Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35
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.
GLA 35 AMG — SUV Sports Car
225 kW in the compact GLA: despite the SUV format surprisingly agile — AMG tuning makes the difference. Genuine fun.
Engine Weaknesses 5
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
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
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
Wastegate problems on the M260-AMG35 turbocharger have been documented. The wastegate actuator can deliver incorrect values leading to boost pressure fluctuations.
Symptoms: Whistling from the turbo area, uneven boost build-up, check engine light with boost pressure fault
As a direct-injection engine without port injection, carbon deposits typically form on intake valves. In AMG operation at high rpm this can manifest as rough running.
Symptoms: Slight rough running at low rpm, minimal elevated fuel consumption, occasional cold-start hesitation
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
The reversing camera on the GLA H247 fails from around 30,000 km due to software errors or defective cable connections. Image appears with a delay, flickers or stays black.
On GLA H247 with power tailgate, sensors or actuators fail from around 50,000 km. Tailgate no longer opens or closes automatically.
Rear camera failures reported after 2–3 years or 25,000–40,000 km. Cause is often software errors or faulty cable connections.
GLA H247 with power tailgate shows sensor or drive motor failures from approx. 50,000 km. The tailgate can then no longer be opened or closed electrically.
In the GLA H247 the MBUX system occasionally restarts twice at the start of a journey. Additionally the brake assist and high-beam assist can deactivate themselves.
Like the predecessor X156, H247 owners report annoying wind noise at motorway speeds. Seals at the A-pillar or doors are usually the cause.
Reports & Tests
3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2020–2025). Most reported: Brakes (2), Powertrain (2), Hydraulic (1).