Mercedes-Benz GLC Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 12, 2026 · 24 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Mercedes-Benz GLC, across 4 model years (2015–2018). The 2017 model year has the most complaints (13). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.

Mercedes-Benz GLC
Mercedes-Benz_GLC_with_EQ_Technology in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2017, with 13 complaints
2015: 2201522016: 8201682017: 132017132018: 120181

n = 24 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Mercedes-Benz GLC years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GLC year: 2017. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2017 GLC: 13 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2016 GLC: 8 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2015 GLC: 2 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Mercedes-Benz GLC problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Air Bags522
Engine520
Service Brakes530
Structure320
Electrical System220
Electronic Stability Control (esc)221
Fuel/propulsion System210
Power Train220
Fuel System, Gasoline110
Seat Belts110
Steering111
Vehicle Speed Control110
Visibility110
Visibility/wiper110

All Mercedes-Benz GLC model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2018 GLC10—Service Brakes
2017 GLC130—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years
2016 GLC80—Engine
2015 GLC20—Air Bags

More from Mercedes-Benz: all Mercedes-Benz models · Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Mercedes-Benz GLC years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2017 (13) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical GLC year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Mercedes-Benz GLC?

Air Bags, with 5 complaints across 2 model years.

How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GLC have?

0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.