What Mercedes-Benz GLC owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Mercedes-Benz GLC safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2026 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 108 |
| 2025 | 44 | 4 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 177 |
| 2024 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 280 |
| 2023 | 64 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 330 |
| 2022 | 59 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 198 |
| 2021 | 66 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 213 |
| 2020 | 72 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 224 |
| 2019 | 52 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 232 |
| 2018 | 92 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 206 |
| 2017 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 102 |
| 2016 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 112 |
| 2015 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Mercedes-Benz GLC complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
I own a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid. The vehicle experienced a complete loss of both the digital instrument cluster/display in front of the driver and the center MBUX infotainment display. Both screens remained completely black even after the vehicle was started and placed in READY mode. The vehicle was still capable of being driven, but the driver instrument display was completely unavailable. As a result, I could not see critical information normally provided through the instrument cluster, including vehicle speed, warning messages, system status, and other important vehicle information. At the same time, there was recurring static/electrical-type noise coming through the …
the MBUX infotainment screen goes completely black while driving, blinding the backup camera and critical driver instrumentation.
vehicle: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Component Involved: Integrated Transmission Control Module (TCM) / Mechatronic Unit Active Diagnostic Code: P073E (Unable to Engage Reverse) Description of Event: While attempting to back out of a driveway, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic electronic transmission failure. Without any warning or prior symptoms, the vehicle abruptly kicked itself out of gear and dropped into Neutral. The vehicle completely lost all propulsion and ability to move backward or forward, rendering it entirely disabled. This failure occurred directly in the path of oncoming traffic, creating an immediate, life-threatening safety hazard for myself, my passengers, an…
I own a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The vehicle developed moisture/condensation in the headlamp, and the affected headlamp subsequently failed. I took the vehicle to RBM of Alpharetta, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. I was advised that corrosion was found in the affected headlamp and that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. On September 8, 2026, the dealership provided a repair estimate of $3,387.33. The vehicle had approximately 84,769 miles. Mercedes-Benz previously issued NHTSA Recall 22V-261 / Campaign 2022050005 for certain 2021 GLC-Class vehicles because headlamp electrical connections may not have been sufficiently watertight, allowing moisture intrusion that could c…
My vehicle is experiencing moisture intrusion caused by a defective headlight housing seal. The water intrusion has resulted in a short circuit and failure of the turn signal module within the headlamp assembly. I am aware of NHTSA Safety Recall 22V-261, which addresses a substantially similar defect involving inadequate watertight sealing of the headlamp assembly that can allow moisture intrusion and lead to headlamp electrical failure. My vehicle is experiencing the same type of moisture intrusion and resulting electrical failure described in that recall. Because this failure appears consistent with the known safety-related defect identified by NHTSA, I am requesting that the vehicle and…
My 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is not currently included in NHTSA Recall 22V-261 / Mercedes-Benz Campaign 2022050005, but my vehicle is experiencing substantially the same defect described in that recall. Moisture/water entered the left headlamp assembly/electrical connection, resulting in condensation/water accumulation and damage/corrosion around the headlamp electrical module/connector. The headlamp system subsequently malfunctioned. Recall 22V-261 describes a condition where the headlamp electrical connection may not be watertight, allowing moisture ingress and potentially causing headlamp failure. My vehicle appears to exhibit the same condition even though my VIN is excluded from the …
The liftgate on this car is faulty. There are hundreds of reports online that I found when it happened to me, which has been several times now. The liftgate has a sensor that is activated by your foot, but when you are inside the hatch it will trigger and close on you. There is no sensor to stop it from falling and it traps you inside and has hit me on the head, bruised my shoulders and back and I have fallen from being hit by it. I have reported it to Mercedes several times and asked them to at least cover the sensor and they say it's not possible. This is dangerous and it's going to seriously injure or kill somebody younger or more feeble.
My 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e displayed a â48V battery malfunctionâ warning on or about July 1, 2026, while the vehicle was less than one year old. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership and remained there until approximately July 20. Mercedes-Benz USA became involved, and the dealership ultimately stated that the malfunction had been corrected through a software update. The 48V battery was not replaced. I have not received documentation clearly identifying the specific software update, campaign, operation number, underlying failure mechanism, or pre- and post-repair diagnostic results establishing that the reported malfunction was caused and resolved by softwa…
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
Complaint CEL illuminates and/or AC does not blow cold. Cause Potentially relevance to hardware and/or software Remedy Scenario 1: 1. If the AC does not blow cold air, replace compressor (if compressor's index and part number Figure 1 match against Table 1). a. If the compressor does not fall within Table 1, please open a TIPS case. b. Flush procedure must be followed as per WIS. Scenario 2: 1. If AC does blow cold. a. Follow the following procedure: i. Have the air conditioning system recharged. ii. Clear the fault codes afterward. iii. Let the vehicle stand for 8 hours (OBD reset condition).
