The Mercedes GLA has consistently been a popular choice in the compact SUV segment, and the 2024 model is eagerly anticipated. As a long-time enthusiast and having owned both the 2018 and 2021 GLA models (leased), I recently purchased the 2024 Mercedes GLA, marking my third venture with this vehicle line. However, my initial weeks with the latest model have been less smooth than expected, prompting me to share my experiences, particularly for those considering the Mercedes Gla 2024.
Almost immediately after driving my new GLA home in late February, the dreaded “Check Engine” light illuminated. The diagnosis revealed a defective thermostat, leading to an unexpected stay at the dealership. While my car was being serviced for several weeks, I was provided with a loaner 2024 GLA, which surprisingly mirrored some of the issues I was experiencing with my own vehicle. This parallel experience suggests that these might not be isolated incidents but rather potential common problems with the 2024 GLA model.
One of the most prominent and unsettling issues is a noticeable clunking or shifting noise emanating from the trunk area. This occurs specifically when braking at slow speeds or during parking maneuvers. The sound is akin to something heavy rolling around in the trunk, and it is frankly, quite jarring and detracts significantly from the otherwise premium feel of the Mercedes. This issue was present in both my car and the loaner, leading me to believe it is a broader concern with the 2024 GLA that Mercedes needs to address.
Another area of concern is the wireless phone charging system. The charging is highly intermittent and unreliable. Achieving a consistent charge requires painstakingly precise phone placement. The frustration led me to revert to a traditional plug-in charger, rendering the wireless charging pad essentially useless. This again, was a shared problem with the loaner GLA, pointing towards a design or manufacturing flaw in the wireless charging system of the 2024 model.
Furthermore, I’ve encountered intermittent problems with Apple CarPlay connectivity in this 2024 GLA, issues that were non-existent in my previous 2018 and 2021 models. This unreliability is particularly problematic when using CarPlay for navigation, a crucial function for many drivers. While wireless CarPlay is convenient, its inconsistent performance in the 2024 GLA makes a wired connection seem preferable for dependable navigation.
The anti-collision system, intended as a safety enhancement, also exhibits overzealous behavior. Frequent and unwarranted beeps occur, even in clear conditions, such as exiting a parking garage. More concerningly, the system has engaged emergency braking unnecessarily. On one occasion, while reversing into my driveway with no obstructions whatsoever, the car abruptly screeched to a halt, jolting occupants for no apparent reason. These false positives from the anti-collision system are not only disruptive but also erode confidence in the technology.
Beyond these major concerns, I’ve also noticed minor yet persistent issues. The windshield wiper fluid sometimes fails to spray despite the wipers activating. The rear wiper has also malfunctioned on several occasions over the past few months. Additionally, the rain sensor sensitivity seems lacking, failing to activate the wipers in light drizzle conditions, a problem I’ve observed across all three GLA models I’ve owned. Finally, there have been instances while reversing where the car hesitated or jerked, especially when encountering small objects on the ground.
In conclusion, while the Mercedes GLA 2024 retains many of the appealing qualities of its predecessors, my ownership experience has revealed several notable issues. From the concerning trunk noise and unreliable wireless charging to the intermittent Apple CarPlay and oversensitive anti-collision system, these problems detract from the overall driving experience. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential drawbacks and ideally, test drive the vehicle thoroughly, paying close attention to these aspects before making a purchase decision. It is hoped that Mercedes will address these issues in future updates to ensure the 2024 GLA lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality and refinement.
