CSR

Mercedes-Benz · NHTSA safety record

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

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

61

Complaints

1

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 have filed 61 safety complaints with NHTSA between March 2021 and May 2026. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 29 of them (48%). The typical failure was reported at 26,500 miles, the median across the 12 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints rose by half year on year: 21 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 14 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 9 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (9)

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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

23V445000 · June 26, 2023

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 143,551 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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

22V261000 · April 15, 2022

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLC 300, GLC 300 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic, and AMG GLC 43 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connection for the headlights may not be watertight, which can result in headlight failure.
The risk
Headlight failure can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight sealing plugs, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050005.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 129 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT

21V527000 · July 12, 2021

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.
The risk
Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 542 vehicles across all model years covered

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

21V354000 · May 14, 2021

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy
The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 343,191 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

SEATS

21V230000 · April 1, 2021

The defect
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.
The risk
Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC · up to 8,634 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

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 61.

ENGINE 29 48%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10 16%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9 15%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7 11%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 6 10%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 3 5%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 3 5%
POWER TRAIN 3 5%
STRUCTURE 3 5%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 3 5%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 2 3%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 18.

2021 2025 2026
2021 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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

fire

Driving short distance home when the bottom of Mercedes GLC 300 caught fire without warning or notification. I was unaware when a good Samaritan screamed out your car is on fire. Pulled over and she helped me out. Seconds later the car exploded into flames and the car was demolished.

NHTSA complaint 11631534. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

crash · 35,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would lose power and fail to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The check engine light would appear on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the vehicle would resume normal operation upon restart of the engine. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The failure worsened over time which resulted in the contact being rear-ended by another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact and the contact was not injured. A police report was filed and the contact was able to drive the vehicle away from

NHTSA complaint 11607115, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Add 1 quart of oil" message was illuminated. The contact's wife did not pull over and continued driving while the "Stop driving" warning message was illuminated. The contact's wife was able to drive to the residence. The contact noticed there was a quart of oil on the floor from the engine compartment and detected a burning oil odor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer replaced the O-ring. The vehicle was repaired but remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint 11434738. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

towed · 19,369 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while his wife was driving in the rain approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,369.

NHTSA complaint 11567062. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
While driving in my neighborhood at 25 MPH, my Mercedes GLC300 suddenly lost power and the check engine light illuminated. My car would no longer exceed 25-30 MPH, but I drove it straight to the dealership and they said it was a faulty cylinder head and will cost $10,000 to fix! After intense negotiations, they agreed to fix it for $4,205.58, which was better, but still, that’s a lot to pay for a manufacturer’s defect! My car is a 2021 with only 67,540 miles on it.

NHTSA complaint 11739133. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Getting P06DA trouble code meaning that there is something wrong with the oil pressure solenoid in the oil sump. this is a known issue where the wiring of the solenoid get frayed. cost of repair for the (cheap part) is $7,500 because of 18 hour labor involved. MB knows this is an issue with the wiring in the solenoid. I'm not sure if there is a fire risk because of the frayed wires.

NHTSA complaint 11735862. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
The engine starts shaking, smell of gas car than stops while driving, could caused an accident and severely injured someone on the freeway. This is a major safety issue after further researching this particular issue MB of Canada issue a warranty letter extension for this particular but nothing for US.

NHTSA complaint 11724468. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlight is defective and is filled with condensation which has caused the entire light to fail. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service center. The light has not been inspected by a manufacturer however the manufacturer was contacted and denied that a recall exists however other purchasers have reported the same issue. There have been no apparent issues prior to this problem.

NHTSA complaint 11724095. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

96,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was not functioning properly. After restarting the vehicle, the camera operated as needed; however, several days later, the camera became inoperable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA complaint 11724158. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
This is a well-known issue with these engines. See TSB (Service Bulletin) The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has 42,000 miles and the warranty ran out 2 weeks ago. The vehicle is up-to-date on service. Fault code P06DA00 Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit/Open. The Yellow Check Engine Light came on and the engine does not run properly and causes engine damage. We had to drive it slowly, under 45 mph, to the nearest dealership. This is a safety issue. To replace the oil pump control valve solenoid and the wire harness for this feature is $5009.00 at Mercedes-Benz. The part cost is about $300 retail, and the rest is all labor fees.

NHTSA complaint 11718651. 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
2020 67 16
2019 46 12
2018 87 12
2017 98 12
2016 132 12

Other 2021 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