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2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 35owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 1fire report
- 15%fail the UK MOT
35 complaints, against an average of 28 for the other 10 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class model years.
Every Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The components named most often in the 35 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 35 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a…On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Risk: On affected vehicles the panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof might not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Check the front fixed element of the panoramic sliding sunroof and replace if necessary.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAVehicles with a panoramic sunroofthe polycarbonate panel may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair
Risk: The polycarbonate panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly during a prior service repair.
Fix: Remove the bonded panel and install a new polycarbonate panel if required.
UK DVSAA bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications
Risk: A bore in the universal joint on the steering shaft might not meet specifications.
Fix: Check the steering shaft on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications
Risk: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications.
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system.
UK DVSAThe communication module may be deactivated
Risk: The communication module may be deactivated
Fix: Carry out a check of the configuration of the communication module on affected vehicles and if necessary activate the communication module.
UK DVSAThe software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications
Risk: The software of certain communication modules may not meet specifications.
Fix: Carry out an update to the software of the communication module on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAThe emergency call system (ecall) does not meet the specification
Risk: On affected vehicles the software of the communication module for the emergency call system does not meet the specification
Fix: Update the software of the communication module for the emergency call system
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components
UK DVSASteering components may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: It has been determined that the steering airbag electrical components are insufficiently grounded. Failure of the steering column module clock spring could result in an inadvertent deployment of the driver airbag which may cause risk of injury to the driver and an increased risk of a potential collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles the manufacturer will fit a contact bridge to the outer race of the steering column top bearing which will provide correct grounding.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAElectrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
Risk: The steering column clock spring may break. This will cause warning messages to illuminate in the instrument cluster but in extreme instances it may cause the driver's airbag to deploy.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to establish sufficient grounding of the steering components.
UK DVSAStarting current limiter may overload
Risk: Where the car incurs severe engine damage resulting in the engine failing to turn over (engine seizure) and if the driver repeatedly attempts to start the engine despite the engine not cranking the very high electrical current could lead to overheating of the starting current limiter and the potential for a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter.
UK DVSALeft and right window airbags may fail to deploy as intendedYears estimated
Risk: The left and right widow airbags may not meet specification. As a result they may not deploy in the event of an accident.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the left and right window air bags.
UK DVSALeft window airbag may not deploy as intended
Risk: The left widow airbag may not meet specification. As a result it may not deploy in the event of an accident.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the left window air bag.
UK DVSARight window airbag may fail to deploy as intended
Risk: The right widow airbag may not meet specification. As a result it may not deploy in the event of an accident.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the right window air bag.
UK DVSAAirbag may not deploy correctly
Risk: The propellant mixing ratio in the igniters of the front passenger airbag assembly may not meet specification. If the airbag is required and activated it might not deploy or not completely deploy. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag assembly.
UK DVSAFaulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
Risk: Where a control unit coding was updated in a workshop between 3 December 2016 and 5 December 2016 the coding may not correspond to the specification and may trigger unplanned action in the vehicle. The safety and emissions systems may not react as design intent.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the software in the corresponding control units.
EU Safety GateThe steering software may not correctly activate the fallback level in the event of a hardware failure.This could affect the power steering assistance and lead to the loss of steering capacity, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Update of the electric steering software; Date of entry into force: Unknown; Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine…A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA bore hole in the universal joint on the steering shaft may have incorrect size.As a result, there could be play between the bearing fitted into the bore hole and the universal joint, which could cause the joint to become detached over time.This would impair the vehicle’s steerability, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle…The polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fixing screw connecting the base holder of the manual control device may not be correctly fitted.This can impair the control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe steering column is not sufficiently earthed.As a result, in the event of an electrostatic discharge, the driver's airbag may be triggered when not required. This could cause an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe mixture ratio of the fuel in the inflators of the front-passenger knee, pelvic and side curtain airbags may not be correct.In the event of an accident requiring the deployment of the airbags, this could lead to the airbags not inflating properly.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateFollowing the update of the control unit coding, the coding parameters of the control unit could be defective.This could give rise to various unplanned reactions in the vehicle: the wrong airbag could be triggered in the event of an accident, the airbag control unit may not recognise the belt buckle status, the engine control unit could be coded with a false maximum speed or various assistance systems may not function.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2017, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class owners report?
