2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 29 1 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11607115, 2022 · crash

“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, 2026

“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 retai…”
NHTSA complaint #11718651, 2026

Exterior Lighting 10

“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that the passenger’s side headlight was developing fog, causing the light to be dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V261000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. Th…”
NHTSA complaint #11710686, 2026

“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, 2025

“Have been getting condensate inside vehicle headlights inwhich have cause the headlight to completely not work anymore.. There is no damage to headlight which means to be cause due to a problem with the seal. Checked with local and also statewide Mercedes advisors which was told there isn’t a recall for my vehicle inwhich I looked online and found an recall for vehicles just like the one I have.. Recall number 22V261000-Recall Date 04-14-2022. I’m asking for my vehicle to be inspected and repaired free of charge . Thanks and sorry for the bother - Can’t drive vehicle at night due to headlight…”
NHTSA complaint #11674539, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 9

“The vehicle lost power and will not operate over 40 mph/2000 rpms”
NHTSA complaint #11697192, 2025

“High beam can't auto dim Fuel pump fail to operate, misfires, and shut down while driving”
NHTSA complaint #11646060, 2024

“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle lost motive power struggling to produce enough power to propel itself on a slight incline. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign 23V880000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but the…”
NHTSA complaint #11628817, 2024

Electrical System 7

“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 retai…”
NHTSA complaint #11718651, 2026

“Have been getting condensate inside vehicle headlights inwhich have cause the headlight to completely not work anymore.. There is no damage to headlight which means to be cause due to a problem with the seal. Checked with local and also statewide Mercedes advisors which was told there isn’t a recall for my vehicle inwhich I looked online and found an recall for vehicles just like the one I have.. Recall number 22V261000-Recall Date 04-14-2022. I’m asking for my vehicle to be inspected and repaired free of charge . Thanks and sorry for the bother - Can’t drive vehicle at night due to headlight…”
NHTSA complaint #11674539, 2025

“I seen a recall for certain 2021 GLC 300 vehicles for moisture in right side headlamp, causing headlamp to blow (go out). This happened on my 2021 GLC 300. Same moisture issue, same year, same model, however, my vin number does not show that it has a recall. I believe this safety issue needs to be expanded to include my vehicle. Same issue, same year, same make and same model”
NHTSA complaint #11657172, 2025

Unknown Or Other 6 1 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, 2024 · fire

“While slowly backing out of the driveway and without contacting anything at all, the rear window completely shattered. The window has never been hit by anything and had no defects yet it completely shattered so clearly reflects a manufacturing defect of some sort that is incredibly dangerous to passengers or other vehicles, since it happens without warning and without the necessity of an impact of any kind.”
NHTSA complaint #11641925, 2025

“My sunroof exploded while I was driving on the highway. There were no other cars around me and no overpasses. There is no explanation for the sunroof breaking. I thought someone shot out my window. It was the scariest experience I have ever had driving. If there were cars around, it might have caused a major accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11502302, 2023

Back Over Prevention 3

“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, 2026

“While slowly backing out of the driveway and without contacting anything at all, the rear window completely shattered. The window has never been hit by anything and had no defects yet it completely shattered so clearly reflects a manufacturing defect of some sort that is incredibly dangerous to passengers or other vehicles, since it happens without warning and without the necessity of an impact of any kind.”
NHTSA complaint #11641925, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11441952, 2021

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“Vehicle will flash warnings on dash the the blind spot assist in inoperative and the front passenger air bag malfunction. The active brake assist is also malfunctioning as the two white cars colliding is on. The dealership as tried to fix this issue 5 times and has tried argue the the active brake assist is functioning normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11499353, 2022

“Driving on I75 in Georgia using Distronic speed control. This system scans highway speed control signage and automatically adjusts the vehicle speed based on speed limit signs. Unfortunately the state of Georgia has deployed MINIMUM SPEED 40 signs alongside the highway that are identical in size and appearance to SPEED LIMIT signage. The next result is the car automatically dropping the current speed (say 70 mph) to 40mph with heart stopping effects, particularly in heavy traffic. Turning off the automatic speed control eliminates the problem. This is a major safety flaw that, left unfixed,…”
NHTSA complaint #11469308, 2022

“Unexpected Severe braking when changing into turn lane. Unexpected severe braking when approaching intersection with no cars in intersection or on either side of car.”
NHTSA complaint #11458518, 2022

Power Train 3

“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, 2026

“Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: GLC 300 Engine: M264 Mileage at time of failure: Approximately 65,000 miles Complaint Description: While driving, my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 began experiencing repeated engine misfires and rough running, accompanied by a persistent check engine light. These symptoms began shortly after I purchased the vehicle and progressively worsened over time. The vehicle exhibited reduced engine performance and hesitation while driving. The condition was intermittent at first but became more frequent, indicating a progressive mechanical issue…”
NHTSA complaint #11709709, 2025

