Mercedes-Benz GLA X156 (2014-2019) reliability
Mercedes-Benz GLA X156 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Mercedes-Benz GLA X156 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GLA X156?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
16% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz GLA X156 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz GLA X156 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 81,686 tests of GLA models registered 2014-2019.
About 1 in 40 GLA X156 MOTs (2.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 17,928 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 25 GLA X156 MOTs (4.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 17,928 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
X156 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 9 years old.
How the GLA X156 compares
At each age below, see how the GLA X156 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 182,274 tests across 17 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other SUVs to compare
Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the GLA X156.
- 1
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.4%
Lower fail rate: 12.4%, against 16.0% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA X156, both built around 2018.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,969 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Volkswagen T-Roc
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.9%
Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 16.0% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA X156, both built around 2018.
9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Lexus RX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.3%
- Dangerous
- 2.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.4%
Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 16.0% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA X156, both built around 2018.
1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Lexus NX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1%
- Dangerous
- 2.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.4%
Lower fail rate: 9.5%, against 16.0% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA X156, both built around 2018.
4,706 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
How many are still registered
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).
Recall context
54 recalls in all26 of the 54 GLA X156 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 9 Critical
- 17 more
Top concerns
- Driver's airbag gas generator housing failure during deployment
- Electrical wiring in steering assembly may be insufficiently grounded
- Steering components may be insufficiently grounded
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on GLA X156 cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 583 cars.
How GLA X156 cars have aged
How GLA X156 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as X156 cars age
How each part holds up as X156 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | No figure | 7% | 11% |
| Brakes | 6% | 8% | 12% |
| Emissions | 4% | 4% | 5% |
| Tyres | 16% | 19% | 19% |
| Lighting | 4% | 6% | 4% |
| Drivetrain | 3% | 4% | 11% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 89 to 852 cars at each age.
X156 variants compared
GLA X156 variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each GLA X156 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Diesel
- GLA16.1%11,084 tests
Petrol
- GLA15.7%6,814 tests
Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz GLA models of this age
This list covers every Mercedes-Benz GLA built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the X156 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 119.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 211.8%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 310.9%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 48.2%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 55.2%Advisory
Brake disc worn, but not excessively
Based on 17,928 tests
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz GLA X156?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mercedes-Benz GLA X156 (2014-2019) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 17,928 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.