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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 180 Business Solution common faults.

2017–2020, SUV, petrol, 122 HP.

The fault list covers: M270DE16AL engine, MB6MT-MFA transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

6 fault write-ups. All are important. 9 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

6 important faults

critical4

M270: a stretching timing chain with an undersized tensioner

critical

The timing chain stretches from 80,000 kilometres, and the cause is the exhaust-side chain tensioner: it is undersized and does not hold the chain properly. Short city use speeds the process up.

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The symptom is a rattle on a cold start. The stretched chain makes the timing slip, and if the chain jumps, the valves and the pistons meet.

above 80,000 km

What to check

  • Start it from cold and listen to the first seconds: a rattle points at the chain
  • Check whether the noise stays when warm: a chain fault does not fade with warming
  • Ask what kind of journeys it did: short city use speeds up the wear
2 more steps in the write-up

Timing chain: the pulse wheel shifts, and the chain stretches with it

critical

The service life of the timing chain on this engine is not outstanding: it has to be replaced between 100 000 and 150 000 kilometres. The stretching, however, is accelerated by another part, and that is worth knowing.

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The pulse wheel is press-fitted onto the camshaft, and it shifts a little with every start. That shifting significantly speeds up the stretching of the chain.

The symptom is difficulty starting, which can grow as far as complete failure. The engine starts hard when cold, and as the valve timing drifts it loses power.

The repair is therefore not just the chain: the stretched chain and the faulty pulse wheel have to be replaced together. If only the chain is renewed, the cause stays in place and the next chain stretches the same way. So look for both of them on the invoice.

On engines built before 2014 the phase regulators also failed quickly and started to crack. The maker revised them, which pushed the fault later, but did not eliminate it.

between 100,000 and 150,000 km

What to check

  • Start it cold: difficulty starting points to a stretched chain and a shifted pulse wheel
  • Ask for the invoice of the chain change and check whether the pulse wheel was replaced too
  • Listen to the engine cold: chain noise comes from the front of the engine
2 more steps in the write-up

Faulty weld seam on the camshaft: a recall, free replacement

critical

On engines built between July and September 2015 the supplier made a mistake in the welding process, so the weld seam on the camshaft is not as it should be. According to the authority's notice the fault affects individual M270 and M274 four-cylinder petrol engines.

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On the affected cars the camshaft can break, and in doing so it damages the engine and shuts it off. The engine cannot then be restarted, the car comes to a halt, and in the words of the notice this increases the accident hazard.

As a precaution the maker prescribed replacement of the camshafts. The campaign started in November 2015, the target date for completion was the end of 2016, and the replacement is free for the owner.

At a purchase two things have to be cleared up: does the car fall into the production window, and if so, has the recall been carried out on it. The franchised dealer can answer that from the chassis number.

What to check

  • Check the production date of the engine: the examples from between July and September 2015 are affected
  • Ask whether the recall has been carried out, and ask for proof of it
  • If there is no proof, ask the franchised dealer with the chassis number: they can tell you
2 more steps in the write-up

M270: a faulty weld seam on the camshaft, recall

critical

In engines built between July and September 2015, the weld seam on a camshaft lobe can be faulty and the lobe can break off.

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With a broken lobe the affected valve does not open, the engine runs unevenly, and the broken piece causes damage inside the engine. The manufacturer issued a recall and the replacement is free.

What to check

  • Check the engine build date: units built between July and September 2015 are affected
  • Ask whether the recall was carried out, and ask for proof
  • At idle, watch the engine: it must not run unevenly or misfire
1 more steps in the write-up

expensive2

M274 2.0 turbo: crankcase ventilation (PCV) control valve failure

expensive

On the 2.0 turbo four cylinder (M274, and the transverse M270) the control valve of the crankcase ventilation system fails early. The official database holds 259 reports on it, almost exclusively on the 2015 to 2019 C 300 and GLC 300 versions.

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The symptom: the engine warning light comes on, and diagnostics returns a fault code complaining about crankcase ventilation valve performance. Alongside it you get a fluctuating idle, a whistling or sucking noise from the engine bay, and sometimes harder starting.

The valve is part of the intake system, and if it sticks open or closed the engine either draws false air or the pressure in the crankcase rises. The latter pushes the crankshaft seals out, and from then on you have an oil leak. The valve itself is a cheap part, but getting to it is not always cheap.

On the same engine generation the complaints also include 27 reports of a cracked piston (weighted to the C 300 in 2015 and 2017). That is much rarer. If the engine burns oil or knocks, do not think only of the ventilation valve.

