MajorCommonEngine

Mercedes-Benz GLA: OM607 1.5D DPF Blockage and Regeneration Failure

OM607 1.5D DPF Blockage and Regeneration Failure is a common engine fault on the Mercedes-Benz GLA on the 2015–2023 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $600 to $4,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 21 documented faults on the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz GLA
Engine: 1.5L
Years: 2015–2023
Fuel: diesel
System: Engine

This page covers the Mercedes-Benz GLA as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Mercedes-Benz GLA faults21 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Diesel particulate filter yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The OM607 1.5-litre diesel is a small-capacity engine that struggles to achieve exhaust temperatures high enough for passive DPF regeneration on short urban trips. The DPF becomes blocked with soot, triggering forced active regeneration cycles. If the vehicle is switched off mid-regeneration repeatedly (typical urban use), the DPF reaches a state where it cannot be regenerated by driving and requires forced dealer regeneration or physical replacement. Oil dilution from failed regen cycles compounds the problem.

What you would notice

DPF or engine warning light on dashboard
Increased fuel consumption or oil level rising above maximum
Noticeably reduced power output with limp mode engagement
Strong diesel or burning smell from exhaust during attempted regeneration
Engine management light with fault codes P2002 or P244A (DPF efficiency below threshold)

How to check it

Where to look. Exhaust system, underside of vehicle behind the catalytic converter

Check engine oil level and condition — diesel dilution causes the oil to smell of fuel and the level to read high.
Check for DPF warning light history.
Ask how the car has predominantly been used (short urban trips are high risk).
If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect an OBD scanner to read DPF soot load percentage.

Parts involved: Diesel particulate filter.

What it costs to put right

$600 to $4,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Has the car mainly been used for short urban trips rather than regular motorway or open road driving?”
“Has a DPF warning light ever appeared, and if so was it professionally cleared or just driven away?”
“Has the engine oil ever needed to be changed early due to fuel dilution or has the level risen above maximum?”

Now check the Mercedes-Benz GLA you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Mercedes-Benz GLA buyer questions

Is om607 1.5d dpf blockage and regeneration failure serious on a Mercedes-Benz GLA?

We rate it major and common on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The OM607 1.5-litre diesel is a small-capacity engine that struggles to achieve exhaust temperatures high enough for passive DPF regeneration on short urban trips. The DPF becomes blocked with soot, triggering forced active regeneration cycles. If the vehicle is switched off mid-regeneration repeatedly (typical urban use), the DPF reaches a state where it cannot be regenerated by driving and requires forced dealer regeneration or physical replacement. Oil dilution from failed regen cycles compounds the problem.

How much does it cost to fix on a Mercedes-Benz GLA?

$600 to $4,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Mercedes-Benz GLA years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2015–2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Check engine oil level and condition — diesel dilution causes the oil to smell of fuel and the level to read high. Check for DPF warning light history. Ask how the car has predominantly been used (short urban trips are high risk). If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect an OBD scanner to read DPF soot load percentage. Look here: Exhaust system, underside of vehicle behind the catalytic converter