NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may have been improperly bonded during a prior repair, causing the panel to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
This page covers 9 recalls and 28 owner complaints for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250.
For the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, engine and airbag complaints make up the bulk of what owners report. On the engine side, owners describe check engine lights tied to crankcase ventilation issues, and several report a strong fuel smell inside the cabin when starting the vehicle. Transmission behavior also comes up, with owners describing the car refusing to engage reverse, gears not shifting properly, and the vehicle needing to be shut off and restarted to recover, sometimes in active traffic. On the airbag side, owners report persistent airbag warning lights, and a handful describe the clock spring failing, which disables airbag function while leaving the car otherwise drivable. The reverse engagement failure and the fuel odor on startup are the two symptoms that appear most consistently across the complaint set.
28
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 has 9 recalls, the most serious involving a driver airbag that can deploy without warning, a roof panel that can detach and become a road hazard, and a steering shaft universal joint that can separate and cause loss of steering control.
On the airbag side, the pelvis airbag and front passenger airbag inflator may also fail to fire in a crash, leaving occupants without that protection. The roof panel concern has two related recalls: one where the original adhesive bonding can deteriorate and the panel can detach, and one where a prior repair attempt may not have bonded the replacement panel correctly, creating the same hazard. There is also an electrical concern where a starting current limiter can overheat and melt surrounding components, raising the risk of fire. Three recalls cover the emergency call system, which can fail to connect occupants to emergency services after a crash or may report the wrong location to first responders, delaying their response.
At a glance
What can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may have been improperly bonded during a prior repair, causing the panel to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the front roof panel at no charge to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the communication module's SIM card can prevent mobile network connection, which disables the emergency call (eCall) system.
What the fix does
The communication module software will be updated at no cost through an over-the-air update or by a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering shaft bore hole may be oversized, allowing the universal joint bearing to move excessively and potentially separate over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering shaft and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front roof panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof may not be properly bonded to the vehicle from a previous repair, risking separation.
What the fix does
The dealer will remove and replace the front roof panel using proper bonding materials and procedures at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module may have been turned off during service, disabling the Emergency Call function that connects your vehicle to emergency services.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the communication module and reactivate it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communication module software may fail to send your vehicle's correct location to emergency services when the eCall system activates during a crash.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communication module software, or the update will be sent over-the-air, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's airbag may deploy unexpectedly if the steering components lack proper grounding and the airbag clockspring is broken, allowing electrostatic discharge to trigger deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will add grounding to the steering components to prevent electrostatic discharge from triggering the airbag.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When the engine or transmission won't start, the starter motor keeps trying to turn over. This repeated effort can cause the starting current limiter to overheat.
What the fix does
A dealer will install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter motor to protect against overheating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The pelvis air bag or front passenger air bag inflator may fail to ignite during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.