Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLA Class vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ GLA Class and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: The GLA averaged 16 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The GLA's issues often involve engine and electrical failures, while the Camry's include power train and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLA Class or Toyota Camry 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, based on owner complaints, can be demanding to own. Over 10 years, it has averaged 16 complaints per year with no recalls, but the complaints cluster around serious issues like engine stalling, electrical glitches, and transmission failure. Owners frequently report multiple warning lights and sudden loss of power, which can be frightening and expensive to fix.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a reputation for reliability, but NHTSA data shows a high volume of complaints—over 2,000 in 10 years—and 31 recalls. Many complaints involve power train hesitation, brake noises, and electrical malfunctions. While the Camry is common and parts are widely available, the sheer number of complaints suggests that not every Camry is trouble-free.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 160 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 Better | 158 |
| 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 sudden engine-related warnings, loss of power, and stalling, sometimes in heavy rain or at highway speeds. One complaint describes multiple dashboard lights (ABS, engine, anti-skid) and transmission malfunction, leading to steering lock-up and brake failure.
Electrical gremlins are common, with reports of multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously, transmission malfunction messages, and loss of acceleration. These issues can cause the car to enter limp mode or shut down while driving.
Transmission problems are frequently cited, including failure to accelerate, rough shifting, and complete loss of power. One owner reported that the car would not start and later stalled in traffic, requiring a tow.
While fewer complaints, some owners report fuel system issues that may contribute to engine stalling or poor performance. These can be tricky to diagnose and may lead to costly repairs.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report hesitation, shuddering, and delayed acceleration, often accompanied by a check engine light. Some also experience the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition even when the car is in Park.
Engine complaints include delayed throttle response and hesitation when accelerating from a stop. These issues can make merging or crossing intersections feel risky.
Brake problems include a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system. Some owners also report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow.
Electrical issues involve multiple systems malfunctioning at once, such as stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring. These failures can occur while driving and may affect vehicle safety.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ GLA Class or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA Class has far fewer complaints per year (16 vs. 205.6 for the Camry), but its issues tend to be severe and costly, often involving engine, electrical, and transmission failures. The Camry’s higher complaint volume reflects its much larger sales base, but many issues are less catastrophic, such as brake noise or hesitation. In practice, the GLA may be more problematic per vehicle, while the Camry’s problems are more widespread but often less severe.
Key differences
- The GLA has no recalls but serious complaints about engine stalling and electrical failures; the Camry has 31 recalls and many complaints about brakes and hesitation.
- GLA owners report sudden loss of power and multiple warning lights; Camry owners report delayed acceleration and brake noises.
- The GLA’s complaints are fewer but often involve safety-critical systems like steering and brakes; the Camry’s complaints are more numerous but often less severe.
- The Camry has a much higher complaint rate per year, but this is partly due to higher sales volume; the GLA’s low volume may hide similar rates.
- Check for any history of transmission malfunction or loss of power—test drive at highway speeds and look for hesitation or warning lights.
- Inspect electrical system for multiple warning lights (ABS, engine, anti-skid) and ensure all systems function properly, as these can indicate costly failures.
- Test the brakes for clicking or vibrating noises and ensure the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly.
- Check for delayed acceleration or hesitation during test drive, and look for any stored check engine codes related to power train issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially on the Camry.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or hesitation.
- For the GLA, test all electronic features and ensure no transmission malfunction messages appear.
- For the Camry, test the brakes and electronic parking brake, and check for smooth acceleration.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 8 | 64 |
| 2022 | 4 | 61 |
| 2021 | 23 | 157 |
| 2020 | 10 | 274 |
| 2019 | 30 | 395 |
| 2018 | 51 | 744 |
| 2017 | 34 | 148 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class total complaints
- 160
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class avg complaints/year
- 16.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLA Class top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN