Owning a luxury vehicle often comes with the expectation of higher maintenance costs, and the 2021 Mercedes Gla is no exception. For someone accustomed to more economical brands, the expenses associated with maintaining this vehicle can be a significant adjustment. Initially, a $1200 maintenance bill might have seemed excessive, perhaps even a reason to consider selling a car. However, with the GLA, this figure is closer to a standard B-service, especially when combined with spark plug replacement at a dealership. Despite this higher cost of ownership, the overall experience with the 2021 Mercedes GLA remains positive, particularly when considering its capabilities and comparing it to alternative vehicles in its class.
When researching owner experiences with comparable cars, recurring issues like blown head gaskets, engine block failures, and overheating problems are frequently mentioned. While these catastrophic failures haven’t been a concern with this GLA, there have been a series of more minor, yet still noteworthy, maintenance items. These include a thermostat failure, costing a surprising $1200 – significantly more than expected for such a component. Coil failures have also occurred, at around $50 each, along with cam sensor failures, costing approximately $20. Battery life seems to be shorter compared to brands like Honda, requiring replacement twice as often, and with twice the number of batteries at $140 apiece. Routine A-services are reportedly three times more expensive than Honda A-services, and even B-services are 60% more costly than their Honda counterparts. Further maintenance has included an intake manifold gasket leak, leading to boost pressure loss, and various electrical issues often traced back to a failing battery, subtly indicating the need for replacement. An exhaust flap clock spring fracture was also addressed under warranty before independent maintenance began. Tire wear is also on the quicker side, with tires needing replacement around every 9000 miles. Finally, a sway bar installation incurred a four-figure cost due to the labor-intensive process of hoisting the engine and dropping the sub-frame.
However, alongside these maintenance experiences, the 2021 Mercedes GLA has demonstrated impressive resilience and performance in demanding conditions. It has handled stop-and-go traffic in extreme 112-degree Fahrenheit heat without overheating and endured track days in 106-degree Fahrenheit temperatures without issue. Even when a coil failed on the track, the car remained drivable for the journey home. Similarly, a complete loss of intake system pressure integrity on the track didn’t prevent the car from being driven home. Crucially, braking performance has consistently been reliable, even under stress and with worn brake pads, confidently stopping the vehicle, which weighs around 3500 lbs.
Considering both the maintenance demands and the robust performance, the overall ownership experience with the 2021 Mercedes GLA is positive. It has recalibrated expectations regarding vehicle maintenance costs, a mindset that can even be applied to more budget-friendly vehicles, potentially extending their lifespan and avoiding the expense of frequent car replacements. While wishing for a lighter curb weight, the reliability and capability of the GLA, especially under demanding conditions, are undeniable. The absence of major engine failures, even at around 90,000 miles, is a significant reassurance.
