Mercedes-Benz GLC Problems by Year
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 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
- 2017 GLC: 13 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2016 GLC: 8 complaints, 0 recalls
- 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 area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mercedes-Benz GLC model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 GLC | 1 | 0 | — | Service Brakes | |
| 2017 GLC | 13 | 0 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2016 GLC | 8 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2015 GLC | 2 | 0 | — | 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.