Mercedes-Benz Recalls Over a Hundred GLA Models for Headlight Glare Risk

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC is initiating a recall affecting 136 of its 2024 model year GLA vehicles due to a potential defect in the front headlights that could lead to incorrect aiming. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected vehicles may be missing a required optical reference marking point on their headlights. This omission, stemming from a supplier production deviation, could result in headlights not being adjusted according to federal safety standards, potentially causing glare for oncoming drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall encompasses three specific models: the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 4MATIC, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250.

The issue was first identified by Mercedes-Benz AG in January 2024 when it was discovered that certain front headlights might not have been manufactured to specifications, lacking the necessary optical axis marking point. While an initial factory rework was believed to have captured all potentially impacted vehicles, a subsequent investigation in late May 2025 revealed that some vehicles might have been released from the factory without undergoing this corrective measure. Mercedes-Benz AG conducted an analysis to assess the consequences of the missing marking point, determining that while factory headlight adjustments are made using an alternative marking point, independent workshops might not guarantee correct aiming if they do not use specialized headlight aiming equipment. This could lead to non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108. The company has confirmed that no warranty claims, field reports, or service reports are currently linked to this specific non-compliance.

The recall affects a total of 136 vehicles, with specific numbers allocated to each model. Six units of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 4MATIC, 122 units of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC, and eight units of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 are included in this campaign. The production dates for all affected vehicles range from October 17, 2023, to January 26, 2024. The component responsible for this defect is identified as the LAMP UNIT, manufactured by HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA in Germany. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC has stated that a modification in the supplier’s production process, implemented from January 29, 2024, onward, ensures that this issue will no longer occur in future production.

Mercedes-Benz dealers will be notified of the recall on August 15, 2025, and owners will be informed about the campaign before October 7, 2025. Owners can expect to be able to check the VIN status of their vehicles for eligibility on August 15, 2025. The remedy for affected vehicles involves an inspection of the headlights by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, with necessary replacements to be carried out if required. The company has indicated that vehicles outside the recall population were equipped with headlamps that include the correct optical reference marking point. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC does not anticipate offering pre-notice reimbursement as the involved vehicles are expected to be covered under the new vehicle warranty, and the condition described has not previously affected these vehicles.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

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