2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Link ball joint covers8.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GLA

  5.7% All 2015 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.4% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GLA

  4.9% All 2015 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Ball joint dust cover2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GLA

  2.8% All 2015 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.5% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Engine warning light1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GLA

  2.9% All 2015 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.5% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Brakes
  21% 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.

• Suspension
  16% 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 electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Driveshafts and joints
  5% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Engine and gearbox recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered possible engine failure on cars built July to Sept 2015, dual-clutch gearbox failure (2016), oil leaks, fuel leaks and airbags.

  At the viewing: Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes GLA (Mk1, 2013-2020) problems and recalls

• Tailgate opening by itself

  All engines

  The tailgate can release on its own, usually after the car has stood for a while.

  At the viewing: Lock the car and check the tailgate stays shut.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes GLA (Mk1, 2013-2020) problems and recalls

• Rattle from the back

  All engines

  A rattle that seems to come from the boot is usually the wiring connector under the rear seat.

  At the viewing: Listen on a rough road.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes GLA (Mk1, 2013-2020) problems and recalls

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Mercedes dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 8.1× as often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?