12 of the 35 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Time chain problem. Dealer removed the engine light fuse so they hide the problem
Faulty Turbo Wastegate Actuator P0299 code Faulty Thermostat PO128 code
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the warning lights turned off one after the other and the instrument cluster independently powered off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,669.
Tire size 235/40 R20. Both front tires extremely worn in an uneven way with 1 having metal showing. Discout Tire in Lafayette, IN inpected and stated, "Lucky to be alive given how dangerous it is to drive on tires with metal exposed." Ordered new tires. Wouldn't even let us leave the parking lot due to safety. Used spare tire we carry to get home. Michelin denied the warranty claim due to improper servicing. No warning alerts. Vehicle was recently serviced by Mercedes of Lafayette on 3-34-26. Collected payment and handed my wife the key without volunteering ANY issue of ANY kind. Wife…
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the warning light that the driver’s side air bag required service was illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light was constantly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, and the contact was informed that there might be a recall associated with the VIN. The contact stated that one of the independent mechanics retrieved a DTC that the "Squib to the Driver's Side Air Bag had an Open Circuit" and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a local dealer and was…
Stearing wheel began to make a clicking sound and would hardly turn. The Front Left Malfunction Service required light came on and when I took it to the dealership they informed me that the clock spring and airbag are broken and need to be replaced. He stated the vehicale is drivable but the airbag does not work. In 2017/2018 there was a recall for this exact issue and it shows my car was impacted and the recall repair was completed but that was prior to me purchasing the vehicle. Because the recall has been closed they will not honor repairing it and the vehicle now does not have a airbag…
Check engine light received a diagnosis from Mercedes dealership that the crankcase ventilator line is malfunctioning and it’s a very common issue with this model. The transmission stalls during driving, the gears do not jump properly and the car cannot reverse, extremely dangerous at intersections and on the highway. Car needs to be turned off, cooled and restarted. This issue first appeared within a month of owning the vehicle from a certified Mercedes dealership. Refused to help during COVID, and by the time they were taking appointments again (two to three months after warranty…
LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AND SAID YOUR CAR WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE
A few times a week I will go to start my car and the smell of gas is too much to bear inside the vehicle! You can smell it for hours and is hard to drive with the windows up!
Smelling gas in the inside of vehicle when starting the engine. The smell of gas while driving dizzy and headache have drive with windows down until smell is no longer in the inside of vehicle. Took vehicle in and was charged $1500 no smell for about a week then called to let them know issue is still there took car back and was told the couldn’t smell anything. Started February 2023 as of today one year later still have the gas smell in vehicle repair shop is just taking my money and want me to keep bring in vehicle but issues still exist.
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the sunroof button was depressed, but the sunroof failed to close as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V058000 (COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MERCEDES-BENZ OF DES MOINES (9993 HICKMAN RD, URBANDALE, IA 50322) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE OVER THE AIR UPDATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND FIRST INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE…
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2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (10, 28.6%), engine (10, 28.6%), air bags (4, 11.4%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 mentions a fire, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
Across 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (28.6% of complaints), engine (28.6% of complaints), air bags (11.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (8.6% of complaints), power train (8.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Can the sunroof on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class shatter or fail?
4 of the 35 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (11.4%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2017 mercedes-benz gla250. the contact stated while driving 60 mph, the contact heard an abnormal cracking sound and felt water dripping on top of her." (NHTSA complaint 11361174, September 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
3 of the 35 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (8.6%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Check engine light received a diagnosis from Mercedes dealership that the crankcase ventilator line is malfunctioning and it’s a very common issue with this model." (NHTSA complaint 11634299, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own GLA-Class
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2017 only.