2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLAs, from 3,429 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLAs than on all cars registered in 2014.
- Link ball joint covers4.9× usualMercedes-Benz GLA6.9% All 2014 cars1.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.8% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Engine warning light1.9× usualMercedes-Benz GLA3.1% All 2014 cars1.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.6% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 0.6% here, against 8.2% of all 2014 cars. Shock absorbers: 0.6% here, against 5.7% of all 2014 cars.
By area
The share of 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes22% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension20% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics7% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4,760 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 8,759 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 8,982 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 16,743 | Tyres 32% |
| 2018 | 16,404 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 12,764 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 10,579 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 8,798 | Tyres 30% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLAs registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score