Should I buy a 2014–2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2014–2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1Moderate Likelihood

Automatic gearbox jerking, shunt or loss of drive

Hesitation pulling away, a thump when stopping, delayed response at roundabouts, 'reverse not possible' messages, or the car jumping out of gear.

How to check

Pull away gently, crawl in traffic pace, then slow to a stop and move off again a few times.

Estimated Repair Cost

£2,800

2High Likelihood

DPF blocking and failed regeneration

Engine warning light, reduced power, hot burning smell after a drive, cooling fans running, or poor fuel economy during repeated regeneration attempts.

How to check

Drive until fully warm, then continue at steady road speed and note any warning lights, unusual heat, or limp-home behaviour.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,600

3Low Likelihood

Intake manifold flap / actuator failure

Engine warning light, flat low-rev response, hesitation, or fault codes linked to intake control.

How to check

Accelerate from low revs in a higher gear and feel for smooth torque delivery.

Estimated Repair Cost

£850

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%0–20,000 miles: 5.3% (715 failed / 13,593 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 8.4% (2,084 failed / 24,812 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 11.6% (1,082 failed / 9,336 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 14.3% (309 failed / 2,168 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 15.7% (65 failed / 414 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 15.3% (11 failed / 72 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 22.2% (6 failed / 27 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 14.3% (1 failed / 7 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 0.0% (0 failed / 1 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2014–2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class buying questions

Is a 2014–2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2014–2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (2014–2020)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually