the safe operation of the vehicle, I kindly request your assistance in addressing this matter urgently. I would greatly appreciate it if you could schedule a diagnostic appointment at your earliest convenience to identify and rectify the root cause of this issue. If it helps, I can provide additional information such as the make, model, and year of my vehicle, as well as any other details that may assist your team in diagnosing the problem more efficiently. Please let me know the best way to proceed and the soonest availability for an appointment. I understand that your schedule may be busy, but I hope we can find a suitable time for me to bring in my vehicle and have the issue resolved promptly. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon and finding a solution to this electrical issue. Warm regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11544654

The car makes a clunking sound when driving at a low speed or backing up. The clunking noise occurred after I bought it. The clunking noise began around 65k miles. The wheels make a rubbing noise also. I took car to my mechanic, he could not find anything.

NHTSA ODI 11526288

Strong fuel smell when starting under below freezing conditions.

NHTSA ODI 11510211

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. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509710

FCW gives a warning "Radar Sensors Dirty; See Operator's Manual" message in mild conditions of rain or light wet snow. Location is central Ohio. It happened this morning (2/15/2023) in light rain and temp probably in 40s. The message has appeared probably a few times per year since I've owned the vehicle (Dec. 2019). I took photos of the message on Jan. 31, 2020 (32 degrees F, thin layer of slush on front bumper) and April 21, 2021 (37 degrees F; front of vehicle appeared clean), so those are two other dates that it happened. I feel like it's not reasonable for such a system to not be able to operate in mild precipitation conditions.

NHTSA ODI 11507623

I was getting a warning sign on my screen in car. Is said safety problem. I tried to tell Mercedes’ but they did not want to see the car . They told me to go to the mechanic who did a small job fixing the car due from a small collision. I did take it back and mechanic said he didn’t touch that. When I was going through all of this I told Mercedes’ financial to hold on my account . I did not want to pay for an unsafe car. The financial dept. agreed and I asked them to note it that I called about this issue. Because of not paying they repossessed the car and I could t do anything about this but pay. The car was leased and I did not want to pay for a car that was unsafe. Now I have a credit to pay off 13000 and I don’t want this . I tried to contact the company and got redirected to places that didn’t rely of do anything . I wanted a replacement . If I have to pay I wanted them to give me a car because I don’t have one since. The account disappeared and there was no notes on what happened all I have was the pictures of car and the write up from the mechanics inspection . He saw There was something wrong . I sent in letters and the punctures but got nothing back. I emailed the sakes guy to tell him, this was revolt and no reply . I was right and the car got recalled shortly after this . It’s not fault of my own it is the car company to support their customers . As a consumer my rights were ignored and I am demanding some kind of compensation for this. I asked for a replacement and no reply the vin number is [XXX] glc gla?? 300 black I lost the car in 2019 and have not had a car since .a repossession in my credit report does not help me My address info [XXX] I could not even get a copy of my contract due to a wipe out of my account . Please let me know what I can do after this complaint . All of this is wrong and should not beesoecialky Mercedes’ ! They present themselves as a “family and caring but I isn’t INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11506704

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 issues really started. The car would not go into park or turn off. I sat with my foot on the brake for 30 minutes trying to continue turning the car off or put in park. I finally had my wife take the key and walk 1/8 mile away before the care would turn off. I had the car flat bedded to Mercedes of Cherry Hill. They had the car for several days. They called me and asked if the car was flooded or hit. I told them no to either. I explained how the car is garage kept. I was talking to my mechanic who services the car and started telling him the story. Before I could say anything he asked me if they asked me if the car was flooded? I said how did you know that? He told me that he has several customers with similar issues with the wiring harness in the front bumper. He told me that it's a bad design where water gets in and burns the harness out. The scary issue is the car not turning off or going into park. If my wife who drives the car was by her self had this issue what would she do?

NHTSA ODI 11493542

My backup camera doesn’t work at least half the time. The screen is completely black when I start the car, and the radio doesn’t even come on until I’ve been driving for about 15 minutes. The car does not charge either of my phones even with the cord provided by Mercedes that links to the screen. I depend on that for navigation, and the screen remains black. Since the phone won’t charge either, it runs out of charge quickly when trying to use it by itself for navigation.

