Mercedes-Benz GLA 220
More powerful 2.0L variant of the M270. Solid turbocharged four-cylinder with adequate performance. Oil consumption possible at high mileage.
GLA 250 — SUV Compromise
135 kW in the GLA is noticeable, but the SUV format and weight take the edge off. Brisk for an SUV, not a sports car.
Engine Weaknesses 7
A leaking camshaft adjuster solenoid allows oil to migrate into the wiring harness. Lambda sensors die first, then the engine ECU. Well-known failure pattern on all M270 variants.
Symptoms: Lambda fault codes, rough running, CEL. Oil smell in engine bay. In later stages multiple electrical faults
M270DE20 engines with manufacturing date July–September 2015: defective weld seam on the camshaft lobe leads to fracture and engine damage. Recall with free replacement.
Symptoms: Metallic noises from engine bay, power loss, in worst case engine stall
Identical issue to the M270DE16: electrically-controlled thermostat at the rear of the engine fails prematurely. Difficult removal drives workshop costs to 700–1,300 EUR.
Symptoms: Engine runs permanently below operating temperature, coolant temperature fluctuations, fault code P0128
M270 2.0 camshaft adjusters tend to wear from approx. 100,000 km with rattling noises on cold start. Revised adjusters from model year 2014.
Symptoms: Metallic clattering or rattling directly after cold start, idle hesitation, disappears after warm-up
Just like the M270DE16, the electronically controlled thermostat on the M270DE20 also fails early. Fault code P0128, irregular coolant temperature.
Symptoms: Temperature needle stays in the lower range or fluctuates, CEL, increased fuel consumption, code P0128
The variable oil pump control valve on the M270 can fail and trigger fault code P06DA. Wiring harness to the control valve frequently breaks.
Symptoms: Fault code P06DA00, check engine light, possibly reduced engine power
On direct injection engines, oil carbon from the crankcase ventilation builds up on the intake valves. Noticeable power loss from approximately 80,000–120,000 km.
Symptoms: Stumbling at low revs, power loss, increased consumption, cold-start problems, engine roughness at partial load
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
On GLA X156 build years 2016–2018 the eCall emergency system could malfunction when Mercedes me services were active in transport mode. Automatic and manual emergency calls were not transmitted correctly. Fixed via OTA software update.
MOT reports cite brake lines and parking brake as typical weak points on the GLA X156. Brake lines are prone to corrosion.
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.
In cold weather the electric door mirrors on the GLA X156 often fail to fold in. The optional sunroof does not fully open or close at low temperatures. Cause is cold sensitivity of the drive motors and control units.
At motorway speeds above 120 km/h distinct wind noise is reported in the area of the door seals and bonnet. The bonnet vibrates measurably, indicating insufficient body sealing.
Many GLA X156 owners report annoying wind noise at higher speeds from around 120 km/h. The bonnet also vibrates at higher speed.
Owners report creaking and rattling noises from the interior. Seat belt guides and seats rattle frequently. Typical at higher mileages.
Reports & Tests
1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2013–2020). Most reported: Lane Departure (1).