Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Mercedes-Benz · Compact SUV · 2020–2025 Custom Search

Mercedes-Benz GLA H247

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.7 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

421 PS

AMG GLA 45 S · Benzin

GLA 45 S AMG — Brutal SUV

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

109–163 PS

1.3L Turbo Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations


Engine Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 is available with 10 engine variants — from 90 to 421 hp.

GLA 180 d · Diesel· 109 PS
2020 2025

Renault-based small diesel, new generation. Economical with SCR catalyst, but still with little power reserve. Automatic only.

  • !! Timing belt maintenance obligation from 120,000 km

    Like its Renault counterpart, the OM608 uses a timing belt. Prescribed change every 120,000 km or 6 years -- frequently forgotten as Mercedes buyers are accustomed to timing chains.

    Symptoms: No warning on snap -- sudden engine failure and severe engine damage
    600–1,200 $
  • !! Timing belt change critical from 120,000 km

    The OM608 (Renault K9K base) uses a timing belt. Mercedes specifies 200,000 km change interval; Renault prescribes 120,000 km for the same engine. A snap causes immediate total damage on this interference engine.

    Symptoms: No noticeable warning before snap; beforehand: faint squealing, occasionally starting difficulties
    450–850 $
  • !! Increased oil consumption / turbo shaft seal from 100,000 km

    The Renault-based OM608 1.5 CDI sometimes shows increased oil consumption from early on due to a leaking turbocharger shaft seal. Oil mist in the intake tract behind the turbo.

    Symptoms: Dropping oil level, oil mist or blue smoke from exhaust, oil in air filter housing behind turbo
    800–2,000 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

GLA 200 d · Diesel· 150 PS
2020 2025

Completely new aluminium diesel with NANOSLIDE coating and integrated particulate filter. Noticeably quieter and cleaner than the OM651. Few typical faults known to date.

  • !! Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear from 80,000 km

    Known weak point: the narrow camshaft lobes and rocker arms in the OM654 wear prematurely due to inadequate lubrication. Mercedes issued TSBs.

    Symptoms: Ticking or knocking from engine bay, misfires, rough running, engine warning light
    2,000–5,000 $
  • !! Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall

    Over 800,000 Mercedes diesel vehicles with OM654/OM656 were recalled due to a leaking electric coolant pump. Coolant loss can lead to overheating.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, coolant warning light, engine temperature rises
    0–500 $
  • !! NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit from 90,000 km

    NOx sensors wear out from soot particles and deliver erroneous readings. Consequence: incorrect AdBlue injection, CEL illumination; if unaddressed, an engine start inhibit may follow. Both sensors can be affected.

    Symptoms: CEL, AdBlue warning, fault code P20EE or P204F, message 'No start after X km', rough idle
    500–2,000 $

+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

GLA 220 d · Diesel· 190 PS
2020 2025

Completely new aluminium diesel with NANOSLIDE coating and integrated particulate filter. Noticeably quieter and cleaner than the OM651. Few typical faults known to date.

  • !! Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear from 80,000 km

    Known weak point: the narrow camshaft lobes and rocker arms in the OM654 wear prematurely due to inadequate lubrication. Mercedes issued TSBs.

    Symptoms: Ticking or knocking from engine bay, misfires, rough running, engine warning light
    2,000–5,000 $
  • !! Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall

    Over 800,000 Mercedes diesel vehicles with OM654/OM656 were recalled due to a leaking electric coolant pump. Coolant loss can lead to overheating.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warning, coolant warning light, engine temperature rises
    0–500 $
  • !! NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit from 90,000 km

    NOx sensors wear out from soot particles and deliver erroneous readings. Consequence: incorrect AdBlue injection, CEL illumination; if unaddressed, an engine start inhibit may follow. Both sensors can be affected.

    Symptoms: CEL, AdBlue warning, fault code P20EE or P204F, message 'No start after X km', rough idle
    500–2,000 $

+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

AMG GLA 35 · Petrol· 306 PS
2020 2025

AMG version of the M260 with 306 hp. 7G-DCT and 4MATIC standard. Independent tuning with reinforced bottom end. Good balance of everyday usability and performance.