NHTSA ODI 11489970

The Battery keeps draining, appears to be a design defect. Vehicle model Mercedes GLA250 - 2018 Battery light came ON and car needed a jump start, take it to the dealer. Per dealer vehicle failed to crank and failed load test. Battery was removed and replaced on 20 July 2021. Miles 20,153. Invoice #417618 Again on 17 - 18th May 2022 (odometer reading 23,961) car failed to crank. Called road side assistance (Call # 2-28496306974) . Battery was replaced "under warranty" Ordered Battery Tender (trickle charger) from Amazon, and on 25 May 2022 take it to the nearby mechanic to install Pre-wired to battery to enable Battery charger connection. Keep on using Battery charger to save from Draining the battery all the way. Have been doing this almost once every month.

NHTSA ODI 11487923

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. However the vin of our vehicle does not fall under the recall per my conversation with a MB rep. Mercedes Benz knows that this is a problem and will not add this vehicle to the recall. The glue holding the panel down is known to become weakened due to sun exposure. No lights on the dash are associated with this issue. The panel could have ripped off and hit a vehicle traveling behind us and caused an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11487062

Summary: Transmission automatically shifts out of drive into neutral. Loss of ability to accelerate when transmission shifts to neutral. No preemptive warnings from the vehicle prior to incident. After transmission shifts to neutral, warning displaying, "Do not shift, bring vehicle for service" appears on multifunction display. Same safety issue as described in NHTSA recall #: 21V-033. Sequence of events: When driving on the highway, transmission automatically shifted from drive to neutral, resulting in a loss of power. Was able to coast to side of highway safely, but could have resulted in an accident with multiple vehicles on busy highway. The vehicle was towed to a Mercedes Benz dealership where the dealership inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the problem as low main battery voltage preventing proper communication among the powertrain control modules. Battery was replaced by dealership as recommended but problem still persists. The issue is reproducible and occurs every time after about 20-30 minutes of normal driving. Additional Details: - Transmission/transmission control module failure while vehicle was in motion. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Problem is reproducible and occurs after approximately 20-30 minutes of normal driving. - Sudden and unexpected loss of ability to accelerate significantly increases the risk of a crash. - The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by Mercedes Benz of Owings Mills in Owing Mills, MD. However, the problem was misdiagnosed by the dealership. - No warnings or messages displayed in the vehicle prior to each occurrence. However, vehicle displays warning message after each occurrence. - Have been in contact with Mercedes Benz USA in regards to this issue, but they have declined to assist with recalling the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11479690

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 continue driving to her destination. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated that the failure was experienced several times. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11475911

I was driving the car at about 70 mph on an interstate highway during "rush hour" traffic when the Electronic Stabilization icon flashed on the dashboard screen and the car began to decelerate. I pressed on the accelerator pedal but the car continued to coast. A second or two later the dashboard screen flashed a warning stating something like "Brake assist activated" and the vehicle began to aggressively brake. I was in the middle lane of the interstate with vehicles around me travelling at 65 to 75 miles per hour and I could see a car rapidly approaching me from behind. It was apparent to me that my vehicle was going to come to a rapid stop in the middle of a busy interstate highway and that I was going to be struck from behind by one or more cars travelling at a high rate of speed. I did not think that I would survive such an impact and checked the right hand lane and noted no vehicles. Since all I could do with the car at that point was steer, I pulled my car into the right hand lane, attempting to avoid an inevitable high speed rear end collision. Unfortunately by that time my vehicle was still braking and travelling at a relatively low speed and was struck in the right rear area by another vehicle that was travelling at a much higher speed. Fortunately no one was injured in this crash, but there was extensive damage to both vehicles. I had not previously experienced this type of malfunction of the emergency collision avoidance system but on reviewing Mercedes Benz owners' blogs it is clear that this is not an isolated occurrence. I note that the owners of other car manufacturers have also experienced issues similar to mine, although most of them occurred in less dangerous situations and did not result in a crash. I believe that this "safety" system is flawed and placed my life, and the lives of others, in grave danger, much like the Boeing 737 Max issue, and that a recall and investigation is needed to prevent fatalities resulting from their malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11451776

