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Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2026 GLA 250 vehicles. The bowden cable may have been incorrectly installed, which can prevent the door from opening from inside the vehicle.
Research · Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-ClassRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 2 owner complaints for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Most complaints involve electrical system (1) and engine (1). The EPA rates it 25–29 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
25–29mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Mar 2026
Owner complaints
2
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2026 – Sep 2026
- Electrical system1
- Engine1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
1 report
“I am writing to formally submit an urgent safety escalation and Lemon Law notice regarding my 2026 GLA 250, purchased brand new on February 26, 2026, as a replacement vehicle following the severe operational disruptions associated with the EQB 300 recall. As a parent of a family member with a disability, reliable and secure transportation is an absolute necessity. I selected the Mercedes-Benz brand based on its reputation for engineering integrity and safety. Regrettably, the vehicle delivered has proven to be mechanically hazardous and operationally compromised. Since taking delivery, the vehicle has experienced the following recurring, catastrophic failures: • Multiple recurrent check engine warnings. • Three separate instances of complete failure to shift while actively operating in traffic. • Four complete starting failures accompanied by a permanent black screen. • Two total blackouts of the entire instrument cluster, odometers, and operational systems while in motion, with the most recent occurrence taking place on September 4, 2026.”
Engine
1 report
Fuel/propulsion system
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM8)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLA250 Auto (AM8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,600 | 306 |
| GLA250 4matic Auto (AM8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,700 | 315 |
| AMG GLA35 4matic Auto (AM8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,000 | 350 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2026 GLA-Class questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class problems?
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (1), engine (1), fuel/propulsion system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class at 25–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026