“This is the 3rd incidence of this issue (July, Oct, Dec), but we have been advised that a software update is not yet available from the manufacturer. In all instances, we were travelling at a normal rate of in-city traffic (30-45 mph) and all of sudden the vehicle will not accelerate above 25 mph regardless of the position of the throttle. My dealer, Mercedes Benz of Tampa, advises that the problem can only be corrected permanently with a "software update" which is not yet available. This is a major safety issue, especially on the highway, as the vehicle could suddenly and unexpectedly be u…”
NHTSA complaint #11559715, 2023

Structure 3

“Sunroof glass panel exploded outward. Fabric retractable interior sunroof liner did contain all of the fragmented safety glass. No prior impact on or to the sunroof. If the interior fabric sunroof liner had been retracted, the interior of the vehicle would have been showered with the glass shards impacting the driver and all passengers. There was no warning. A loud sound similar to gunshot occurred as the sunroof failed. The vehicle was driven to a local windshield repair facility for examination. I contacted and notified Mercedes Benz USA of the incident. They have not done a follow-up as of…”
NHTSA complaint #11466660, 2022

“I HAVE PURCHASED THE 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 4MATIC COUPE AND NOTICED A DESIGN FLAW ON THE CAR. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE ATTACHED PICTURE, THE FRONT BUMPER PROVIDES NO PROTECTION TO THE RADIATOR. IT HAS ALREADY STARTED CHIPPING DUE TO THE ROCK DAMAGE. THIS CAN LEAVE THE CAR IMPAIRED ON THE FREEWAY WHICH CAN BE DANGEROUS. I DID CONTACT THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO.”
NHTSA complaint #11399796, 2021

“Excessive frame rust, the pictures I included are all the patches that have been done to the frame so far.”
NHTSA complaint #11424052, 2019

Visibility/Wiper 3

“Have been getting condensate inside vehicle headlights inwhich have cause the headlight to completely not work anymore.. There is no damage to headlight which means to be cause due to a problem with the seal. Checked with local and also statewide Mercedes advisors which was told there isn’t a recall for my vehicle inwhich I looked online and found an recall for vehicles just like the one I have.. Recall number 22V261000-Recall Date 04-14-2022. I’m asking for my vehicle to be inspected and repaired free of charge . Thanks and sorry for the bother - Can’t drive vehicle at night due to headlight…”
NHTSA complaint #11674539, 2025

“Sunroof glass panel exploded outward. Fabric retractable interior sunroof liner did contain all of the fragmented safety glass. No prior impact on or to the sunroof. If the interior fabric sunroof liner had been retracted, the interior of the vehicle would have been showered with the glass shards impacting the driver and all passengers. There was no warning. A loud sound similar to gunshot occurred as the sunroof failed. The vehicle was driven to a local windshield repair facility for examination. I contacted and notified Mercedes Benz USA of the incident. They have not done a follow-up as of…”
NHTSA complaint #11466660, 2022

“On day zero when I bought the car, it was raining. The new car wiper was shattering or making bumpy movements. It was not cleaning the heavy rain water or it was spotty. The Mercedes mechanic told it is a known issue and there is no permanent fix. They just changed the wiper blade and put solvent on windshield which may be good for few days/weeks and need to take the car everytime, I have this issue till I have warrantee. This is very annoying and safety issue in Houston rainy season. It can happen anytime in the middle of busy road and under rain.”
NHTSA complaint #11424110, 2021

Fuel System 2

“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 milea…”
NHTSA complaint #11567062, 2023

“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11558908, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“Driving on I75 in Georgia using Distronic speed control. This system scans highway speed control signage and automatically adjusts the vehicle speed based on speed limit signs. Unfortunately the state of Georgia has deployed MINIMUM SPEED 40 signs alongside the highway that are identical in size and appearance to SPEED LIMIT signage. The next result is the car automatically dropping the current speed (say 70 mph) to 40mph with heart stopping effects, particularly in heavy traffic. Turning off the automatic speed control eliminates the problem. This is a major safety flaw that, left unfixed,…”
NHTSA complaint #11469308, 2022

“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11431621, 2021

Air Bags 1

“Vehicle will flash warnings on dash the the blind spot assist in inoperative and the front passenger air bag malfunction. The active brake assist is also malfunctioning as the two white cars colliding is on. The dealership as tried to fix this issue 5 times and has tried argue the the active brake assist is functioning normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11499353, 2022

Lane Departure 1

“Vehicle will flash warnings on dash the the blind spot assist in inoperative and the front passenger air bag malfunction. The active brake assist is also malfunctioning as the two white cars colliding is on. The dealership as tried to fix this issue 5 times and has tried argue the the active brake assist is functioning normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11499353, 2022

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while his spouse was driving approximately 35 MPH, the passenger’s side side-view mirror fractured without impact. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment; however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11592811, 2024