GLC-Class (X253)
Engine Reliability Comparison
1GR-FE
4.0L 6-cyl / 220 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Ford
4.6L 8-cyl / 292 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B4204TSH (HP)
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 313 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
M177
4.0L 8-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
M276
3.0L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
M274
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 241 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (5)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLC 300 4MATIC coupe, AMG GLC 43 Coupe, AMG GLC 43, AMG GLC 63, GLC 300, GLC 350e 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, AMG GLC 63 Coupe, and AMG GLC 63 S Coupe vehicles. The passenger side sun visor may have incorrect air bag warning labels, written in a foreign language. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E400 Wagon 4MATIC, E400 4MATIC, E43 AMG 4MATIC, 2018-2019 E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E300, E300 4MATIC, GLC63S Coupe AMG 4MATIC, 2019 CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E450 Wagon, E53 AMG 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, G550 4MATIC, G63 AMG, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG 4MATIC, GT63 AMG four-door 4MATIC, and GT63S AMG four-door 4MATIC vehicles. Although correctly fastened, the front seat belts may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, which may cause the electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the pretensioner to be deactivated.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C43 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Cabriolet, C350e Plug-In Hybrid, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 S AMG, 2018-2019 GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe, GLC300 4Matic, GLC350e Plug-In Hybrid, GLC43 AMG Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC63 S AMG Coupe, and GLC63 AMG vehicles equipped with Audio 20 head units and automatic child seat recognition. The status of the passenger side air bag may not display correctly.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class problems?
The 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has accumulated 1,227 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class engine is most reliable?
The 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class a good used car?
The 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,227 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class have?
The 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has 1,227 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,227 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.