Motoring Today

Mercedes-Benz GLA MOT reliability

Reliability from 14 Mercedes-Benz GLA cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons, and how much MOT life is left.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the Mercedes-Benz GLA at MOT?

Across 8 Mercedes-Benz GLA cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 93%. 100% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 8 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are tyres, other and lighting & electrical, from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
93%
Valid MOT
8 / 8
Median MOT left
8 mo
Top failure
Tyres

There are 7 Mercedes-Benz GLA models currently listed on Motoring.Today. This model demonstrates a national DVSA MOT pass rate of 88.06% across 65,484 real UK tests. However, this pass rate reflects cars as presented for their MOT and not necessarily their lifetime reliability; older vehicles and those with a history of neglect often show increased failure rates, regardless of the badge. When considering a used GLA, it's particularly helpful to understand common MOT failure points. The most frequent failure category is "Tyres," accounting for 31% of all failures. This often means treads are worn below the legal limit or that there's damage to the tyre walls. Other significant failure categories include "Lighting & electrical" (16%), "Other" (16%), "Brakes" (15%), and "Visibility (windscreen & wipers)" (13%). For a potential buyer, these statistics highlight critical areas to inspect before purchase. Always check tyre condition thoroughly, ensure all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators) are working correctly, and visually assess the windscreen for chips or cracks, and wipers for perishing. While the cheapest GLA starts from £8597, or a representative monthly payment of £208, a thorough inspection of these common failure areas can help avoid unexpected costs down the line.

93First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
8 / 8
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
8 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
1
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz GLA

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 14 Mercedes-Benz GLA cars with DVSA test history in our stock (14 recorded failure items, 8 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Tyres750%
Other321%
Lighting & electrical214%
Suspension17%
Brakes17%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of Mercedes-Benz GLA cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a used Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has an MOT pass rate of 88.06%. This figure is derived from 65,484 real national DVSA MOT tests conducted on the model in the UK.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The most common MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz GLA are tyres (31%), lighting & electrical (16%), and brakes (15%). Visibility (windscreen & wipers) accounts for 13% of failures.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA a reliable car?
An MOT pass rate reflects cars presented for testing, not lifetime reliability. Failures typically cluster with a vehicle's age and can be influenced by neglect, rather than inherent unreliability.
What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Before purchasing, pay close attention to the condition of the tyres, ensure all lights and electrical components are functioning correctly, and thoroughly inspect the braking system. Also, check the windscreen for chips or cracks and the wipers for effective clearing.
How many used Mercedes-Benz GLA cars are for sale now and what is the cheapest price?
There are 8 Mercedes-Benz GLA models currently for sale. The cheapest available Mercedes-Benz GLA is priced from £8597, or £208 per month based on a representative finance example, which is subject to status.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Across 14 Mercedes-Benz GLA cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are tyres, other and lighting & electrical (tyres account for 50% of recorded failures).

More Mercedes-Benz GLA resources