At a Glance
The Mercedes-benz Gla-class has 6 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the X156 (2013-2020) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 372K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mercedes-benz Gla-class common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mercedes-benz Gla-class generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mercedes-benz Gla-class owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Mercedes-benz Gla-class Generations
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Most Common Mercedes-benz Gla-class MOT Failures
Every reason Mercedes-benz Gla-class vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 21.58% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 14.90% |
| 3 | Brake pads or linings worn | 10.03% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 9.73% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 7.46% |
| 6 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 5.87% |
| 7 | Driveshaft fault | 5.73% |
| 8 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.86% |
| 9 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.43% |
| 10 | Headlamp fault | 2.13% |
| 11 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.96% |
| 12 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 1.76% |
| 13 | Indicator fault | 1.74% |
| 14 | Airbag warning light on | 1.71% |
| 15 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.08% |
| 16 | Brake performance below minimum | 1.05% |
| 17 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 1.00% |
| 18 | Stop lamp not working | 0.87% |
| 19 | Position lamp not working | 0.64% |
| 20 | Seat belt condition | 0.49% |
| 21 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.44% |
| 22 | Track rod end worn | 0.32% |
| 23 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.32% |
| 24 | Number plate lamp not working | 0.25% |
| 25 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.24% |
| 26 | ABS fault | 0.23% |
| 27 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.23% |
| 28 | Propshaft fault | 0.22% |
| 29 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.17% |
| 30 | Horn not working | 0.15% |
| 31 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.15% |
| 32 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.15% |
| 33 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.13% |
| 34 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.12% |
| 35 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.11% |
| 36 | Driver seat fault | 0.09% |
| 37 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 38 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.08% |
| 39 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.07% |
| 40 | Steering rack fault | 0.07% |
| 41 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.07% |
| 42 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.07% |
| 43 | Driver airbag fault | 0.06% |
| 44 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.06% |
| 45 | Exhaust system fault | 0.06% |
| 46 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 47 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.05% |
| 49 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 50 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 51 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.04% |
| 52 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 53 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 54 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 55 | Engine oil leak | 0.03% |
| 56 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 57 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 58 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 59 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.03% |
| 60 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.03% |
| 61 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 62 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 63 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 64 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 65 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 66 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 67 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 68 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 69 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 70 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 71 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 72 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 73 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 74 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 75 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 76 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 77 | Brake hydraulic component worn | <0.01% |
| 78 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 79 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 80 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 81 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 82 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 83 | Front lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 84 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 85 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 86 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 87 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 88 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 89 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 90 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 91 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 92 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 93 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 94 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 95 | Front suspension joint worn | <0.01% |
| 96 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 97 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 98 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 99 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 100 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 102 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 103 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Brake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 107 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 108 | Fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 109 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 111 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 112 | Rear lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 113 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 114 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 116 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mercedes-benz Gla-class MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mercedes-benz Gla-class, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mercedes-benz Gla-class problems?
Based on analysis of 372K Mercedes-benz Gla-class MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 6 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Linkage ball joint dust cover split". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Mercedes-benz Gla-class generation has the most problems?
The Mercedes-benz Gla-class X156 (2013-2020) (2013–2020) has the highest number of identified common problems (7). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mercedes-benz Gla-class?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mercedes-benz Gla-class owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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