  • !! Cylinder Head Exhaust Valves Worn from 35,000 km

    Same production defect as in the standard M260: exhaust valve seat inserts wear prematurely causing engine misfires. Mercedes extended warranty to 15 years.

    Symptoms: Heavy vibration, misfires (MIL with misfire faults P030x), noticeable power loss
    4,000–8,000 $
  • !! Valve Seat Insert Wears — Cylinder Head Damage from 50,000 km

    Known production issue on early M260 engines: exhaust valve seat inserts wear prematurely. Mercedes Canada extended warranty to 15 years/241,000 km.

    Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, power loss, compression test shows drop, MIL illuminated
    3,500–6,000 $
  • !! Turbocharger Wear Under AMG Load from 90,000 km

    The higher-boosted M260 shows premature turbocharger wear with spirited driving. Inadequate cool-down periods accelerate bearing damage.

    Symptoms: Whistling from turbo, power drop at high rpm, oil mist in intake tract
    1,500–3,500 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

AMG GLA 45 · Petrol· 381–387 PS
2020 2025

The M139 is the logical development of the M133 and surpasses it in every respect: more power, better thermal management through an improved cooling concept, combined direct and port injection to fight intake valve carbon build-up. As a young engine with limited long-term data it is considered robust so far. Isolated reports of coolant sensor issues and water pump failures at high speeds. Tuning potential is enormous, but fuel supply must be upgraded at higher power levels.

  • !! Turbocharger Stress Under Extreme Use from 100,000 km

    The world's most powerful series-production four-cylinder at 421 hp subjects its turbocharger to extreme stress. Without adequate cool-down periods after full-load operation, premature bearing wear is likely.

    Symptoms: Whistling at high load, oil mist in intake tract, power drop in heat
    2,500–5,000 $
  • !! Turbocharger Shaft Seal Leaking from 80,000 km

    The high-performance turbocharger on the M139 can push oil into the intake tract due to excessive shaft play. Early vehicles were subject to a recall for turbocharger bearing defects.

    Symptoms: Oil consumption without visible leaks, smoke cloud on cold start, power drop under high load
    2,000–5,000 $
  • !! Overheating After Spirited Driving from 60,000 km

    The M139 cooling system is designed at its limits. After extended high-load phases coolant temperature can reach critical values, especially in warm weather.

    Symptoms: Coolant temperature warning after spirited driving, restricted engine power through thermal management
    800–2,500 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

AMG GLA 45 S · Petrol· 421 PS
2020 2025

The M139 is the logical development of the M133 and surpasses it in every respect: more power, better thermal management through an improved cooling concept, combined direct and port injection to fight intake valve carbon build-up. As a young engine with limited long-term data it is considered robust so far. Isolated reports of coolant sensor issues and water pump failures at high speeds. Tuning potential is enormous, but fuel supply must be upgraded at higher power levels.

  • !! Turbocharger Stress Under Extreme Use from 100,000 km

    The world's most powerful series-production four-cylinder at 421 hp subjects its turbocharger to extreme stress. Without adequate cool-down periods after full-load operation, premature bearing wear is likely.

    Symptoms: Whistling at high load, oil mist in intake tract, power drop in heat
    2,500–5,000 $
  • !! Turbocharger Shaft Seal Leaking from 80,000 km

    The high-performance turbocharger on the M139 can push oil into the intake tract due to excessive shaft play. Early vehicles were subject to a recall for turbocharger bearing defects.

    Symptoms: Oil consumption without visible leaks, smoke cloud on cold start, power drop under high load
    2,000–5,000 $
  • !! Overheating After Spirited Driving from 60,000 km

    The M139 cooling system is designed at its limits. After extended high-load phases coolant temperature can reach critical values, especially in warm weather.

