01
Exterior Lighting Failure — Recall 21V058000 (2021, Multi-Platform LED)
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Safety2021
OPEN HOURS MON–FRI | 9AM–6PM
Mercedes GLA 250 (2021-2026): 11 NHTSA recalls, reported engine stalls and phantom braking. California lemon law may entitle you to a refund. Free review.
You paid for a Mercedes-Benz. Not just the three-pointed star — you paid for the engineering reputation, the safety technology, the premium experience that's supposed to make the GLA 250 feel worth every dollar above an equivalent compact SUV. For many 2021-2026 GLA H247 owners, the badge delivers on style but the engineering has not always kept that promise.
The second-generation GLA arrived in 2021 riding the new MFA2 front-wheel-drive platform, pairing the turbocharged M260 2.0-liter four-cylinder with Mercedes' 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission and, for performance buyers, AMG variants with the high-output M260 or the 382-horsepower AMG GLA 45. The cabin brought MBUX 1.0 infotainment, standard Active Brake Assist, and a class-leading safety suite — on paper, everything a California buyer could want.
In practice, NHTSA's complaint database for the GLA-CLASS H247 documents a troubling pattern. Owners report M260 engines stalling at intersections, with at least one dealer acknowledging the cylinder head part is defective for 2021 production while declining to initiate a recall. The Active Brake Assist system has engaged without cause at freeway speed — multiple times for the same owners — while dealers repeatedly close the repair order with 'cannot duplicate.' The 8G-DCT has transmitted owners backward when Drive was selected. One 2023 GLA 250 owner was told, after two highway-speed transmission failures, that Mercedes had no software fix and yet still tried to pressure the family into picking up the car.
Add eleven formal recalls — four for exterior lighting failures, two for the rearview camera system, two for brake defects, and one each for airbag, communication, and door latch — and the H247 GLA's recall record reads as a vehicle that was rushed to market before its platform defects were fully resolved. The good news for California owners: Song-Beverly gives you real options when repeated repairs fail to fix a real problem.
The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.
Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 21V058000 covers LED exterior lighting that may suddenly extinguish, reducing vehicle visibility to other drivers — a safety hazard under California Vehicle Code and a covered defect under Song-Beverly. If the lighting repair required more than one dealer visit to complete (e.g., part unavailability extended out-of-service time), cumulative days out of service count toward the 30-day Song-Beverly threshold. Owners who received the recall notice but experienced difficulty scheduling or were told parts were unavailable should document every contact attempt.
MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 21V072000 addresses a software defect in the Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call (SOSConnect) system that could prevent an emergency call from completing after a collision. While the vehicle remains drivable, the inability of a court-mandated safety system to function as designed is a Song-Beverly covered defect. If the dealer performed the software update but the owner later experienced emergency call failures, that recurrence may support a claim.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Recall 21V102000 covers a front passenger airbag ground connection that may allow inadvertent airbag deployment — a direct threat to front passenger safety. Under Song-Beverly, airbag system defects are per se safety impairments; a single unresolved repair attempt for an airbag recall can support a claim without requiring the statutory repeat-repair count. Owners should confirm the recall repair was completed by requesting the completed repair order from the dealer.
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ground connection for the passenger air bag and correct it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020037.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Recall 21V354000 covers a rearview camera that may display a corrupted or blank image during reversing, eliminating the rear visibility protection mandated by FMVSS. The back-over risk is a direct safety hazard under Song-Beverly. If the 2021 GLA required multiple dealer visits for this software update — or if parts availability caused extended out-of-service periods — cumulative days out of service count toward the 30-day lemon-law threshold. NHTSA ODIs 11491304 and 11431590 document 2021 GLA owners unable to get the recall completed due to part unavailability.
The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light
Recall 22V125000 covers loose rear brake caliper fasteners that can reduce brake performance or cause caliper detachment — a brake failure event with direct crash risk. Under Song-Beverly, brake failure is a classic safety impairment. If a 2021 GLA owner experienced brake pull, reduced stopping power, or caliper noise before this recall was completed, those warranty-repair visits count toward the Song-Beverly repair-attempt tally even if the dealer coded them as adjustments rather than recall work.
Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners on the rear brake caliper housings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Recall 22V232000 is a second camera-display software recall for the same 2021 GLA back-up camera system addressed by 21V354000 (iss-04). Two separate recalls for the same MBUX rearview camera system within 18 months indicate the manufacturer's first remedy did not fully resolve the defect. Under Song-Beverly, consecutive recalls for the same safety system strengthen an argument that the vehicle has a substantial defect that has not been remedied after a reasonable number of attempts — the two software updates together may constitute two repair attempts for the same issue.
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 22V365000 is a separate exterior LED lighting recall covering an overlapping but distinct vehicle scope from 21V058000 — indicating Mercedes issued multiple lighting recalls for the same 2021 GLA production window. A vehicle subject to two lighting recalls within two model years suggests a systemic LED supplier or calibration defect. Under Song-Beverly, each recall repair visit counts as a repair attempt; owners who had both 21V058000 and 22V365000 completed may have two recall-repair attempts on lighting alone.
The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owner
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 23V662000 covers 2022 GLA 250 and AMG GLA 35 vehicles with incorrectly adjusted headlights at the factory — a FMVSS compliance failure that creates glare for oncoming traffic and reduces the driver's own forward visibility. This is a manufacturing-line defect present at delivery, giving 2022 GLA buyers a strong 'defect existing at time of sale' argument under Song-Beverly. Owners who drove with defective headlight aim before the recall and were involved in a low-visibility incident should preserve documentation.
Dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023100005.
brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light
Recall 23V732000 addresses 2021 GLA 250 vehicles delivered without a rear brake pad inspection gauge and without proper owner's manual instructions for rear pad wear monitoring. While the immediate safety risk is limited compared to other brake defects, the absence of mandated safety-inspection equipment means owners could miss rear brake wear, leading to brake failure. Under Song-Beverly, a recall-documented deficiency in vehicle safety equipment — even a monitoring tool — is a covered warranty defect. Combine with 22V125000 (loose caliper fasteners) for a two-recall brake-system pattern on the same vehicle.
Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 29, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 25V511000 covers 2024 GLA 250 and AMG GLA 35 4MATIC vehicles with missing headlight aim markings — a federally required safety feature that enables proper field adjustment of headlight aim. This is a third Mercedes-Benz headlight-aim recall affecting the H247 platform (following 23V662000). A vehicle subject to its third headlight recall within the platform's life cycle is strong evidence of a systemic design or manufacturing defect. 2024 GLA owners may have a particularly strong Song-Beverly claim given the recurring nature of this issue.
Dealers will inspect and replace the headlights as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 3, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025090005.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 26V134000 covers 2026 GLA 250 vehicles with an incorrectly installed Bowden cable that prevents the door from being opened from inside — a fire-egress and emergency-exit safety defect. Under Song-Beverly, entrapment risk from a door that cannot be opened from inside qualifies as a safety impairment. The defect exists from delivery (manufacturing error), entitling 2026 GLA 250 buyers to an immediate remedy; failure to complete this recall within a reasonable time may itself support a Song-Beverly claim on a new vehicle.
Dealers will inspect and repair the bowden cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov begin
engine shuts off at red lights; rough idle; engine misfires; blinking check engine light; sudden loss of power while driving; car won't restart after stall; requires multiple reignition attempts; vehicle in path of oncoming traffic after stall at intersection
NHTSA ODI 11544109 documents a dealer explicitly telling the owner the cylinder head part is defective for this year and model while declining to initiate a recall — manufacturer knowledge without remedy is central to Song-Beverly claims. If the engine has been returned for misfire or stall-and-restart on two or more occasions within 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, California's lemon-law presumption under Civil Code §1793.22(b) may be triggered. Engine shutdown at intersections constitutes a safety defect under Song-Beverly, strengthening the claim.
