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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 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
- 52owner complaints
- 3crash reports
- 1fire report
- 13%fail the UK MOT
52 complaints, against an average of 27 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The components named most often in the 52 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 52 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?7 owners · 13.5%
- Can the sunroof on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class shatter or fail?5 owners · 9.6%
- Why does my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?4 owners · 7.7%
- Why does my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class smell of fuel or gas?4 owners · 7.7%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?4 owners · 7.7%
Has the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 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 2018 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 DVSASRPC2404 – Backup function of steering software
Risk: On affected vehicles the backup function of the steering software might not meet specifications. As a result the steering power support might be impaired and a loss of steerability cannot be ruled out.
Fix: Update the software of the electric steering on the affected vehicles.
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 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 DVSADriver's airbag gas generator housing failure during deployment
Risk: On affected vehicles it has been determined that drivers airbags with potentially faulty gas generator housing material may have been installed in vehicles of model series 156 176 246 205 238 & 253. If the material of the gas generator housing fails during airbag deployment in the event of a crash the airbag system would possibly no longer have a restraint effect. In addition separating parts could enter the passenger compartment. This could lead to an increased risk of injury.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the driver's airbag
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.
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 end mount of the middle rear safety belt may not be correctly secured and could become detached.As a result, the safety belt will become inoperable, increasing the risk of injury in the event 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 casing material of the gas generator of the driver airbag may be defective.In the event that the airbag is deployed, the airbag may not protect the driver and detached parts might enter the passenger compartment causing injury to the vehicle occupants.
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
How often does the 2018 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 2018, 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class owners report?
12 of the 52 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.
When starting vehicle a strong fuel smell is noticed in the vehicle cabin.
After the vehicle's main battery fully discharged and the vehicle was jump-started, multiple SRS / driver airbag warnings appeared immediately, the horn and steering wheel controls stopped working, and a clicking noise developed in the steering column when turning the wheel. None of these symptoms existed before the battery discharge / jump-start event. Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota (Repair Order / Invoice 675113) performed XENTRY diagnostics and documented fault codes B000113 and B000213 (driver airbag squib stage 1 and stage 2 malfunction - open circuit), U100800 (LIN bus 1 malfunction in the…
Sunroof glass exploded without warning while driving at highway speed. Glass shards poured throughout the vehicle including on the driver, potentially putting the vehicle and other vehicles in danger.
The instrument cluster would fail intermittently, the speedometer would be my accurate speed, and then suddenly 0. Same for RPMs, gas, etc. Then after a period of time they would work again. Some times is was just oscillating back and forth between the failure modes. My blinkers would be on, but the instrument cluster and "click" would be out of sync. The "hold" feature that would hold the break was unavailable during the error state. All the instrument cluster lights would be blinking on and off rapidly. (have video)
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…
The vehicle experienced a sudden, total communication network crash on [XXX] the vehicle simultaneously triggered cascading critical safety system faults including “ inoperable” messages for the SOS system, Supplemental Restraint System ( SRS) and antilock brake system(ABS) along with check engine light on dashboard. The car locked itself in park and completely refuses to engage any drive gears. I took it to the dealer in Henderson, NV and they reported to me on Dec 24, 2025 that it will be a $1200 diagnostic and the repairs can be thousands of dollars. Since then I have taken it to 5 European…
Why is the Crankcase Ventilation System P052E Code (PCV) covered in most Mercedes models, but not the GLA? This is an expensive repair that seems to cover other cars but penalizes GLA owners just to have a safe car to drive like the other models. I strongly believe GLA should be on the recall list for the matter, as it is dangerous to drive on the road, especially for those who cannot afford to fix it for upwards of $1,500 to $2000.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, various warning lights, including the check engine, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), oil, and other warning lights, were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test; however, no faults were found with the vehicle. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to completely close; because of the failure, water was leaking inside the vehicle during inclement weather. In addition, the air bag warning light had also become illuminated. The vehicle was…
Rear differential is faulty. This is the second time it has failed. The first time was in October 2021 the mileage was 44,812 and it was repaired. More recently it was making a noise and I took it back to Mercedes Benz dealership for repair. It was not properly diagnosed over an 8 week period and now it has completely failed. After the fact, I discovered many more Mercedes Benz owners have had the same problem with this happening but there is no recall. I am reporting it so it can be noted that this is an on going issue with these vehicles and hopefully a recall of faulty equipment will be…
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.
The rear differental is grinding loumd when stopped then go
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.
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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (11, 21.2%), engine (10, 19.2%), air bags (6, 11.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 3 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
Across 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (21.2% of complaints), engine (19.2% of complaints), air bags (11.5% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (11.5% of complaints), power train (11.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
7 of the 52 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (13.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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 complaint 11664595, June 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.
Can the sunroof on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class shatter or fail?
5 of the 52 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (9.6%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "Sunroof glass exploded without warning while driving at highway speed. Glass shards poured throughout the vehicle including on the driver, potentially putting the vehicle and other vehicles in danger." (NHTSA complaint 11748081, July 2026). 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 does my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
4 of the 52 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (7.7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I was driving on the freeway and the transmission shifted into neutral and the car lost power. The Red malfunction lights came on and said transmission malfunction, DO NOT SHIFT, STOP driving immediately, contact dealer." (NHTSA complaint 11625915, November 2024). 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 does my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class smell of fuel or gas?
4 of the 52 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (7.7%) describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. One owner wrote: "When starting vehicle a strong fuel smell is noticed in the vehicle cabin." (NHTSA complaint 11771995, October 2026). 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 airbag light on in my 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
4 of the 52 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (7.7%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "After the vehicle's main battery fully discharged and the vehicle was jump-started, multiple SRS / driver airbag warnings appeared immediately, the horn and steering wheel controls stopped working, and a clicking noise developed in the steering column when…" (NHTSA complaint 11764183, September 2026). 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 2018 only.