Thinking about buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLA (2013–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 21 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, cooling, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
21
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$900–$3,500
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Mercedes-Benz GLA faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01OM651 2.1D Intake Swirl Flap Fracture and Engine Ingestion
CriticalOccasionalEngine $1,500–$15,000 to fix
The OM651 2.1-litre diesel uses swirl flaps in the inlet manifold to optimise combustion at low loads. The plastic flap mechanisms and their retaining pins are known to fracture under carbon build-up and heat cycling. Broken flap pieces are ingested into the engine through the intake ports, causing immediate and severe internal damage including bent valves and damaged pistons. This is a well-documented fault across the entire Mercedes OM651 engine family used in GLA 220d variants.
Symptoms to notice
Sudden catastrophic engine knock or metallic banging noise followed by loss of power
Rough running on one or more cylinders after an incident
Check Engine light with misfire codes on affected cylinders
Blue or white smoke from the exhaust following ingestion event
In pre-failure state: slight rattle or rattling from the inlet manifold area at idle
What to check
Inspect the inlet manifold for carbon deposits and confirm swirl flaps have been removed or replaced with an aftermarket delete kit. Check for any history of manifold replacement or swirl flap work. Listen for sudden metallic noise or immediate rough running which indicates ingestion has already occurred.
Where to look: Inlet manifold, intake runners leading to each cylinder head port
Ask the seller
“Has the inlet manifold ever been inspected, replaced, or had a swirl flap delete performed?”
“Has the car ever had a sudden engine noise event or loss of power while driving?”
“Is there any workshop record of swirl flap inspection or manifold work in the service history?”
02MBUX infotainment freezes and glitches (H247)
MinorOccasionalElectrical $300–$3,500 to fix
The H247 GLA's MBUX twin-screen system can freeze, reboot, drop CarPlay/Android Auto or lose the reversing camera. It is generally a software fix at a dealer, but confirm it all works because a head-unit replacement is expensive. Persistent faults after updates point to a hardware unit.
Symptoms to notice
Screen freezes or reboots
CarPlay/Android Auto dropouts
Reversing camera blank or laggy
Voice control unresponsive
What to check
Work through the MBUX screens, pair a phone, and reverse to check the camera responds promptly. Ask whether the latest software update has been done.
Where to look: Dashboard twin-screen MBUX display and head unit
Ask the seller
“Does the screen ever freeze or restart?”
“Is the MBUX software up to date?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
CoolingMinor
InteriorMinor
19 more documented faults on the Mercedes-Benz GLA
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 21 documented faults for the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and cooling. A Mercedes-Benz GLA with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Mercedes-Benz GLA?
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We've catalogued 21 known faults for the Mercedes-Benz GLA, covering engine, transmission, and cooling. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Mercedes-Benz GLA?
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Most single repairs on the Mercedes-Benz GLA fall between $900–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 21 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mercedes-Benz GLA?
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Yes. A Mercedes-Benz GLA inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.