Mercedes-Benz GLA Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mercedes-Benz GLA model year (2015–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 69 complaints
5 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 91
8 recalls · 29 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 59
7 recalls · 25 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 52
Best Mercedes-Benz GLA Years to Buy
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 1
0 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Problem score: 2
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
Found the right year? Verify that specific GLA with a free VIN report.
Mercedes-Benz GLA — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 1 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 6 | 2 | — | 10 | Good |
| 2022 | 0 | 2 | — | — | 2 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 5 | 18 | 2 | — | 37 | Caution |
| 2020 | 4 | 5 | — | — | 17 | Good |
| 2019 | 8 | 29 | 3 | — | 59 | Caution |
| 2018 | 7 | 25 | 3 | — | 52 | Caution |
| 2017 | 9 | 20 | 2 | — | 51 | Caution |
| 2016 | 4 | 32 | 2 | — | 48 | Caution |
| 2015 | 4 | 69 | 5 | — | 91 | Avoid |
All 12 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2025Recent GLA models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2025 stands out with just 1 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade GLA units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year GLA should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA if possible. It has 4 recalls, 69 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 91 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year GLA to buy?+
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 1. It has only 0 recalls and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which GLA has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2022, 2024 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mercedes-Benz GLA Research
Check a Specific Mercedes-Benz GLA VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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