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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 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
- 11owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 9%fail the UK MOT
11 complaints, against an average of 31 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The components named most often in the 11 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 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 2020 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 DVSALocking pawl spring of the left hand side door locks might not be greased correctly
Risk: On certain vehicles with an additional door lock the locking pawl spring of the left side door locks might not be greased according to specifications.
Fix: Conduct greasing of the locking pawl spring on the affected vehicles.
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 variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications
Risk: The variant of spark plugs installed may not meet specifications.
Fix: Replace the spark plugs on the affected vehicles.
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 ground connection of the passenger air bag might not meet specifications
Risk: The ground connection of the passenger airbag might not meet specifications.
Fix: Check the ground connection of the passenger airbag and rework it if necessary.
UK DVSAThe oil supply line of the turbocharger may leak
Risk: The oil supply line of the turbocharger might leak
Fix: Check the oil supply line of the turbocharger on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary
UK DVSAThe bolts on the rear axle may not be tightened correctly
Risk: The bolts on the rear axle might not be tightened correctly
Fix: Check the tightening of the bolts on the rear axle on the affected vehicles and correct it if necessary
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 GateDue to a defect in the high fuel pressure manifold the engine might be damaged.This may lead to reduced engine power and to inability to start the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateImproper wiring harness of the left rear side airbag can damage the airbag when weight is placed on the rear seat cushion.As a result, this airbag may not deploy, 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 GateImproper torque of the screws on the brake caliper housing can cause the screw connections to become loose.As a result, the braking performance would be reduced and components of the brake caliper may be lost, increasing the risk of accidents.
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 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 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 ground connection of the passenger airbag may be inadequate and any electrostatic charge might not be conducted away through it.As a result, the passenger airbag could be triggered unnecessarily even if it has been properly deactivated because a child seat is being used on the passenger seat. This could lead to an increased risk of accident or injury.
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 oil-supply pipe on the turbocharger may leak.As a result, engine oil could leak onto the under-body paneling and from there onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.Moreover, leaking engine oil might come into contact with hot components in the engine compartment, 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 GateThe screws on the rear axle might not be tightened properly, which could lead to overloading of other screw connections.This can result in loss of wheel control and consequently to loss of 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
How often does the 2020 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 2020, 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class owners report?
11 of the 11 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.
Vehicle: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 VIN: [XXX] I am filing a safety complaint regarding a severe, recurring defect in the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and vehicle braking system. On three separate occasions, the vehicle has malfunctioned while driving, dangerously creating an imminent risk of an accident. Without warning, the vehicle acts as if the emergency parking brake has been manually engaged. Immediately following this event, multiple warning lights illuminate on the dashboard (including a warning stating "Active Brake Assist Functions Limited"). Once these lights appear, the braking…
I have a 2020 GLA 250 4 matic mileage 62000 with a rear differential failure Was confirmed by a dealer. Mercedes is aware of this problem, there should be a safety recall before someone gets hurt.
A bicyclist claims I almost ran him over. I didn’t hit him, but he fell over and made sued my insurance company. He claims he was at the right side of my car as I was merging towards the right to make a turn. If he was indeed in my blind spot, then it’s important to note that the blind spot assist didn’t alarm and that the design of the passenger seat does create a blind spot, especially for someone of short stature since I cannot see over the passenger seat. To avoid anything like this, I’ve had to remove the passenger headrest, it even at the lowest to the ground setting, the top of the…
Had just gotten on the expressway, when a loud gunshot noise was heard. Out of fear, I ducked down, thinking it had actually been one. However, I heard a lot of wind coming in as if a window was down, when I look up, majority of my panoramic sunroof was gone. No messages or warnings appeared on the dash, and I pulled over to document photos and videos. The shade below the sunroof was not damaged, seems to be an internal force that made it explode and shatter into a thousand pieces.
Problem has been confirmed by dealer that the rear differential assembly needs to be replaced. This is a very common defect with gla250’s. It been recalled in the past and Mercedes Benz is putting many drivers at risk. The estimated to replace is $6100! Mercedes Benz corporation refuses to replace the part only offering $1300. That is submission that they are aware something is wrong. I don’t feel safe driving a 2020 car. There have been many class action suits but there needs to be another investigation and recall which MB knows there is a problem and hazard
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormally loud rumbling sound heard. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB No: 2022030003. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
My Mercedes Benz GLA250 has a faulty rear differential and began shuddering and driving poorly when it had 44K miles on it. This is a very premature failure as diagnosed by two repair shops and is happening to thousands of this model Mercedes Benz. The damage can be catastrophic if continued to be driven as the differential metal continues to deteriorate and possibly have metal shavings travel into the engine. I was told initially by Mercedes Benz it was bad tires! I replaced the tires and the shuddering became worse. I searched for the problem myself on the internet as the problem continued…
Strong “gas odor” upon entering car And continues despite opening all windows to ventilate-also on one time occasion - sudden deceleration And “surging speed” alternately While cruising- it feels that the car Will “stop” and it’s worrisome that I may be “hit “ by the vehicle behind me- also several “dashboard warning lights” different messages just “flashed” which also caused some “Panic” on me- brought the car to the shop- all they did ABS sensor replaced- no other issues noted- I read from MB owners forums about MB Recalls about same issues NHTSA 21V-961 NHTSA 23V- 445
1. POWER STEERING: STEERING WHEEL WENT OUT ON A FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSING MASSIVE COLLISION (this has happened twice) 2. Car Jerkiness: reported this to MBZ of San Rafael for 2 years (went into shop 10+ times for same issue and not resolved. It lunges forward while driving. This also is a safety issue almost causing me to hit a pedestrian 3. Vehicle Not opening 4. Vehicle Overheating 5. Faulty Wiring 6. Screen Black out
Transmission problem. On several occasions while driving, the car has lurched to a stop because gear changed suddenly from Drive to Park. At other times, the engine revvs and slows when it suddenly switches from Drive to "M1." After stopping, it goes back to "D" on its own. Serious safety issue, as I can get rear ended in traffic, or cause an accident for stopping without notice. I have one photo of the sudden transmission switch to M1 (today). Car has been towed to Mercedes service department; no other inspection yet. No warning lamps. Only that it is happening more frequently.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START FROM THE CELL PHONE. THE CONTACT TRIED A COUPLE OF TIMES AND STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AND MADE A STOP IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED ALL KINDS OF WARNING LIGHTS AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. THE SOS SYSTEM ALERTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO SENT A TOW TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF ATLANTIC CITY DEALER, LOCATED AT 6623 BLACK HORSE PIKE, EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ 08234, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO…
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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class; the most common categories were electrical system (3, 27.3%), engine (2, 18.2%), power train (2, 18.2%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
Across 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (27.3% of complaints), engine (18.2% of complaints), power train (18.2% of complaints), steering (18.2% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 2020 only.