Complaint Whining / humming noises (described as foghornâlike) from the drivetrain in the rear axle area during cornering. (figure 1) On the aboveâmentioned vehicles with a mileage up to 15,000 km (about 9,300 mi), noises can occur from the rear axle differential. Cause Drivetrain resonance caused by the gear mesh of the ring and pinion in the rear axle differential in combination with installed damper elements on the axle shafts. Remedy For precise noise analysis and localization, use the chassis ear/NVH kit and the following driving procedure: 1. Drive the vehicle in a tight circle with
Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: ⢠Flashing without a speed limit ("â â"). ⢠Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit. ⢠Flashing between US speed limit symbol and European speed limit symbol. NOTE: ⢠Verify that the concern falls under one of the attachment videos. If not, then it is outside of the scope of this LI. ⢠This also does not cover "Traffic Sign Inoperative" messages on the instrument cluster. Cause There are two identified reason
Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9GâTRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9GâTRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, Intelligent Predictive Repair (IPR) has been developed and integrated into XENTRY Diagnosis. This ensures an automated diagnosis process. Cause As part of the onâgoing quality monitoring process and associated quality and damaged part appraisals, a high number of ineffective repairs have been discovered. Such ineffective repairs have a negative im
Complaint The Apple Music app is no longer available in the head unit apps menu after updating the software of the (A26/17 â MBUX multimedia system + instrument cluster (head unit)) to E333.8 / A236 904 19 00. Cause Head unit software (CIVIC206) Remedy NOTE: Do not replace any component parts The new Apple Music app version is now available. The app should automatically be downloaded and available. If the app is not shown available, check via the MercedesâBenz App Store directly in the vehicle and download the app. NOTE: Please refer to this LI in the warranty claim in the "Notes" section!
Cause Internal failure of the scroll wheel within the AC compressor. Remedy Check the compressor's index and part number Figure 1 against Table 1. If listed please perform the following: 1. Replace the compressor, drier, and expansion valve using the applicable WIS instructions. 2. Flush the system using the applicable WIS instructions.
Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur in all drive modes. Cause Dualâclutch transmissions (DCT) inherently exhibit more dynamic shifting behavior compared to other types of transmissions. This is due to the use of physical clutches for starting and gear changes. In certain situations, dynamic driving behavior can lead to a slight jerk sensation which is a normal technical cha
Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to: â Hitting the curb/posts with the front wheels. â Driving over obstacles (e.g. pothole/ threshold/ speed bump/ gully) at an inappropriate speed. 2. Corrosion/ water ingress through a damaged bo
Complaint Frequent rear view camera flap actuations and/or noise associated. NOTE: Rear view camera functions are NOT affected and still perform in accordance with regulatory requirements. Cause Calibration of the reversing camera is in progress. This is not a malfunction, but an intended system behavior. Remedy An optimization has been implemented to reduce the quantity of rearview camera flap actuations for calibration. Open an XSS case requesting addition of the option code "0O1" (Zero, "O", "1"). Once the code has been added, update and SCN code PARK (N62/*) control unit. Prior to releasin
Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a result of a long press on the button, but by doubleâclicking on the button instead. This reduces the likelihood of the button being activated accidentally or unintentionally. The recoding can be carried out as follows: 1. Add SA Code O19 into VeDoc (O for Oscar, not "zero") ⢠an XSS ticket may be n
Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: ⢠Flashing without a speed limit ("â â"). ⢠Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit. ⢠Flashing between US speed limit symbol and European speed limit symbol. NOTE: ⢠Verify that the concern falls under one of the attachment videos. If not, then it is outside of the scope of this LI. ⢠This also does not cover "Traffic Sign Inoperative" messages on the instrument cluster. Cause There are two identified reason
Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. Why the Warranty extension? On certain Model Year 2018 - 2024 A / C / CLA / CLS / E / G / GLA / GLB / GLC / GLE / GLS / GT / S / S
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20
In a letter dated July 2, 2023, Aldelberto A. Cordova (the petitioner) submitted a petition requesting that NHTSA initiate an investigation of an alleged defect within the âISG 48-volt on-board electrical system,â which resulted in warning light illumination as well as an inability to start the vehicle in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. ODI reviewed the petition, complaint data in NHTSA's databases and information gathered from an Information Request (IR) letter sent to Mercedes-Benz. Examinati
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2015–2027, owners most often name: engine, electrical system, unknown or other. 510 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.