I GOT HOME AND WHILE WAITING FOR MY GARAGE TO OPEN THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODE AND SHATTER WITH NO REASON, LUCKILY IT DID NOT HAPPENED IN THE FREEWAY, I READ THAT HAPPENS BEFORE TO A PILOT. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $250.00 JUST TO CHECK A BROKEN SUNROOF AND WONT ACCEPT THE DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI 11437378

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. OVER TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL FEATURES ON THE STEERING CEASED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ATLANTA CLASSIC CARS (1705 BOGGS RD NW, DULUTH, GA 30096) WHERE IT REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER WHILE WAITING TO BE DIAGNOSED. UPON INVESTIGATION, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS) WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000. *LN*JB

NHTSA ODI 11362772

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.

NHTSA ODI 11321182

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250 EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L 400 TIRES, SIZE: 235/50R18 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, CHUNKS OF TREAD STARTED TO SEPARATE FROM THE TIRES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. CARMAX (8611 S LA CIENEGA BLVD, INGLEWOOD, CA 90301, (310) 568-9272) WAS INFORMED, BUT UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,580. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF*JB

NHTSA ODI 11208088

YOU WOULD ALWAYS NEED TO THINK AND SEARCH WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO INVEST YOUR MONEY REGARDLESS OF CAR BRAND NAME... YES, NON OF THE (8) AIRBAGS EQUIPPED IN MY BRAND NEW 2018 CAR, AS CLAIMED BY MERCEDES BENZ (DISTRIBUTED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CAR), ALONG WITH THE MODERN SOPHISTICATED SAFETY TECHNOLOGY AS CLAIMED, HAS BEEN ACTIVATED/DEPLOYED DURING THAT CAR ACCIDENT TO PREVENT SEVERE PAIN FOR MY WIFE WHO WAS RUSHED THAT DAY TO A HOSPITAL FOR INTENSIVE MEDICAL CARE. AFTER THEIR ENGINEERING CREW INVESTIGATIONS, MB USA COMPANY PROVIDES RIDICULOUS AND UNPROFESSIONAL EXPLANATIONS ON WHY AIRBAGS WHERE NOT ACTIVATED/DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT, WHICH WAS ALMOST ABOUT CAUSING THE CAR TO BE FLIPPED OVER. I'M LEFT NOW FOR PAYING SOAR MEDICAL EXPENSES AND CAR REPAIR COST.

NHTSA ODI 11155898

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 WAS ONCE THE AIR-CONDITIONING FAILED TO WORK. I BELIEVE THE MB DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A FAULTY RELAY. THE CAR WAS ONLY SERVICED BY MB AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR. THE ENSUING FIRE CONSUMED MY GARAGE AND DESTROYED MY HOUSE. EVENTUALLY THE FIRE HIT OUR FUSE BOX CUTTING THE POWER TO THE HOME. THE LOSS OF ELECTRICITY WOKE ME UP. I HEARD A STRANGE NOISE AND INVESTIGATED. I SAW MY HOUSE ON FIRE AND WOKE EVERYONE UP AND WE ESCAPED UNHARMED. REPRESENTATIVES FROM MERCEDES AND MY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE WILL BE CONDUCTING AN INVESTIGATION OF DECEMBER 5TH AT 9:00 AM AT MY HOME AT 21311 FALLS RIDGE WAY, BOCA RATON FL 33428

NHTSA ODI 11152194

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS EXCEEDING A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL AND COULD NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF SMITHTOWN, 630 MIDDLE COUNTRY ROAD, STREET JAMES, NY 11780) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.

NHTSA ODI 11093660

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (LOEBER MOTORS, 4255 W TOUHY AVE, LINCOLNWOOD, IL 60712) AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11083398

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 CLING CLING NOISE. I REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I ALMOST OBSERVE EVERYDAY.

NHTSA ODI 11040373