2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Routine

Owners filed 87 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 12 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

31 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 10,500 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine18
000
Unknown or Other17
200
Electrical System9
000
Seat Belts7
000
Structure › Body6
100
Service Brakes5
101
Power Train5
000
Air Bags5
001
Fuel/Propulsion System4
000
Steering3
000

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars23V854000
Filed Dec 15, 20232,976 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification22V365000
Filed May 20, 2022242,722 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars21V197000
Filed Mar 19, 202115,096 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Communication › Auto Crash Notification21V072000
Filed Feb 12, 202167 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

Electrical System › Software21V058000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification18V838000
Filed Nov 27, 2018104,663 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the passenger air bag is incorrectly displayed as 'ON' when it is not, a front seat passenger may be unaware that the air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the audio head unit software, free of charge. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120009.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly18V683000
Filed Oct 1, 20184,702 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 and GLC300 4Matic, 2018 GLC350e and GLC63 AMG 4Matic and 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The seat belt latch plates (the parts that insert into the buckles) for the outboard rear seats may retract into the interior paneling, preventing the occupants from being able to use the seat belts.

Risk. If the rear seat passengers cannot fasten their seat belts, they have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install felt strips between the C-pillar and rear side paneling, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018100002.

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal18V610000
Filed Sep 11, 20184,702 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLC300 4MATIC Coupe, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, and GLC43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The front turn signals may have an incorrect color of pink or violet. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk. Turn signals that are the wrong color may not be as easily recognized by other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the color of the turn signal, replacing the LED module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module18V208000
Filed Mar 29, 201857 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes-Benz USA LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG GT, AMG GT C, GLC43 AMG 4Matic, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic and GLC350e 4Matic vehicles. The housing for the driver side air bag inflator may have been made with defective steel. In the event of an air bag deployment, the defective steel may cause the inflator to improperly inflate the driver-side air bag and potentially rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash involving driver air bag deployment, an improperly inflated air bag and/or an inflator rupture with sharp metal fragments might result in serious injury or death to the driver or to occupants.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 29, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly18V177000
Filed Mar 15, 2018121,858 vehiclesMercedes-Benz Usa, Llc.

Defect. Mercedes Benz USA LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG, 2016-2018 GLC300 4Matic, 2016-2018 GLC300, 2018 GLC63 AMG 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic vehicles. The seat belt latch plates (the parts that insert into the buckles) for the outboard rear seats may retract into the interior paneling, preventing the occupants from being able to use the seat belts.

Risk. If the rear seat passengers cannot fasten their seat belts, they have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a buffer to the c-pillar paneling, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018030012.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2026NJ

Error code P052E71 on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC means the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Regulator Valve Performance has a malfunction, specifically that the partial-load ventilation valve actuator is blocked. By research, i found that this is a very common problem on those engines, and no recalls from the company to fix their fault.

Engine
Filed Jun 3, 2026CA

Component Failure: The vehicle is equipped with the M274 2.0L turbocharged engine, which suffered a major internal mechanical defect. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership diagnosed the vehicle at 79,504 miles with a malfunction in the crankcase ventilation system alongside severe internal defects, quoting a total repair estimate of $9,851 to perform extensive engine work. Safety Risk: This known manufacturing defect involves premature failure and cracking of the pistons, which poses an immediate safety hazard due to potential catastrophic engine failure and sudden, complete loss of motor power while driving at highway speeds. The manufacturer has failed to offer an extended warranty or recall for this known issue on the 2018 model year.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 21, 2026IN

Safety Issue: Infotainment display screen produces scrambled pixels during Apple CarPlay navigation while driving. Description: When Apple CarPlay is connected and navigation is in use, the vehicle's infotainment display screen suddenly produces scrambled pixels, rendering the map and display unreadable. This malfunction occurs without warning while the vehicle is in motion, creating a dangerous visual distraction for the driver and uncertainty of where and when to turn or exit. This is a known, recurring issue. On January 7, 2021, I brought this problem to Mercedes-Benz of Indianapolis (Repair Order #624027), where a firmware update was applied and the issue was allegedly resolved. The fix has not proven permanent — the problem has since recurred and continues to present a safety hazard while driving. Despite this being a widely documented issue affecting numerous Mercedes owners, Mercedes-Benz has not issued a recall or technical service bulletin that I am aware of. My dealer is requiring a diagnostic fee of over $250 to inspect the vehicle, and Mercedes-Benz USA customer service has been unreachable. Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and consider whether a Technical Service Bulletin or recall is warranted given the safety implications of a sudden display malfunction while driving.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 10, 2026FL

While driving on interstate 4 in Florida with our grandchildren going approximately 70 mph the sunroof on our 2018 Mercedes GLC just exploded no object came into the vehicle and while glass came into the vehiclenot all the glass that made up the sunroof came into vehicle suggesting a pressure issue as apparently blew out

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 31, 2025TX

The contact's friend owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated that while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the gear shifter independently shifted to neutral(N). No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was persistent. The contact stated that the owner forced the gear shifter out of neutral(N). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall, but the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power Train
Filed Dec 2, 202590,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shifted into gear initially without warning. The contact stated that while stopped at a light, the vehicle shut off with the "Transmission Malfunction Stop" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was unable to move the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic ran a diagnostic test on the vehicle and initially stated that the front drive wheel sensor was defective; however, the contact was then informed that there were no issues with the sensor. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 17, 2025MA

I have P052E71 error code. It’s a crankcase ventilation malfunction. Seems to be a common issue reported widely online on various forums. Mercedes should place a recall on this. The car has 55k miles on it.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 10, 202560,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Front Air Bag Malfunction" was displayed, and the horn became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering column and air bag clock spring were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 6, 2025AL

I had the engine light come on and took it to the dealership. They quoted me over 8 thousand dollars to fix. I took it to a repair shop that works on luxury cars and they fixed it for less than 1000 dollars. I had to have the transducer fixed in the turbo in my engine and when they did that they found oil in the electrical harness. That was caused by the oil seperator. They told me that it was a manufacture defect that has been well documented and to take it back to Mercedees Benz. They looked and found the oil but said my car did not produce a code and could not fix it. We escalated it to corporate that reviewed my case and said they still would not fix until it produced a code. Mercedees implemented an extended warranty for my car back in 2022 for emissions. They said they would cover it if it produces a code. I researched this problem and it said it posses a risk to me, my passengers and the public if it quits running or causes a fire. Corporate said its not a problem yet.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 16, 2025NY

While pulling into a parking spot with my foot hovering above/on the break, the car lurched forward as if someone had floored the gas pedal. As my foot was already on the break, I slammed down onto the break and the car came to a stop, several feet ahead of the top of the parking spot, and into the woods. I called roadside assistance for the vehicle to be towed to the dealership for repair, as I did not find it safe to drive it. The dealership was unable to replicate the issue, but they told me that due to the severity of the issue, they weren't supposed to check it themselves. Instead, I needed to report a case to Mercedes Corporate and the communication from here would be handled directly between corporate and myself. It's been over three weeks since this occurred, and I have not received communication that the car has been tested further, or any next steps. The car is at the dealership. It's also important to note that this same issue also happened months before, while backing out of a parking spot in reverse. I didn't report it because it was a confusing thing to happen and I couldn't believe a car would gas on it's own. When it happened a second time, I knew it was a problem. This was not a case of user error or the floor mat being in a wrong position. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Speed control / yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car spontaneously accelerated and could ha

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 28, 2025CA

The car does not go into drive from reverse and will sometime automatically shift itself from a low drive gear (D1) into Neutral without warning. After this happens - the car also can't get back into D1. It takes about 20 seconds for the car to shift back into a Drive gear and it will jolt into D3 violently. This has been a scary experience on many occassions - especially at red lights when this happens and we can't get the car out of neutral for some time. This was diagnosed by mercedes dealership near us as a fawlty sensor in the transmission. It is extremely expensive to fix and is specific to mercedes meaning it has to be done by a MB dealership. We applied for good will for assistance but were denied. The car has been maintained very well - this is not a maintenance issue but a specific sensor failure of a mercedes sensor in the transmission. We are thankful no one was hurt - we had our 8 year old daughter in the car when stalling out several times at red lights and it's been a very scary situation.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Mar 17, 2025LA

I was backing out of my driveway and was putting the car in Drive when the airbag located in my steering wheel deployed without a reason. The car has not been inspected by anyone as of today. I was told there was a warning but that it was not of immediate attention in November of 2024.

Steering
Filed Jan 9, 202562,700 milesMA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 300. The contact stated while attempting to park, a loud clanking noise was coming from the steering wheel as the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring in the steering wheel which caused the steering wheel to fail and the steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 62,700

Power Train
Filed Dec 26, 2024MA

Vehicle experienced transmission shifting issue after having driven for a period of 15 - 20 minutes, with engine oil temp reaching above 103/105 degrees C, transmission won't shift into Drive. Automatically pops into Neutral. Other times engine will stall, required complete restart. This creates hazard for operator and cars following behind as driver needed to steer vehicle out of the way of traffic while in Neutral. Independent MB repair shop and dealership scanned vehicle and identified with code P073E code. Dealer upgraded TCM control module software, and wanted to replace valve body in hope of remedy the problem. They were not 100% certain problem will be fixed. Independent repair shop indicated MB need to issue a recall for this problem, as they have seen many owner faced with the same problem. This is a big safety issue with problem of the transmission control module. Problem can be reproduced.

Engine
Filed Dec 16, 2024GA

I have engine light on and when I scanned it, I got a error code P052E For crankcase vent valve issues. It is most common problem with Mercedes-Benz Glc .

Power Train
Filed Oct 23, 2024HI

Transmissiongoes into neutral while driving car at times. sometimes it will not go back into gear No movement of car on freeway potential of being hit from behind. problem reproduced, inspected by independent shop not inspected no lights

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 28, 2024OH

Check engine light with code P052E.

Suspension
Filed Jun 4, 2024NY

When the car is in drive it will stop like it is in park unable to drive or put in reverse. This happens at random times on the road. The car will then skip gears and go into Neutral then skip an again on its own and go into drive.

Seat Belts
Filed May 24, 202448,000 milesUT

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that when the driver's side seat belt was buckled, the seat belt alarm chimed as if the seat belt was not buckled. The contact had to buckle and unbuckle the seat belt several times before the warning chime stopped. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was no issue with the seat belt system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V788000 (Seat Belts) however, the model year was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 30, 202472,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that he observed a rattling noise emanating from the steering column while making right turns. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

20 of 87 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20260300Routine
202516300Routine
202421800Routine
2023551201Fatalities reported
202259220Routine
202166920Routine
2020691600Routine
2019461220Routine
2018 — this page871210Routine
2017981220Routine
20161331220Routine

Compare every GLC 300 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 15, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.