2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA180
Introduction
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA180 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that offers a sophisticated driving experience and a range of engine and transmission options. The GLA180 is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 154 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an option. Other engine and transmission options include a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, and a 2.1-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4 engine with 136 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The GLA180 is known for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and excellent handling, but it has received some criticism for its limited cargo space and lack of advanced safety features.
Engine
1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine
- Intake manifold failure
- Description/Symptoms: Manifold can crack causing coolant to leak, leading to overheating and potential engine damage.
- Solution: Replace intake manifold.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger issues
- Description/Symptoms: Can develop leaks or fail completely, leading to loss of power or even engine failure.
- Solution: Replace turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine
- Cylinder head gasket failure
- Description/Symptoms: Gasket can fail, leading to coolant and oil leaks. Can cause engine overheating and potential engine damage.
- Solution: Replace cylinder head gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing chain issues
- Description/Symptoms: Chain can stretch or break, leading to engine noise, loss of power, or catastrophic engine failure.
- Solution: Replace timing chain.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.1-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4 engine
- Fuel injector issues
- Description/Symptoms: Injectors can clog or fail, leading to poor engine performance, fuel leaks, or engine damage.
- Solution: Replace fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues
- Description/Symptoms: Filter can become clogged, leading to reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential engine damage.
- Solution: Clean or replace DPF.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Clutch pack failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clutch packs can wear out or fail, leading to slipping gears, difficulty shifting, or complete transmission failure.
- Solution: Replace clutch pack.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic unit failure
- Description/Symptoms: Unit that controls transmission operation can fail, leading to shifting problems, loss of power, or transmission failure.
- Solution: Replace mechatronic unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $3,500+
- Recalls: None Found
8-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Torque converter failure
- Description/Symptoms: Converter can fail, leading to vibration, noise, and transmission slipping or failure.
- Solution: Replace torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve body issues
- Description/Symptoms: Valve body can malfunction, leading to shifting problems, transmission slipping, or failure.
- Solution: Replace valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
7-speed automatic transmission
- Shift solenoid failure
- Description/Symptoms: Solenoids can fail, leading to shifting problems, slipping gears, or transmission failure.
- Solution: Replace shift solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission fluid leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission can develop leaks, leading to low fluid levels and potential transmission damage.
- Solution: Replace seals or gaskets, top up fluid as needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front strut mount failure
- Description/Symptoms: Mounts can wear out or break, leading to a clunking noise, vibration, and reduced handling.
- Solution: Replace strut mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear shock absorber failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shocks can fail, leading to a rough ride, poor handling, and potential loss of stability during maneuvers.
- Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery drain
- Description/Symptoms: Battery can drain prematurely, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle or complete electrical failure.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace faulty components, such as parasitic draws or electrical leaks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- ECU failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine control unit can fail, leading to engine performance issues, loss of power, or complete engine failure.
- Solution: Replace ECU.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sunroof leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof can develop leaks, allowing water to enter the cabin.
- Solution: Replace or repair sunroof seals or components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door handle issues
- Description/Symptoms: Door handles can become loose or break, making it difficult to open or close the doors.
- Solution: Replace door handles.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Climate control issues
- Description/Symptoms: Climate control system can malfunction, leading to air conditioning or heating problems.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace faulty components, such as AC compressor or heater core.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Infotainment system bugs
- Description/Symptoms: Software bugs can cause the infotainment system to freeze, crash, or display errors.
- Solution: Update software or replace infotainment system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA180 is a generally reliable vehicle, but it has some common issues that owners should be aware of. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the extent of the damage. It’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to prevent or address potential issues early on.