    Symptoms: Coolant temperature warning after spirited driving, restricted engine power through thermal management
    800–2,500 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

GLA 180 · Petrol· 136 PS
2020 2025

Joint development with Renault (H5Ht). Cylinder bore coating: NANOSLIDE. Compact and economical, but somewhat strained under high load. Also used as PHEV base (250e).

  • !! Increased oil consumption from 60,000 km

    Some M282 engines show early increased oil consumption from defective piston rings and oil scraper rings. The problem sometimes appears at low mileages.

    Symptoms: Dropping oil level between service visits, occasionally slight blue smoke when accelerating
    1,500–4,000 $
  • !! Increased oil consumption from piston ring wear from 60,000 km

    Some M282 engines show progressive oil consumption from low mileage. Cause: defective oil rings or pistons. Direct injection washes oil off the cylinder wall.

    Symptoms: Regular oil top-ups required, no visible leaks, no smoke from exhaust
    2,000–5,000 $
  • !! Boost pressure loss from turbo or charge air hose from 120,000 km

    The M282 turbocharger can lose power at higher mileage from bearing wear or leaking charge air pipes. The wastegate actuator can deliver incorrect signals.

    Symptoms: Power drop at full throttle, whistling in the engine bay, boost pressure too low warning (P0299)
    1,200–3,500 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

GLA 200 · Petrol· 160–163 PS
2020 2025

Joint development with Renault (H5Ht). Cylinder bore coating: NANOSLIDE. Compact and economical, but somewhat strained under high load. Also used as PHEV base (250e).

  • !! Increased oil consumption from 60,000 km

    Some M282 engines show early increased oil consumption from defective piston rings and oil scraper rings. The problem sometimes appears at low mileages.

    Symptoms: Dropping oil level between service visits, occasionally slight blue smoke when accelerating
    1,500–4,000 $
  • !! Increased oil consumption from piston ring wear from 60,000 km

    Some M282 engines show progressive oil consumption from low mileage. Cause: defective oil rings or pistons. Direct injection washes oil off the cylinder wall.

    Symptoms: Regular oil top-ups required, no visible leaks, no smoke from exhaust
    2,000–5,000 $
  • !! Boost pressure loss from turbo or charge air hose from 120,000 km

    The M282 turbocharger can lose power at higher mileage from bearing wear or leaking charge air pipes. The wastegate actuator can deliver incorrect signals.

    Symptoms: Power drop at full throttle, whistling in the engine bay, boost pressure too low warning (P0299)
    1,200–3,500 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

GLA 250 · Petrol· 224 PS
2020 2025

Powerful two-litre turbo from the new compact platform. 7G-DCT or 8G-DCT standard. Strong everyday engine with few known weaknesses.

  • !! Exhaust Valve Seat Insert Wear / Cylinder Head from 40,000 km

    Known production deficiency: exhaust valve seat inserts and valve guides wear prematurely, leading to leaking combustion chambers. Mercedes extended warranty to 15 years / 241,000 km for model years 2019–2022.

    Symptoms: Rough engine running, misfires (faults P0300–P0304), check engine light, power loss, vibration
    3,000–8,000 $
  • !! Timing Chain Rattles on Cold Start from 90,000 km

    On the M260 timing chain and tensioner can wear prematurely, especially with long oil change intervals. Affected vehicles show rattling on cold start.

    Symptoms: Metallic rattling after cold start, check engine light, camshaft position fault codes
    1,500–3,600 $
  • !! Wastegate Actuator Causes Boost Pressure Loss from 100,000 km

    The wastegate actuator on the M260 can open prematurely from spring wear, leading to underboost. Diagnosis possible by pressure-testing the actuator.

    Symptoms: Power deficiency under load, P0299 fault code, whistling on acceleration
    500–1,800 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

GLA 250 e · Petrol Plug-in-Hybrid· 218 PS
2021 2025

Joint development with Renault (H5Ht). Cylinder bore coating: NANOSLIDE. Compact and economical, but somewhat strained under high load. Also used as PHEV base (250e).