Cylinder head replacement under warranty (for in-warranty vehicles). Dealer diagnosis via STAR diagnostic system required. Some dealers direct owners to use 93-octane fuel as a temporary mitigation — this does not address the underlying defect. Repeat repairs may support a Song-Beverly claim.
car suddenly goes dead on highway; entire electrical system shuts off; circuit board short circuit; HVAC water pooling in footwell; debris in HVAC system; car immobilized in traffic; cannot restart after electrical failure
Sudden electrical failure at highway speed constitutes a safety defect under Song-Beverly. If the vehicle has been returned for electrical failures caused by water intrusion on two or more occasions, California's repeat-repair presumption may apply. The absence of a recall despite an identifiable design root cause (cowl drain design) supports a 'defect exists at time of sale' argument.
Dealer cleaning of cowl vent and AC drain passages; in severe cases, replacement of damaged circuit board / ECU. No OEM TSB or recall issued. Preventive cleaning of cowl vent drainage recommended. HVAC system inspection required post-failure. Out-of-warranty repair can exceed several thousand dollars.
car slams on brakes with no obstacle; emergency braking engages on freeway; loud groaning or growling before braking; red warning triangle on dash; loss of vehicle control; dealer says no fault found; happens multiple times; near rear-end collision caused by unexpected stop
Phantom emergency braking at highway speed is a safety defect under Song-Beverly. When a dealer repeatedly codes visits as 'unable to duplicate' without fixing the symptom, California case law (Oregel v. American Isuzu Motors) supports counting each 'cannot duplicate' visit as a repair attempt if the symptom is genuine and documented. Owners should insist the complaint be written on the repair order verbatim — even if the tech finds no code — to build the repair-attempt count required under Civil Code §1793.22.
No confirmed fix. Dealer typically finds no fault code stored, closes RO with 'system operated as designed' or 'unable to duplicate.' Software updates to ADAS control modules may address sensor threshold sensitivity — owners should request documentation of each occurrence even when dealer finds no fault.
transmission shudder at low speed; car jerks when pulling away from stop; hesitation before moving after selecting Drive; car goes backward when Drive selected; clunking or lurching during gear changes; rough downshift; transmission malfunction warning light; loss of acceleration on highway
Wrong-direction drive engagement is a safety defect — any incident where the vehicle moves contrary to the driver's selection constitutes an imminent hazard. Persistent shudder or hesitation that returns after multiple TCM software updates or fluid changes supports a 'substantial impairment of use' finding under Song-Beverly. Owners should document every transmission-related dealer visit, including 'cannot duplicate' closures, to build the repair-attempt record.
Transmission control module (TCM) software update via Mercedes-Benz XENTRY; transmission fluid flush and fill with MB 236.21 spec fluid; in persistent cases, valve body inspection or replacement. Wrong-direction fault may require mechatronic unit inspection. Software update alone may not permanently resolve shudder.
MBUX screen goes black; infotainment frozen; navigation not working; Apple CarPlay disconnects; Android Auto drops; screen requires reboot to restore; navigation chip not installed at delivery; climate controls unresponsive when screen frozen
Under Song-Beverly, 'use, value, or safety' impairment covers infotainment systems that are central to the vehicle's marketed features — navigation, safety camera displays, and phone connectivity are not accessories; they are part of the bargained-for product. If the MBUX system has been repaired or attempted on four or more occasions, or the vehicle has been out of service for 30+ cumulative days for MBUX-related issues, California's lemon-law presumption may apply. Delivery without promised navigation hardware is a separate basis for a Song-Beverly 'breach of express warranty' claim.
Over-the-air (OTA) MBUX software update where available; dealer XENTRY update to latest MBUX firmware; hard reboot (hold power button 10+ seconds) as interim fix. Missing navigation chip requires dealer hardware installation — owners sold nav-equipped vehicles without the chip should demand dealer installation at no cost. Repeated freeze recurrence after software updates may require head unit replacement.
milky oil on dipstick; coolant disappearing without visible leak; white or gray exhaust smoke; overheating warning; engine oil appears frothy; check engine light on; engine knocking; requires engine replacement
Engine replacement constitutes a major covered defect under Song-Beverly. If the vehicle required engine replacement within the warranty period and MBUSA authorized the repair, the out-of-service time during engine replacement (often 30+ days while awaiting parts) may independently satisfy the 30-day out-of-service threshold under Civil Code §1793.22(b)(2). Owners whose engines were replaced should preserve all repair orders and loaner vehicle records.
