Should I buy a 2014–2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2.1 Diesel Automatic?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2014–2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2.1 Diesel Automatic. 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

2Moderate Likelihood

Timing chain stretch and cold-start rattle

Brief metallic rattle for a second or two after a cold start, sometimes becoming more frequent over time.

How to check

Start the engine from fully cold and listen during the first few seconds.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,400

3High Likelihood

NOx sensor and AdBlue system faults

Engine light, emissions warning, AdBlue messages or a restart countdown.

How to check

Start the car, let the dash complete its checks and drive until fully warm.

Estimated Repair Cost

£900

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%0–20,000 miles: 6.4% (697 failed / 10,833 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 9.3% (4,577 failed / 49,252 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 12.9% (6,770 failed / 52,671 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 16.8% (6,349 failed / 37,703 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 19.5% (3,908 failed / 20,071 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 21.8% (1,746 failed / 8,012 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 22.3% (634 failed / 2,842 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 25.2% (232 failed / 920 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 26.2% (84 failed / 321 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 25.7% (29 failed / 113 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2014–2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2.1 Diesel Automatic

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class buying questions

Is a 2014–2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2014–2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2.1 Diesel Automatic, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (2014–2016)?

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