Mercedes-Benz GLA H247
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
421 PS
AMG GLA 45 S · Benzin
GLA 45 S AMG — Brutal SUV
Fun to Drive!109–163 PS
1.3L Turbo Benzin
5 weaknesses
Good ChoiceGenerations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 is available with 10 engine variants — from 90 to 421 hp.
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 8 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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)
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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)
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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)
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
TÜV Report 2024
The current GLA H247 ranks among the better-performing compact SUVs in the premium segment at early main inspections.
2023-11Top Reported Issues
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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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee