2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA200

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA200 is a subcompact luxury SUV offering a blend of style, practicality, and Mercedes-Benz refinement. The GLA200 is typically equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing around 154 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Other engine options available in some markets include the GLA 250 with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and various AMG performance versions. What people often appreciate about the GLA is its nimble handling, upscale interior, and fuel efficiency. Downsides often mentioned include a relatively small rear seat and cargo area compared to some competitors, and potentially expensive maintenance costs associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Engine

1.3L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, reduced power, engine hesitation, and the check engine light illuminating. The cause can be traced to faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil(s) and/or spark plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ depending on how many coils need replacing.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine oil level drops quickly, requiring frequent top-offs. Drivers may notice blue smoke from the exhaust pipe. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Perform an oil consumption test to determine the severity of the issue. Replace piston rings if the consumption is excessive.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+ depending on the extent of the repair and whether an engine rebuild or replacement is necessary.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may exhibit harsh or jerky shifts, particularly at low speeds. Drivers might also experience hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update of the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. In other cases, replacing the valve body may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $150-$300. Valve body replacement: $1,500 - $3,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported needing to replace bushings, ball joints, and other suspension components earlier than expected. Noises such as clunking or squeaking from the suspension are often indicators.
  • Solution: Replace the worn suspension components. A wheel alignment is recommended after suspension work.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per component (e.g., control arm, ball joint), plus alignment costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Malfunctioning Infotainment System
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen may freeze, glitch, or fail to respond to inputs. Bluetooth connectivity problems and navigation issues have also been reported.
  • Solution: Attempt a system reset. If the problem persists, software updates or replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $100 - $300. Infotainment unit replacement: $800 - $2,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Auxiliary Battery
  • Description/Symptoms: The start/stop system may cease functioning, and warning messages may appear on the dashboard. The auxiliary battery is responsible for certain electrical functions, and its failure can cause various issues.
  • Solution: Replace the auxiliary battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced issues with the panoramic sunroof, including difficulty opening or closing, unusual noises, or leaks.
  • Solution: Inspect the sunroof mechanism for debris or damage. Lubricate the tracks and seals. In severe cases, replacement of the sunroof assembly may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Lubrication and cleaning: $50-$200. Sunroof assembly replacement: $1,000 - $3,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning system may blow warm air or fail to cool the cabin effectively. This could be due to a refrigerant leak, a faulty compressor, or a malfunctioning blend door actuator.
  • Solution: Check the refrigerant level and look for leaks. Repair any leaks and recharge the system. Replace the compressor or blend door actuator if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Recharge: $100-$300. Compressor replacement: $800 - $1,500+. Blend door actuator replacement: $300-$800+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA200 can experience a range of issues, with the most common pertaining to the engine, transmission, electrical system, and sunroof. While some issues, such as faulty ignition coils, are relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as excessive oil consumption and infotainment system malfunctions, can be costly. The severity of the issues varies, but addressing them promptly is crucial to maintaining the vehicle’s reliability and preventing further damage.