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
2 recalls · 71 complaints
5 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 87
7 recalls · 29 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 56
7 recalls · 27 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 54
Best Mercedes-Benz GLA Years to Buy
1 recall · 1 complaint
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 4
1 recall · 1 complaint
Main area: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
Problem score: 4
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 6
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 | 1 | — | — | 4 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 4 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 1 | 7 | 2 | — | 14 | Good |
| 2022 | 2 | 2 | — | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 6 | 20 | 2 | — | 42 | Caution |
| 2020 | 2 | 7 | 2 | — | 17 | Good |
| 2019 | 7 | 29 | 3 | — | 56 | Caution |
| 2018 | 7 | 27 | 3 | — | 54 | Caution |
| 2017 | 5 | 20 | 2 | — | 39 | Caution |
| 2016 | 2 | 32 | 2 | — | 42 | Caution |
| 2015 | 2 | 71 | 5 | — | 87 | 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: 2026Recent GLA models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 4 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade GLA units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 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 2 recalls, 71 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 87 — 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 4. It has only 1 recall and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which GLA has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2026, 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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