Small SUV · 2014–2021 cars
Mercedes-Benz GLA reliability
The Mercedes-Benz GLA fails 13.4% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 256,180 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Mercedes-Benz GLA before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 13.4%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 24% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 256,180
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,100
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a sound choice. In 256,180 MOT tests from 2022 to 2024, it ranks 8 of 40 small SUV models. Its first-time MOT fail rate is 13.4%, against 28.4% for all cars, and it has 24% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. 2021 was the best year, with 40% fewer fails than comparable cars. 2019 was the weakest year, though still 15% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Still, check carefully. Body, chassis and structure is the weakest area, with 17% more fails than comparable cars, so look underneath closely. On the car you're viewing, check the tyre tread (below 1.6mm, 1.45% of tests), brake pads (below 1.5mm, 1.17%), coil springs (fractured or broken, 0.98%) and tyres with cuts reaching the ply or cords (0.96%).
MOT fail rate by age
How the Mercedes-Benz GLA ages
Each point is the share of Mercedes-Benz GLAs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Mercedes-Benz GLA | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 10.5% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 12.8% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 15.1% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 17.4% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 17.9% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 17% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 18% | 31.8% |
By year
The best and worst Mercedes-Benz GLA years
2021 cars come out best and 2019 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 GLA | 4,305 | 7% | 40% fewer fails | 26,871 |
| 2020 GLA | 16,478 | 8% | 32% fewer fails | 26,104 |
| 2019 GLA | 45,037 | 11% | 15% fewer fails | 29,748 |
| 2018 GLA | 58,170 | 11.8% | 21% fewer fails | 36,226 |
| 2017 GLA | 46,870 | 14.1% | 21% fewer fails | 46,007 |
| 2016 GLA | 38,612 | 16.3% | 23% fewer fails | 55,325 |
| 2015 GLA | 33,228 | 17.5% | 28% fewer fails | 62,817 |
| 2014 GLA | 13,480 | 16.8% | 39% fewer fails | 68,285 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Mercedes-Benz GLA
Its weak spot is body, chassis and structure: 17% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.6%14% below avg
- Suspension2.5%22% below avg
- Lights and electrics2.3%53% below avg
- Brakes2.2%34% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.2%35% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.2%4% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure1.1%17% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.4%2% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.3%24% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.45% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 2
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.17% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
Coil spring fractured or broken 0.98% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.96% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 5
CV joint boot split or insecure 0.75% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 6
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.73% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 7
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.69% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 8
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 0.54% of tests
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Mercedes-Benz GLA's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit11.4%
- Brake pads wearing thin6.94%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking6.34%
- Brake disc pitted or scored4.12%
- Brake discs showing some wear2.54%
- Child seat limits belt inspection2.22%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Mercedes-Benz GLA
- 1
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 2
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Mercedes-Benz GLA covers about 8,100 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel57.8%
- Petrol41.6%
- Hybrid0.6%
Most common colours
Grey, Black, White, Red, Silver
Average engine size: 1.9 litres.
Compare
How the Mercedes-Benz GLA compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| MINI Countryman | 15.5% | 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW X1 | 16.4% | 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | 13.4% | 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Suzuki Vitara | 14.8% | 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Toyota C-HR | 14.2% | 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford EcoSport | 20% | 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot 2008 | 25.1% | 33% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all Mercedes-Benz models.
Questions
Mercedes-Benz GLA questions, answered
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA reliable?
On MOT results, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is better than average: it fails 13.4% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 8 of 40 small suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Mercedes-Benz GLA MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz GLA are tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.45% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.17% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (0.98% of tests). By area, tyres fails 4.6% of its tests.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLA year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2021 cars do best (40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2019 cars do worst (15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Mercedes-Benz GLA do a year?
A typical Mercedes-Benz GLA covers about 8,100 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz GLA before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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