Mercedes-Benz GLA reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a family suv. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 122 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 137 of 442, and 15.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is tread depth (2.0% of tests).
Ranked 137 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 14 of 31 family SUVs
In 2024, 84,382 Mercedes-Benz GLAs aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 15.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is 18% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 8.6% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
15.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
8.6%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,200
Typical age at test: 6 years
Mercedes-Benz GLA MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mercedes-Benz GLA MOT faults
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.4% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.3% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.3% of tests
What the Mercedes-Benz GLA fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 5.3% | About average |
| Suspension | 3.1% | About average |
| Visibility | 2.5% | ▼ 28% less often |
| Brakes | 2.4% | ▼ 34% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 2.4% | ▼ 52% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.5% | About average |
| Body and structure | 1.5% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Steering | 0.1% | ▼ 87% less often |
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz GLA do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz GLA ranges from 29.7 to 67.3mpg across the 63 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2014–2025). A typical petrol version manages 42.8mpg and a typical diesel 58.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Any Mercedes-Benz GLA first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz GLA registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £410 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMercedes-Benz GLA specs and running costs
Official figures for 63 versions sold in the UK between 2014 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
29.7–67.3 mpg
CO2
22–215 g/km
Power
136–421 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLA GLA 200 d150 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 53.3 mpg | 140g | £200 | 37% |
| GLA GLA 220 d 4MATIC190 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 148g | £200 | 37% |
| GLA GLA 180136 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 146g | £200 | 35% |
| GLA GLA 200163 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 44.1 mpg | 146g | £200 | 35% |
| GLA AMG GLA 35 4MATIC306 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 32.1 mpg | 200g | £200 | 37% |
| GLA AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+421 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 29.7 mpg | 215g | £200 | 37% |
| GLA GLA 250 e218 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 282.5 mpg | 22g | £200 | 10% |
| GLA Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC225 PS · A8 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 32.1 mpg | 200g | £200 | 37% |
| GLA Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+310 PS · A8 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 29.7 mpg | 215g | £200 | 37% |
| GLA .5 GLA 200 d150 PS · A8 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 53.3 mpg | 138g | £200 | – |
| GLA .5 GLA 200 d 4MATIC150 PS · A8 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 51.4 mpg | 144g | £200 | – |
| GLA GLA 200 d 4MATIC150 PS · A8 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 45.6 mpg | 144g | £200 | – |
| GLA .5 GLA 220 d 4MATIC190 PS · A8 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 51.4 mpg | 145g | £200 | – |
| GLA .5 GLA 180136 PS · A7 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 44.8 mpg | 148g | £200 | – |
| GLA .5 GLA 200163 PS · A7 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 148g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 63 versions.
What a Mercedes-Benz GLA costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 42.8mpg…
- diesel, typical official 58.9mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mercedes-Benz GLABuying a used Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Mercedes-Benz GLA with other family SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mercedes-Benz GLA is 18% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 122 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The most common MOT fault is “Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm”, found in 2.0% of tests. It fails on body and structure more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz GLA do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz GLA ranges from 29.7 to 67.3mpg across the 63 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2014–2025). A typical petrol version manages 42.8mpg and a typical diesel 58.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Any Mercedes-Benz GLA first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz GLA registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £410 a year.
›How many Mercedes-Benz GLAs fail their MOT?
15.3% of Mercedes-Benz GLAs aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 8.6% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLA combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.