  • !! Increased oil consumption from 60,000 km

    Some M282 engines show early increased oil consumption from defective piston rings and oil scraper rings. The problem sometimes appears at low mileages.

    Symptoms: Dropping oil level between service visits, occasionally slight blue smoke when accelerating
    1,500–4,000 $
  • !! Increased oil consumption from piston ring wear from 60,000 km

    Some M282 engines show progressive oil consumption from low mileage. Cause: defective oil rings or pistons. Direct injection washes oil off the cylinder wall.

    Symptoms: Regular oil top-ups required, no visible leaks, no smoke from exhaust
    2,000–5,000 $
  • !! Boost pressure loss from turbo or charge air hose from 120,000 km

    The M282 turbocharger can lose power at higher mileage from bearing wear or leaking charge air pipes. The wastegate actuator can deliver incorrect signals.

    Symptoms: Power drop at full throttle, whistling in the engine bay, boost pressure too low warning (P0299)
    1,200–3,500 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!8G-DCT judders on pull-away and in creep mode

The 8-speed DCT in the GLA H247 occasionally shows jerky gear changes and delayed response when pulling away, particularly on cold starts in the GLA 180 and GLA 200. Problems increase from 50,000–100,000 km.

Symptoms: Judder in creep mode, hesitant pull-away, gearbox whine in certain driving situations
from 60,000 km
High

Test Reports

tuev

TÜV Report 2024

Above average

The current GLA H247 ranks among the better-performing compact SUVs in the premium segment at early main inspections.

2023-11
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above average
3 complaints · 2020–2025
  1. 01 Brakes
    2 ⚠ 1
  2. 02 Powertrain
    2 ⚠ 1
  3. 03 Hydraulic
    1
  4. 04 Electrical
    1 ⚠ 1
  5. 05 Other
    1

Top Reported Issues

Brakes (2 complaints)
Powertrain (2 complaints)
Hydraulic (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Fiat 600e 600

Compact SUV (2023–2026)

Same Segment

Hyundai Kona SX2

Compact SUV (2023–2026)

Same Segment

Smart #1 HX11

Compact SUV (2023–2026)

Same Segment

Volvo EX30 I

Compact SUV (2023–2026)

Same Segment

Alfa Romeo Tonale 965

Compact SUV (2022–2024)

Same Segment

BMW X1 U11

Compact SUV (2022–2026)

Explore more

Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 44 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 (2020–2025) — 37 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Body. Considered reliable: M282 (1.3L Turbo), M139 (2.0L Turbo AMG).

GLA (OM608, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Timing belt maintenance obligation, Timing belt change critical, Increased oil consumption / turbo shaft seal. Power: 109 PS.

GLA (OM654, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear, Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall, NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit. Power: 150 PS.

GLA (OM654, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear, Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall, NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit. Power: 190 PS.

GLA (M260, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Exhaust Valve Seat Insert Wear / Cylinder Head, Timing Chain Rattles on Cold Start, Wastegate Actuator Causes Boost Pressure Loss. Power: 224 PS.

GLA (M260-AMG35, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Cylinder Head Exhaust Valves Worn, Valve Seat Insert Wears — Cylinder Head Damage, Turbocharger Wear Under AMG Load. Power: 306 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz GLA? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 have? +
The Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 has 37 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLA H247? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: M282 (1.3L Turbo), M139 (2.0L Turbo AMG). The most reliable engine is the M282 (1.3L Turbo) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the M139 (2.0L Turbo AMG).
Which Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mercedes-Benz GLA H247. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 310 kW / 421 hp in the GLA: excess in every sense — overwhelmingly fast, but the SUV format costs the final degree of purity.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 worth buying used? +
The Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz GLA H247? +
The Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 is available with engine variants from 90 to 421 hp. Petrol: M282 (1.3L Turbo), M260 (2.0L Turbo), M260-AMG35 (2.0L Turbo), M139 (2.0L Turbo AMG). Diesel: OM608 (1.5L Diesel), OM654 (2.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee