Home · 2018 Mercedes-benz GLA · Complaints

What 49 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 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 (49)Crash / fire / injury (4)Electrical system (10)Engine (10)Fuel system (6)Transmission & drivetrain (6)Airbags (5)Wheels (5)Body & structure (4)Driver assistance (3)Visibility & wipers (3)Backup camera & sensors (2)

6 of 49 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters

Jun 22, 2026EngineFuel system

I am filing a complaint regarding my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. My vehicle recently triggered a check engine light and was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with code P052E, related to the positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve / crankcase ventilation system. My mechanic advised that this issue appears to be similar to a known Mercedes-Benz issue affecting other model years and/or related Mercedes models. Mercedes-Benz has issued an emissions extended warranty/service coverage for a similar crankcase ventilation / intake line assembly issue on other vehicles, including fault code P052E71. However, my vehicle does not appear to be included despite having the same or very similar failure code and system issue. I am concerned that this may be a broader defect affecting additional Mercedes vehicles beyond the models currently covered. The issue involves the crankcase ventilation/PCV system and may require repair of related intake line, valve cover, oil separator, or ventilation valve components. I believe this should be reviewed because owners of vehicles with the same failure pattern may be responsible for costly repairs even though the issue appears similar to one Mercedes has already acknowledged on other models. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vehicles should be included in any related recall, defect investigation, emissions warranty extension, or service campaign related to code P052E / P052E71 and the crankcase ventilation regulator valve system.

NHTSA ODI 11745674

Jun 3, 2025Fuel system

Crankcase Vent Valve needs replaced. Causes jumps in acceleration and pressure build up. Was a recall in other models. Took to a dealer today to confirm the check engine light and this was the cause.

NHTSA ODI 11664595

Feb 26, 2025Fuel system

There was a gas smell that would seep into the driving cabin from the engine. It was intermittent however when it did occur, the smell was strong enough to cause light headedness to the occupants of the vehicle. I took the car to my personal mechanic who told me that this was a common issue with these cars; however, Mercedes had not issued a recall. I my mechanic fix the issue since they had already diagnosed the problem. I did some research and discovered that there is class action law suit regarding this same issue. (Please see link below:). I am respectfully requesting NHTSA conduct an investigation into this matter as this is definitely a safety hazard as the gas smell could impair the driver to the point of not being able to drive the vehicle safely. [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11645071

Jan 8, 2025Fuel system

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLA 250. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, it was discovered that there was a fuel leakage. The hazard warning light was illuminated. The contact did research and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ODI 11634864

Aug 16, 2024EngineFuel system

Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve - Code P052E This Recall are mentioned for other models with same year 2017 - 2020 But why not for GLA250. it's same problem and Dealer quote me $1500 - $2000 for Repair [XXX] Following threads prove there's lot of owners with same issue. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11608936

Mar 5, 2023Fuel system

Strong fuel smell when starting under below freezing conditions.

NHTSA ODI 11510211

Working with the data? Download all 49 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 2018 Mercedes-benz GLA verdict →