Purchasing a new car is always an exciting experience, especially when upgrading within a brand you trust. As a three-time GLA owner, moving into the 2024 Mercedes-benz Gla250 4matic was anticipated with enthusiasm. Having leased both the 2018 and 2021 GLA models previously, the decision to buy the 2024 version felt like a natural progression. However, within just a few weeks of ownership, some concerning issues began to surface, prompting a deeper look into the reality of the latest model.
Initially, a “Check Engine” light illuminated, leading to a diagnosis of a defective thermostat. This resulted in the car being at the dealership for several weeks. During this time, a loaner 2024 GLA was provided, offering an unexpected opportunity to compare experiences across two different vehicles of the same model year. Surprisingly, some of the problems encountered in my own car were also present in the loaner, suggesting these might be more widespread issues with the 2024 GLA series rather than isolated incidents.
This review details the specific problems encountered with my 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC, corroborated by experiences with a loaner vehicle of the same model year. It aims to provide potential buyers and current owners with insights into potential issues to be aware of.
Notable Issues with the 2024 GLA250 4MATIC
Several issues have emerged that detract from the expected premium driving experience of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC. These can be categorized for clarity:
1. Trunk Clunking or Shifting Noise
One of the most prominent and unsettling issues is a noticeable clunking or shifting noise originating from the trunk area. This noise is particularly evident when the brakes are applied at slow speeds or during parking maneuvers. Both my personal 2024 GLA250 4MATIC and the loaner vehicle exhibited this exact symptom. It sounds distinctly like something heavy is rolling around in the trunk, even when the trunk is completely empty. This issue is not only distracting but also raises concerns about the vehicle’s build quality and component stability. For a luxury vehicle, such an audible and persistent noise is significantly disappointing and impacts the overall driving pleasure.
Alt text: Empty trunk space of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC, highlighting potential source area of clunking noise issue.
2. Gear Shift Motor Noises
While driving on secondary roads, noticeable gear shift motor noises can be heard during transitions between D1 and D6. Ideally, gear shifts in a modern luxury SUV like the GLA250 4MATIC should be smooth and almost imperceptible. However, these audible noises suggest a lack of refinement in the gear shifting mechanism. While this issue might be less intrusive than the trunk noise, it still deviates from the expected quiet and seamless operation characteristic of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Further investigation might be needed to determine if this is a normal operational sound or an indicator of a potential mechanical problem within the transmission system.
3. Intermittent Wireless Phone Charging Problems
The wireless phone charging system in the 2024 GLA250 4MATIC is proving to be unreliable. The charging function frequently goes on and off, resulting in intermittent charging. Achieving a stable charging connection requires extremely precise phone positioning, making the wireless charging pad frustratingly inconsistent. To circumvent this issue, a traditional plug-in charger had to be adopted. This workaround, while functional, negates the convenience offered by the built-in wireless charger and highlights a flaw in the vehicle’s technology integration. For users relying on wireless charging, this inconsistency is a significant drawback.
Alt text: Close-up of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC dashboard area, focusing on the wireless charging pad, illustrating potential charging inconsistency issue.
4. Overly Sensitive and Unwarranted Anti-Collision System
The anti-collision system, intended as a safety enhancement, is proving to be overly sensitive and prone to false activations. Instances of unwarranted “screeching” alerts and sudden, forceful braking occur frequently, even in situations where there is no apparent threat of collision. A particularly concerning example occurred while reversing into a driveway, where the system engaged abruptly, screeching and jolting the vehicle to a halt despite no obstacles being present. These false alarms are not only disruptive but also erode confidence in the system’s reliability. The dramatic and unnecessary interventions of the anti-collision system are more of a nuisance than a safety feature in its current implementation.
5. Wiper System Malfunctions
Issues with the wiper system have also been observed. On occasion, the wiper fluid fails to dispense even when the wipers are activated. Furthermore, the rear wiper has been unreliable, failing to operate intermittently over the past five months. These malfunctions, while seemingly minor, can be critical in maintaining visibility during inclement weather. Reliable wiper operation is a fundamental safety requirement, and these inconsistencies are concerning, especially in a vehicle designed for diverse driving conditions.
6. Rain Sensor Insensitivity
The rain sensor, designed to automatically activate the wipers in wet conditions, is not sufficiently sensitive. Even in light drizzle, the automatic wipers often fail to engage, requiring manual activation. This insensitivity has been a recurring issue across all three GLA models owned, suggesting a persistent problem with the rain sensor technology in this vehicle line. For a feature intended to enhance convenience and safety, its unreliability is a notable shortcoming.
7. Reversing Issues with Ground Objects
When reversing, the vehicle has exhibited problems when encountering even small plastic objects on the ground. Instead of smoothly driving over minor obstacles, the vehicle has, on a couple of occasions, jerked and failed to reverse properly. This behavior suggests potential limitations in the vehicle’s sensors or drivetrain management when dealing with ground-level obstructions during reversing maneuvers. It raises questions about the vehicle’s responsiveness and capability in everyday low-speed driving scenarios.
Conclusion: Reassessing the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC Experience
While the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC offers the appeal of a luxury compact SUV, these reported issues raise significant concerns about its reliability and overall driving experience. From unsettling trunk noises to inconsistent technology features and overly sensitive safety systems, the issues observed in both a personal vehicle and a dealership loaner suggest potential widespread problems with this model year. Prospective buyers should be keenly aware of these potential drawbacks and consider them carefully when making a purchase decision. Further investigation and resolution from Mercedes-Benz are warranted to address these issues and ensure the 2024 GLA250 4MATIC meets the quality and performance expectations associated with the brand.