Engine replacement or short-block replacement; oil cooler housing replacement. Diagnosis requires dealer STAR system + oil analysis. Full engine replacement costs typically exceed $10,000–$15,000. In-warranty vehicles should be covered; Mercedes-Benz extended warranty (optional) may cover out-of-warranty cases.
comfort functions misbehave when exiting (e.g. radio or lights stay on after door opens); electronic parking brake / Auto-Park fails to engage automatically on driver door open; vehicle rollaway
A silent parking-brake non-engagement defect creates rollaway risk with no owner-available remedy until September 2026 — a documented period where the defect cannot be repaired. Pre-recall complaints about door-lock or parking-brake behavior without a lasting fix form relevant repair history under California lemon law.
Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
open
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2026 GLA 250 vehicles. The bowden cable may have been incorrectly installed, which can prevent the door from opening from inside the vehicle.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 AMG GLA 35 4MATIC, GLA 250 4MATIC, and GLA 250 vehicles. The front headlights may have missing headlight aim markings, which can result in improperly aimed headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 A220, GLA250, and AMG GLA35 vehicles. The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 AMG CLA 35 and 2021 GLA 250 vehicles. The rear brake caliper housing fasteners may be loose, which can reduce brake performance or cause rear brake components to detach from the vehicle.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain GLA250 vehicles. The ground connection for the front passenger air bag may not be mounted properly, which could result in an inadvertent deployment.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
remedy available
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.
Note: general legal information only — not legal advice; no attorney-client relationship.
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §1790 et seq.) is among the strongest lemon laws in the United States. Song-Beverly applies to new and certain certified pre-owned vehicles purchased or leased in California under a manufacturer's warranty. Mercedes-Benz's 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile powertrain warranty both qualify.
If your GLA has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, and MBUSA has been unable to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund (minus a use allowance). Attorney's fees are recoverable if you prevail.
California Civil Code §1793.22(b) presumes the threshold is met when:
(a) Same safety-hazard defect repaired 2+ times without success, OR
(b) Same non-safety defect repaired 4+ times without success, OR
(c) Vehicle out of service 30+ cumulative days for warranty repairs.
GLA-specific application: M260 engine stall is a safety hazard — two attempts may suffice. Active Brake Assist false activation is a safety hazard. Engine replacement or await-parts delays often exceed 30 days. Do not wait — Song-Beverly claims have a four-year statute of limitations from defect discovery.
“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.
Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.
Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.
Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.
Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.
Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.
The GLA is prone to exactly the defects that produce 'Unable to Duplicate' repair orders: intermittent engine stall, phantom braking, and DCT hesitation. Here is what to do:
1. WRITE IT DOWN FIRST. Before every service visit, write a one-paragraph description of the symptom — what happened, when, speed, warning lights — and hand it to the service advisor. Ask them to attach it to the repair order verbatim.
2. SYMPTOM ON THE RO. A repair order saying 'no fault found' is useful. One saying 'vehicle inspected, OK' is not. Insist the service advisor write your description word-for-word. If refused, document that refusal in writing.
3. PHOTOGRAPH ODOMETER EVERY VISIT. Mileage at each visit is critical for the 18-month/18,000-mile Song-Beverly window.
4. FOR CAMERA / MBUX: Ask the dealer to confirm recalls 21V354000 and 22V232000 are both applied. Request the XENTRY fault code printout on your repair order.
5. FOR PHANTOM BRAKING: Log every event (date, time, road, speed). Submit the log in writing at each visit. Request EDR (Event Data Recorder) analysis. Dealers must record reported safety events even without a stored fault code.
6. FOR ENGINE STALL: Do not accept 'no fault found' without a written root cause. Demand the repair order state what part was inspected or replaced and why.
7. ESCALATE TO MBUSA. Call 1-800-367-6372, get a case number, follow up in writing. Documented MBUSA non-responsiveness strengthens a Song-Beverly claim.
