2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA200

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA200 is a compact luxury SUV known for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and advanced technology. The GLA200 is equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 163 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Other engine options available for the 2021 GLA include the GLA250 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and the AMG GLA35/45 models with enhanced performance. The GLA200 is typically paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Owners often praise the GLA for its fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and upscale features. Common dislikes include the relatively small cargo space and some perceived cheap feeling materials for the price point.

Engine

1.3L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and the need to add oil more often than usual.
  • Solution: Monitor oil levels regularly and consult with a Mercedes-Benz dealer to investigate potential causes such as piston ring issues or valve seal leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the cause and repair needed, but could range from $500 for minor repairs to several thousand dollars for major engine work.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic (7G-DCT)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or jerky shifting, particularly at lower speeds. Hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop has also been noted.
  • Solution: A software update of the transmission control unit (TCU) may resolve the issue. In some cases, a transmission fluid flush or even replacement of the valve body might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates may be covered under warranty or cost around $100 - $300. A transmission fluid flush could cost $200 - $400, while a valve body replacement could cost $1,500 - $3,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• MBUX System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system can sometimes freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This may involve the screen going blank or the system rebooting unexpectedly.
  • Solution: A software update can often resolve these issues. If the problem persists, a hardware replacement of the MBUX unit might be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates may be free or low cost. MBUX unit replacement could range from $1,000 to $2,500+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of parking sensors giving false alarms or failing to detect objects. Blind spot monitoring system may also malfunction, failing to alert the driver to vehicles in the blind spot.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling/Creaking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rattling or creaking noises emanating from various parts of the interior, such as the dashboard, door panels, or center console.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the noise and tightening or replacing loose components. Applying felt or foam padding to areas where plastic parts rub together can also help.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+, depending on the complexity and source of the rattle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Malfunctioning Tail Light
  • Description/Symptoms: LED tail lights failing, either dimming or going out completely.
  • Solution: Tail light replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA200 exhibits a range of issues, with the most prevalent concerns revolving around the MBUX infotainment system, oil consumption, and transmission performance. While some issues may be resolved with software updates, others require more substantial repairs, leading to potentially high repair costs. Before purchasing, checking maintenance history is key to avoiding large repairs. Overall, the severity and cost of these issues can vary, but they are important considerations for potential buyers.