Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLA Class vs FORD F 150
How the Mercedes BENZ GLA Class and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ GLA Class vs FORD F 150: The GLA averages 16 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints and 151 recalls. Both report power train and electrical issues, but the F-150 has far more reported failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLA Class or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLA Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA Class is a compact luxury SUV that averages 16 complaints per year over the past decade, with no recalls on record. Owner complaints cluster around engine, electrical, and power train issues, often describing multiple warning lights and sudden loss of power. While the volume is low, the reported symptoms—like steering lock-up and transmission malfunction—can be serious and may leave you stranded. For a used buyer, this suggests that while problems are infrequent, they can be complex and costly to diagnose.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates an average of 1,162 complaints per year, along with 151 recalls over the same period. The most common trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with owners frequently reporting transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. These issues can affect drivability and safety, and the high complaint volume means many owners experience problems. For a used buyer, this indicates a higher likelihood of encountering repairs, though the truck remains popular and parts are widely available.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLA Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 160 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ GLA Class
- 01ENGINE37
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER33
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
- 04POWER TRAIN27
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM15
Owners report engine-related warnings and stalling, sometimes in heavy rain or at highway speeds. One complaint describes multiple dashboard lights and loss of power, which could indicate sensor or fuel system faults that are hard to pinpoint.
Electrical gremlins often trigger a cascade of warnings—ABS, anti-skid, 4MATIC, and transmission malfunction—sometimes causing steering lock-up and braking issues. These symptoms can be intermittent and may require expensive module diagnostics.
Power train complaints include transmission malfunction lights and failure to accelerate, with some owners experiencing limp mode at highway speeds. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic and may require transmission repairs.
Many complaints fall into this catch-all, often describing the same multi-warning-light scenarios as electrical issues. This suggests owners struggle to categorize complex, overlapping failures that affect multiple systems.
“I own a 2022 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 2022. in [XXX], it was pouring rain and I was driving from [XXX] to attain [XXX] to drive home. It was pouring that night and driving conditions were horrible. I was in the middle lane driving roughly 55-65 mph. about 15 min…”
“The ABS Sensor light, engine light, anti skid light and 4 matic malfunction, transmission malfunction all lit up on my dashboard on Tuesday July 22, 2025. The stearing would lock up and the brakes would not break it also shifted gears into neutral. The dashbo…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most complained-about area, with owners reporting transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a lead frame issue 'nearly ended my life,' highlighting the safety risk.
Electrical problems often involve the lead frame and output speed sensor, leading to limp mode and diagnostic trouble codes like P0722. A separate complaint describes a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common, though specific failure patterns are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should check all lights and wiring for corrosion or intermittent operation.
Engine complaints are less frequent than power train but still notable, with 880 reports. Recalls exist for engine-related issues, so verifying recall completion is critical before purchase.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ GLA Class
No recalls on record.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ GLA Class or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA Class has far fewer complaints per year (16 vs. 1,162) and no recalls, while the Ford F-150 has a much higher complaint rate and 151 recalls. In practice, this means a used GLA is less likely to have a history of recurring problems, but when issues arise they can be complex. The F-150’s higher volume reflects its popularity and a broader range of reported failures, especially in the power train.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: GLA averages 16 per year; F-150 averages 1,162 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Recalls: GLA has 0 recalls on record; F-150 has 151, including engine, seat belt, and air bag issues.
- Common failure patterns: GLA owners report multi-system warning lights and transmission malfunction; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Safety incidents: F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 1 death; GLA has 7 crash-related and 0 deaths, though both numbers are influenced by vehicle population.
- Check for any history of transmission malfunction or limp mode, especially if warning lights for ABS, anti-skid, or 4MATIC have appeared.
- Inspect electrical system for intermittent faults—test all dashboard warnings and ensure no steering or braking anomalies during a test drive.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for limp mode, stuck gears, or delayed engagement, and ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for signs of shorting or prior shattering, and verify all recalls (especially 26S28) have been completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are repaired, especially for the F-150.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, warning lights, and any loss of power or limp mode.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored trouble codes, even if no warning lights are currently on.
- For the GLA, test electrical components and check for any signs of water intrusion or sensor failures.
- For the F-150, inspect the lead frame connector and rear window defroster wiring for corrosion or damage.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mercedes BENZ GLA Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 8 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 4 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 23 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 10 | 44 |
| 2019 | 30 | 52 |
| 2018 | 51 | 79 |
| 2017 | 34 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ GLA Class or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class vs FORD F 150
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class total complaints
- 160
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class avg complaints/year
- 16.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN