Recall 21V033 affects 4 2019 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 vehicles for transmission control-unit power loss. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 4 2019 Gla 250 vehicles because the power supply for the automatic transmission control unit can be interrupted while driving, causing the transmission to shift into neutral. If that happens, the vehicle loses drive power and crash risk increases; Mercedes-Benz dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The transmission control unit in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is the electronic module that tells the automatic transmission when and how to shift. It reads driving inputs, sends commands to the transmission, and keeps power flowing to the controls that manage gear selection.
On the affected vehicles, a supplier production problem left an electrical component inside the control unit without the specified glue holding it in place. Over time, that connection can deteriorate. If the power supply to the control unit is interrupted while driving, the transmission shifts into neutral and the vehicle loses drive power.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver is not expected to see a warning light, hear a sound, or feel a change before the transmission control unit loses power.
Who's affected?
Both component descriptions point to the same transmission control unit in the automatic transmission.
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 4 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2019 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the transmission shifts into neutral while driving, the vehicle loses drive power and the risk of a crash increases. The vehicle gives no advance warning before this failure, so schedule the recall repair soon and respond to any sudden loss of power by moving out of traffic when safe. Repair is free at any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule the free transmission control unit replacement that addresses the neutral-shift risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Mercedes-Benz mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V033 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete; loss of drive power is the listed safety risk if the transmission shifts into neutral.
- Call Mercedes-Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372 with questions about recall number 21V033.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mercedes-Benz technician replaces the automatic transmission control unit. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the involved vehicles remained covered under that warranty. If you have prior repair paperwork for this condition, ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| January 29, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 5, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| March 19, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 30, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V033?
Recall 21V033 covers 4 2019 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 vehicles with an automatic transmission control unit power supply defect. If power to the unit is interrupted while driving, the transmission can shift into neutral and cause loss of drive power. Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the transmission control unit for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Mercedes-Benz Gla 250 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V033. If it is, contact a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer to schedule replacement of the transmission control unit. Reference recall number 21V033 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mercedes-Benz dealers replace the transmission control unit free of charge. The recall repair began March 18, 2021, so a franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer can schedule the repair now.
What is the safety risk for recall 21V033?
The safety risk is loss of drive power while the vehicle is moving. If the transmission shifts into neutral during driving, the driver loses propulsion, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before relying on the vehicle for regular driving.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V033000 |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz customer service | 1-800-367-6372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V033 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V033000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →