Quick Facts — Mercedes GLA

Est. On UK Roads
100,000+
Years Made
2013–present
Common Engines
1.3 petrol (GLA180/GLA200), 2.0 petrol (GLA250), 1.5 diesel (GLA180d), 2.0 diesel (GLA200d/GLA220d), AMG GLA35/GLA45

6 Most Common Mercedes GLA Problems

These are the faults most frequently seen on the Mercedes GLA by UK garages — ranked by how commonly they occur and what they cost to fix.

1
DPF Blockage (CDI Diesel)
High Priority
Diesel GLA models on urban short journeys develop DPF blockages very frequently — a compact diesel SUV used as a city car is one of the worst DPF scenarios possible.
💷 Typical repair cost: £150–£1,200
2
7G-DCT Dual Clutch Judder (H247)
High Priority
The 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic on the H247 GLA produces the same low-speed judder and hesitation as on the A-Class — one of the most commonly reported issues.
💷 Typical repair cost: £400–£2,500
3
AdBlue System (H247 CDI)
Watch
H247 CDI diesel GLA models require AdBlue. Sensor faults and running low cause warnings.
💷 Typical repair cost: £10–£700
4
7G-DCT Mechatronic Failure
Watch
The mechatronic control unit on the 7G-DCT can fail on higher-mileage examples — causing gearbox warning lights and loss of drive.
💷 Typical repair cost: £600–£2,000
5
MBUX Infotainment System (H247)
Watch
The MBUX system in the H247 GLA can freeze or require rebooting — a known characteristic that software updates address.
💷 Typical repair cost: £0–£1,000
6
Tailgate Strut Failure
Low Priority
Tailgate gas struts fail on older X156 GLA models — the boot lid falls rather than staying open.
💷 Typical repair cost: £50–£150

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Mercedes GLA — MOT Tips

DPF warning is an automatic MOT fail on diesel GLAs. AdBlue warning is MOT-relevant on H247 CDI models. 7G-DCT gearbox warning lights must be clear. MBUX faults can affect ADAS — all driver assistance systems must be operational. EML is an automatic fail.

Engine management light on before your MOT? It's an automatic fail. Run a Find Your Problem Now → to get the likely cause and repair cost before booking the test.

Mercedes GLA Tyres

Most Mercedes GLA models run 215/60 R17 or 235/50 R18 or 235/45 R19 or 245/40 R20 depending on trim level and year. Always check the placard inside the driver's door for the exact size for your vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common problem with the Mercedes GLA?

The most frequently reported issue on the Mercedes GLA is DPF Blockage (CDI Diesel). Diesel GLA models on urban short journeys develop DPF blockages very frequently — a compact diesel SUV used as a city car is one of the worst DPF scenarios possible.

How many Mercedes GLAs are on UK roads?

There are an estimated 100,000+ Mercedes GLAs currently on UK roads.

What tyres does the Mercedes GLA use?

Most Mercedes GLA models run 215/60 R17 or 235/50 R18 or 235/45 R19 or 245/40 R20 depending on trim level and year. Always check the placard inside the driver's door for the exact size for your vehicle.

Will a warning light fail my Mercedes GLA's MOT?

DPF warning is an automatic MOT fail on diesel GLAs. AdBlue warning is MOT-relevant on H247 CDI models. 7G-DCT gearbox warning lights must be clear. MBUX faults can affect ADAS — all driver assistance systems must be operational. EML is an automatic fail.

Similar Issues on Other Models

Citroën C3 Aircross — another AdBlue system case worth knowing about Citroën C5 Aircross — also commonly develops AdBlue system

Summary

The GLA is a stylish and practical compact SUV. The H247 GLA200 petrol manual is the most reliable and least complex combination. Avoid diesel for city use. The 7G-DCT auto judder is the main issue to be aware of — consider a manual gearbox if driving in heavy traffic regularly. The H247 is a much better car than the X156 in all respects.

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Other Mercedes-Benz Models

Mercedes C-Class → Mercedes E-Class → Mercedes A-Class → Mercedes GLC →