Mercedes-Benz GLA X156
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
360–387 PS
2.0L Turbo AMG Benzin
GLA 45 AMG — SUV Rocket
Fun to Drive!120–204 PS
2.1L Diesel Diesel
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLA X156 is available with 9 engine variants — from 75 to 387 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 d (Diesel, 109 PS) has the OM607 (1.5L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 CDI (Diesel, 136 PS) has the OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d (Diesel, 136 PS) has the OM651DE18 (1.8L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d (Diesel, 163–177 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM651DE22 (2013–2017, Stay Away!) und OM651DE22 (2017–2020, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the GLA 220 d!
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 (Benziner, 122 PS) has the M270DE16 (1.6L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 (Benziner, 156 PS) has the M270DE16 (1.6L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 (Benziner, 184 PS) has the M270DE20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 (Benziner, 211 PS) has the M270DE20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG (Benziner, 360–381 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M133 (2014–2015, Be Careful) und M133 (2015–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the GLA 45 AMG!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 7G-DCT dual-clutch gearbox judders The 7G-DCT in the GLA X156 shows jerky gear changes from 2nd to 3rd gear in heavy city use from approx. 60,000 km. Worn clutch plates (under 1.8 mm) are a common cause; a gearbox oil change can ease symptoms. Symptoms: Judder on pull-away and gear change, gearbox snaps from D to N/R/P in cold, hesitant throttle response from 60,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 47 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz GLA X156 (2013–2020) — 40 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: OM651DE22 (2.1L Diesel). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Electronics, Body.
GLA (OM651DE22, 2013–2017) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 136 PS.
GLA (OM651DE22, 2013–2017) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 163–177 PS.
GLA (OM607, 2014–2020) — Be Careful: Timing belt instead of chain -- maintenance obligation, Timing belt interference engine -- total loss risk, Injector failure K9K base. Power: 109 PS.
GLA (OM651DE18, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Piezo Injector Faults (220/250 CDI), Chain Tensioner Failure with Oil Loss, Particulate Filter Blockage with Short-Trip Use. Power: 136 PS.
GLA (OM651DE22, 2017–2020) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Seal Leaking — Recall, Timing Chain Stretch (Simplex Chain), Piezo Injector Faults. Power: 170–177 PS.
GLA (M270DE16, 2013–2020) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Recall — Camshaft Break (Production Defect 2015), Electric Thermostat Failure. Power: 156 PS.
GLA (M270DE20, 2013–2020) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Recall — Camshaft Break (Production Defect 2015), Electric Thermostat Failure. Power: 211 PS.
GLA (M133, 2014–2015) — Be Careful: Oil Feed Line Contamination / Turbo Damage, 7G-DCT Dual Clutch — Judder and Clutch Damage, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness. Power: 360 PS.
GLA (M270DE16, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Recall — Camshaft Break (Production Defect 2015), Electric Thermostat Failure. Power: 122 PS.
GLA (M133, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Oil Feed Line Contamination / Turbo Damage, 7G-DCT Dual Clutch — Judder and Clutch Damage, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness. Power: 381 PS.
GLA (M270DE20, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaks — Oil in Wiring Harness, Recall — Camshaft Break (Production Defect 2015), Electric Thermostat Failure. Power: 184 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