The H247 GLA's eleven-recall record is not unusual by modern automotive standards — but the specific pattern is. Four lighting recalls, two camera recalls, two brake recalls: these are not isolated supply-chain corrections. They indicate a platform that reached production before its systems were fully validated. More troubling are the owner-reported defects that never became recalls: a cylinder head that one dealer admitted was defective for the 2021 model year, a transmission that sends cars backward, an ADAS brake system that activates without cause. These are the issues that end up in lemon-law cases, because they are exactly the issues that fall into the 'cannot duplicate' gap between what the owner experiences and what the dealer's scanner confirms. If your GLA has visited the dealer more than twice for the same problem, you owe it to yourself to understand your rights.
— The Margarian Law team
If your Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 has been to the dealer more than once for engine stalls, transmission warnings, phantom braking, or lighting failures — and the problem keeps coming back — California law may entitle you to a refund or replacement vehicle. Margarian Law has handled thousands of lemon-law cases across California and offers a free case review. There are no fees unless you win.
Multiple 2021 GLA 250 owners report the M260 engine shutting off completely at stop lights, requiring reignition. NHTSA complaints document a dealer confirming the cylinder head component is defective for 2021 GLA production — the dealer replaced the head under warranty but no recall was issued (ODI 11544109). If your GLA has stalled at an intersection more than once, take it to the dealer immediately, request the root cause be written on the repair order, and document every visit. Two repair attempts for an engine-stall safety defect may trigger California's lemon-law presumption.
Yes — the 2021 GLA 250 is subject to two separate NHTSA rearview camera recalls. Recall 21V354000 covers a corrupted or blank backup camera image due to a software defect in the MBUX system. Because that fix was incomplete, NHTSA issued a second recall, 22V232000, for the same system. Two recalls for the same camera in 18 months indicates the first remedy did not hold. If your camera still malfunctions after both recalls were applied, or if you experienced extended delays getting parts, those additional repair visits may count toward a Song-Beverly lemon-law claim.
Yes. Multiple GLA owners have filed NHTSA complaints reporting the Active Brake Assist system engaging without any obstacle at 50-70 mph on the freeway (ODI 11557943, 11432715, 11703541). Each dealer visit has resulted in 'no fault found.' MBUSA customer service has been unresponsive in documented cases. This is a safety defect. Document every incident with date, location, and speed. Each 'cannot duplicate' dealer visit counts as a repair attempt under California law — four attempts for the same safety defect may support a lemon-law claim.
The H247 GLA (2021-2026) has eleven NHTSA recalls as of mid-2026: four for exterior lighting failures (21V058000, 22V365000, 23V662000, 25V511000), two for rearview camera defects (21V354000, 22V232000), two for brake system defects (22V125000, 23V732000), one for the passenger airbag ground connection (21V102000), one for the emergency call system (21V072000), and one for a door latch Bowden cable on 2026 production (26V134000). Check NHTSA.gov with your VIN to confirm which recalls apply to your specific vehicle and whether they have been completed.
You may qualify under Song-Beverly (Cal. Civ. Code §1790 et seq.) if your GLA has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer has failed to fix it after a reasonable number of attempts. California presumes this threshold is met after two repair attempts for a safety hazard (engine stall, phantom braking, door latch failure), four attempts for other defects, or 30+ cumulative days out of service — all within the warranty period. Remedies include a full refund or replacement vehicle. Attorney's fees are recoverable if you prevail. Speak with a California lemon-law attorney to evaluate your specific repair history.
No, this is not normal. NHTSA ODI 11464869 documents a 2021 GLA 250 that selected Drive but moved backward on two consecutive attempts, requiring a full engine restart to resolve. The dealer could not duplicate the fault. The H247's 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission has also been reported to illuminate a 'Transmission Malfunction' warning and lose the ability to accelerate at highway speed — with no software remedy available (ODI 11746252 as of 2026). A wrong-direction engagement is a safety defect. Document the event immediately, photograph the odometer, and bring the vehicle to the dealer in writing on the same day if possible.
Skip to content