2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA petrol than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GLA

  3.2% All 2018 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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.

• Individual direction indicators9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz GLA

  2.7% All 2018 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.1% of all 2018 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  31% 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
  17% 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Suspension
  4% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  3% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Known faults on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA petrol

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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA petrol

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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 9× as often on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?