The official data is American, and the 2.0 petrol is far more common there than in Europe.

between 64,000 and 145,000 kmreported complaints only

What to check

  • Ask for a fault code read and look for the code on crankcase ventilation valve performance: that is the characteristic entry
  • Listen to the engine bay at idle: a whistling, sucking noise points to a torn valve diaphragm
  • Look around the valve cover and the crankshaft seals for oil leaks: the consequence of raised crankcase pressure
2 more steps in the write-up

M270: a failing electric thermostat leaves the engine cold

expensive

The electric thermostat can fail from 90 000 kilometres and sticks open. The coolant then circulates in the large circuit even while the engine should still be warming up, so the engine does not reach its 80 degree operating temperature.

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The control unit logs it too: code P0128 means that the coolant temperature stays below the regulating temperature of the thermostat. The symptom is that the engine does not warm up properly even after a long time, the heater is lukewarm, consumption rises and the engine management light comes on as well.

An engine running cold for a long time wears faster, because cold oil does not lubricate the same way and fuel dilutes it in a greater proportion. The thermostat is built into the coolant circuit, so its replacement involves draining coolant.

above 90,000 km

What to check

  • Run the engine for ten minutes: the temperature gauge has to reach its usual middle value
  • Turn the heating on: the air should be hot, not lukewarm
  • Have the fault codes read and look for P0128
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 180 Business Solution

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall9 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 29 January 2021

21V033000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)29 January 2021 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLA 250 vehicles. The power supply for the automatic transmission control unit might be interrupted while driving, possibly causing the transmission to shift into neutral.

Risk: If the transmission shifts into neutral while driving, there would be loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission control unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020038.

The authority's notice

20V672000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMSTEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM30 October 2020 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLA250 vehicles. The engine compartment fusebox may come loose over time, potentially damaging fuses and disrupting certain vehicle functions such as engine, power steering assist, electronic stability control (ESP), and Active Brake Assist.

Risk: A loss of engine operation, power steering assist, ESP system, or Active Brake Assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment fusebox mounting and correct it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110007.

The authority's notice

19V585000SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHERSEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER12 August 2019 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt may be loose.

Risk: The seatbelt for a passenger seated in the rear middle seating position might not be properly secured, which could increase the risk of an injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left anchor plate of the rear middle seatbelt, correcting its installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080010.

The authority's notice

19V132000SEATSSEATS26 February 2019 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA-250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. An incorrect rear seat back covering carpet could have been installed on the split-rear seat back. As a result, the child seat anchorage point (top tether) on the center positon of the rear seat may be covered and inaccessible for use. As such, these vehicles fail to comply to Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Risk: If the upper anchorage point is covered, the child seat will not be able to be secured as intended in the center position of the rear seat, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Mercedes will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear seat back covering carpet on the affected vehicles and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz's customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Mercedes' number for this recall is 2019030003.

The authority's notice

18V912000VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYVISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY19 December 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018-2019 GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The sunroof bonding may allow water to leak into the vehicle.

Risk: Water leaking into the vehicle from around the sunroof may affect the electrical contacts of the window air bag, potentially causing the window air bag to not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding of the panorama sliding sunroof and the electrical contacts of the window air bag on the affected vehicles, replacing the components as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019030006.

The authority's notice

A12/00531/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Improper torque of the screws on the brake caliper housing can cause the screw connections to become loose. As a result, the braking performance would be reduced and components of the brake caliper may be lost, increasing the risk of accidents. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00968/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to a defect in the high fuel pressure manifold the engine might be damaged. This may lead to reduced engine power and to inability to start the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01145/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The screws on the rear axle might not be tightened properly, which could lead to overloading of other screw connections. This can result in loss of wheel control and consequently to loss of control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01337/20Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The oil-supply pipe on the turbocharger may leak. As a result, engine oil could leak onto the under-body paneling and from there onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic. Moreover, leaking engine oil might come into contact with hot components in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

M270DE16AL

90–115 kW (122–156 HP) · petrol

MB6MT-MFA · 6-speed manual, transverse (Mercedes F-SG 310 / 711.6xx)

manual · 6 speed

Torque limit310 Nm
MakerMercedes-Benz

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
GLA 180 Business Solution
Body
SUV
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
manual
Engine size
1595 cc
Power
90 kW (122 HP)
Drive
FWD
Production
2017–2020

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years
All X156 versions

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms