CSR

Mercedes-Benz · NHTSA safety record

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

46

Complaints

4

Crashes

2

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 have filed 46 safety complaints with NHTSA between July 2019 and May 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 14 of them (30%). The typical failure was reported at 41,500 miles, the median across the 10 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints rose by half year on year: 12 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 8 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 12 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (12)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

24V070000 · February 2, 2024

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 GLC 300, 2020 GLC 350e, and 2020-2022 AMG GLC 43 vehicles. The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming traffic. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect the headlight adjustment and correct it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 15,502 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

23V854000 · December 15, 2023

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

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 2,976 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

22V365000 · May 20, 2022

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 242,722 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

21V961000 · December 13, 2021

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 139 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

21V197000 · March 19, 2021

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 15,096 vehicles across all model years covered

COMMUNICATION

21V072000 · February 12, 2021

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 67 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

21V058000 · February 5, 2021

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 1,292,258 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

19V914000 · December 20, 2019

The defect
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."
The risk
If an air bag label is in a foreign language, an occupant may not be aware of the risks to children sitting in the front seat, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag warnings and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020014.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 10,041 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

19V822000 · November 18, 2019

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLC300 and GLC300 4MATIC vehicles. The electrical connection between the power steering electric motor and the control unit may fail, resulting in the loss of electric power steering assist.
The risk
A loss of power steering assist would require a greater steering effort to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019110014.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 3 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS

19V788000 · November 1, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
The electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the seat belt pretensioners may not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckles, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020017.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 29,720 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

18V840000 · November 27, 2018

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLC300 vehicles. An internal sensor within the electric power steering unit may fail, deactivating the power steering assist.
The risk
A loss of electric power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering unit, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA'S number for this recall is 2019040007.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 7 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

18V838000 · November 27, 2018

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · up to 104,663 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (1)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Front Roof Panel Detachment

PE21001

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened January 8, 2021 · closed October 14, 2021 · led to recall 21V197000

the body structure

On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified NHTSA that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 46.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14 30%
ENGINE 11 24%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 11 24%
POWER TRAIN 5 11%
STRUCTURE 5 11%
COMMUNICATION 3 7%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3 7%
VISIBILITY 3 7%
AIR BAGS 2 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2 4%
SEAT BELTS 1 2%
SERVICE BRAKES 1 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 10.

2019 2025 2026
2019 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash

We hit a deer at 50mph. Active restraint system pulled us back into our seats. Cabin filled with white smoke/powder. Windows automatically lowered a few inches. Dash display panel issued fault alarms on all airbags and emergency braking systems; front and rear. Vehicle automatically contacted Mercedes SOS and dispatched police. Air bags never deployed.

NHTSA complaint 11571313. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 injured · crash · towed · 48,000 miles

The contact owned a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH up and down the street on the fourth trip, the vehicle pulled to the left and suddenly accelerated, traveled over the curb, went through a sign on a pole, vegetation, and crashed into a concrete planter box. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bag deployed. The contact sustained bruises on her knees and hands. Medical attention was provided at the hospital. The paramedics, the police department, and the fire department were on the scene. The paramedics checked her out at the scene. There were no reported fires. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local

NHTSA complaint 11682374, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 injured · crash · towed

I was driving on a street 5mph and all of a sudden my car surged and led me to curb where i knocked hit a steer din and it veered onto someone’s lawn and hit a huge planter and stopped . Air bags were deployed . I had no control over the car . EDR was preformed and I’m sure it was a throttle surge issue and cause unintended acceleration . The edr shows I was going 5 miles an hour but then says pedal was pushed to 100%. While traveling at approximately 4–5 mph during a low-speed maneuver, with light accelerator input, the vehicle unexpectedly surged forward. I did not intend to accelerate. The vehicle rapidly increased speed, left the roadway, struck a street sign and a planter, and the

NHTSA complaint 11714225, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

fire

On May 22, 2025, while parked, my 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 spontaneously caught fire, completely destroying the vehicle. Thankfully, no one was inside, and no injuries occurred, but the property damage was significant. I later discovered Recall 21V961000 / Campaign 2022030003 affecting some 2019 GLC300s for fuel leaks at the fuel rail/injector interface, which pose a serious fire hazard. Further research has shown reports of loose ground connections in these vehicles as well, increasing the risk of sparks igniting leaked fuel. Given that my vehicle caught fire spontaneously and matches the defect described in this recall, I firmly believe this incident was related to that defect.

NHTSA complaint 11666424, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
On April 16, 2026, within minutes of being released from a certified dealership, my 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 suffered a sudden and total loss of propulsion while traveling at high speed on the Belt Parkway (NY). Despite depressing the accelerator, the vehicle failed to maintain speed and stalled in active traffic. This created an immediate life-safety hazard, forcing me to navigate across multiple lanes without engine power to avoid a high-speed rear-end collision. The vehicle was released to me by Mercedes-Benz of Brooklyn on April 16, 2026, following a repair for which I paid $2,134.94. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a wiring harness/sensor fault and formally certified the

NHTSA complaint 11736351, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

106,706 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on the interstate, the sunroof suddenly shattered into pieces and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,706.

NHTSA complaint 11729435. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a MC Benz 300 GLC with $50,000 miles. I was having heating issues so took it to the dealership, which basically advised of the issue describer below, which would cost $14k to repair. Contaminated coolant in Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 models often results from the internal failure of a "desiccant bag" inside the coolant expansion tank, which disintegrates, releasing material that clogs the heater core. Symptoms include black residue in the tank, reduced cabin heat, and engine overheating. Key actions include replacing the expansion tank (reservoir) and flushing the entire system.

NHTSA complaint 11728476. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS
A message that passenger air bag is damaged/will not deploy appears. Passenger seat belt gets stuck and cannot be opened. Check engine light on-pvc valve issue most likely.

NHTSA complaint 11726943. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. I HEARD IT WHILE DRIVING AND HELD ON TIGHTLY TO THE STEERING WHEEL BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT IT WAS. THE DEALER AND MY AUTO INSURANCE HAVE BEEN CALLED, NEITHER PICKED UP, AND I LEFT EACH A VOICE MAIL MESSAGE. NO WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES OR OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM OCCURRED.

NHTSA complaint 11721035. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof just exploded while driving on the highway without any impact or warning. It was a clear sunny day. There wasn't a vehicle in front of me. Nothing fell on my windshield nor sunroof. The sudden explosion and shattering of the glass was extremely startling. I had a mesh underneath the sunroof that contained some of the shattered glass so it did not fall on me while I was driving. I'm so thankful there wasn't a car behind me for the glass debris to fall on. Mercedes USA was not helpful, unresponsive for many weeks. They eventually declined repair coverage due to out of warranty, not manufacture defect nor safety issue.

NHTSA complaint 11716844. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 15 3
2024 21 8
2023 55 12 1
2022 56 2
2021 61 9
2020 67 16
2018 87 12
2017 98 12
2016 132 12

Other 2019 Mercedes-Benz models

Every Mercedes-Benz on this site — 216 vehicles, 576 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst