2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class Safety Report

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: Unrated by NHTSA, with notable engine, electrical, and braking complaints.

18Complaints
0Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (3)Electrical System,Back Over Prevention (2)Tires (2)Service Brakes,Engine (1)Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Vehicle Speed Control,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Unknown Or Other,Engine (1)Structure (1)Engine (1)Electrical System (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class presents a mixed safety picture based on the available NHTSA data. With a total of 18 complaints, 1 reported crash, and 2 injuries, the vehicle has not undergone formal NHTSA crash testing, resulting in 'N/A' ratings across all categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover). This lack of official ratings makes a direct comparison to other vehicles challenging. However, the complaint data reveals several concerning patterns, particularly related to engine and electrical system issues, as well as some critical safety concerns like unintended acceleration/deceleration and issues with the power liftgate. Common complaint patterns include engine malfunctions, with multiple reports of cylinder head failure, coolant mixing with oil, misfires, and rough idling, sometimes leading to emergency stops or the vehicle cutting off. Electrical system issues are also prominent, including a short-circuited circuit board due to AC condensation and problems with the gas door not opening. A significant safety concern is the 'Back Over Prevention, Electrical System' recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000), which, despite being issued, has had parts unavailable, leaving owners with unrepaired safety defects related to the rearview camera. Furthermore, there are reports of the power liftgate closing unexpectedly and hitting occupants, and critical braking system malfunctions, including unintended slamming of brakes and brake failure leading to a crash where airbags did not deploy. Despite the 18 complaints, the vehicle has 0 recalls listed in the provided data, which is unusual given the nature of some reported issues like the 'Back Over Prevention' problem. The absence of formal crash test ratings means consumers must rely more heavily on the complaint data and any manufacturer-specific safety information. The reported issues, especially those involving engine failure, electrical system immobilization, and braking malfunctions, highlight potential areas of concern that could impact vehicle safety and reliability.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Cylinder Head Failure/Coolant-Oil Mix
Multiple reports of cylinder head failure, coolant mixing with engine oil, misfires, and rough idling, sometimes leading to loss of power or vehicle cutting off.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Electrical System Short Circuit/Malfunction
Circuit board short-circuited due to AC condensation, immobilizing the car. Also, gas door not opening electronically.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Braking System Malfunction
Vehicle's brake system slammed on in light traffic without obstacles; brakes did not engage leading to a crash where airbags failed to deploy.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Power Liftgate Closing Unexpectedly
Power liftgate closed on occupants, hitting them in the head.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Incorrect Tire Pressure Placards/Tire Wear
Two different tire inflation placards with conflicting information, leading to potential over-inflation or premature tire wear.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Unintended Vehicle Movement (Forward/Reverse Confusion)
Vehicle went backwards when 'DRIVE' was selected, requiring multiple attempts to engage correctly.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class:

Engine 22% of complaints

Issues include cylinder head failure, coolant mixing with oil, misfires, rough idling, and the vehicle cutting off at stops.

Electrical System 17% of complaints

Problems with circuit board short-circuiting, gas door not opening, and issues related to the 'Back Over Prevention' recall.

Tires 11% of complaints

Conflicting tire pressure placards and reports of poor traction/premature wear.

Service Brakes 11% of complaints

Unintended braking, brake failure leading to a crash, and airbag non-deployment.

Unknown Or Other 17% of complaints

General complaints not fitting specific categories, including power liftgate issues and vehicle speed control problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has not received official crash test ratings, making a definitive safety assessment difficult. However, with 18 complaints, 1 crash, and 2 injuries reported, there are notable concerns regarding engine failures, electrical system malfunctions, and critical braking issues that warrant caution.

What are common problems with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class involve the ENGINE (22% of complaints), with problems like cylinder head failure and misfires. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues (17%) such as short circuits and gas door malfunctions are also common, alongside TIRES (11%) and SERVICE BRAKES (11%) problems.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

According to the provided data, there are 0 recalls listed. However, a specific NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) was mentioned in a complaint, indicating a recall for which parts were unavailable, suggesting an active safety campaign not fully reflected in the 'Recalls: 0' count.

How does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class perform in crash tests?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has not been rated by NHTSA for crash test performance, with 'N/A' across all categories (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover). This means there is no official government crash test data available for this model.

What should I look out for if considering a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

Prospective buyers should be aware of reported engine issues (e.g., cylinder head, coolant leaks), electrical system problems (e.g., short circuits, gas door), and critical braking malfunctions. It's also important to verify if the 'Back Over Prevention' recall (21V354000) has been addressed, as parts availability was an issue.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings and the presence of significant complaints regarding engine, electrical, and braking systems, proceed with caution; a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes-Benz specialist is highly recommended, focusing on these known problem areas.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class. The data includes 18 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.