Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class years to avoid and best years
Newer Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2016 has the most complaints per year, at 21 (139 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 4 (from 69 complaints), 2018 at 9 (from 99 complaints), and 2020 at 9 (from 80 complaints). The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, 25 of 139 complaints name Service brakes.
Data as of .
2019
2018
2020
2025–26
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 → | 19 | 65 | 0 | Electrical system | — |
| 2022 → | 11 | 62 | 0 | Steering | — |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2020 → Fewest | 9 | 80 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2019 → Fewest | 4 | 69 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2018 → Fewest | 9 | 99 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2017 → | 10 | 115 | 0 | Engine | — |
| 2016 → Most | 21 | 139 | 0 | Service brakes | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-30 full synthetic (MB-approved; common US GLC300 fill) · 5.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/60R18 to 255/45R20 (trim-dependent; GLC300 pages)
Known issues for this generation
For 2017 GLC300 vehicles, NHTSA campaign 18V-683 covers certain 2016-2018 GLC300 and GLC300 4Matic vehicles (with GLC350e, GLC43, and GLC63 variants): rear seat-belt latch plates may be difficult to fasten; dealers install felt strips between the C-pillar and rear side paneling. Campaign 21V-197 covers certain 2016-2020 GLC300 vehicles among many other Mercedes models for front-panel adhesive that may deteriorate; dealers reinstall the panel with approved materials. Confirm open campaigns by VIN under trim strings such as GLC300.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-30 full synthetic (MB-approved; confirm by engine sticker) · 5.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/60R18 to 255/45R20 (trim-dependent; GLC300 pages)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 23V-629 covers certain 2023 GLC300 vehicles: the front tow eye may be inadequately threaded to the crossmember and can detach during towing; dealers inspect and replace the front crossmember as needed. Campaign 23V-878 covers certain 2023 GLC300 vehicles equipped with an M254 engine (with GLE350/GLE450 in the same campaign): incorrect screws on the high-pressure fuel pump may prevent a proper seal so fuel and oil can leak; dealers replace the high-pressure fuel pump. Shared unit counts apply when other Mercedes models are listed.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 4 (from 69 complaints), 2018 at 9 (from 99 complaints), and 2020 at 9 (from 80 complaints).
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class year has the most owner complaints?
2016 has the most complaints per year, at 21 (139 complaints). On the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, 25 of 139 complaints name Service brakes.
How do Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class years are too early to compare?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Mercedes-Benz GLC take?
5W-30 full synthetic meeting Mercedes-Benz approvals is common for US GLC300 fills on X253 and X254 — confirm the engine sticker and MB sheet.
What does NHTSA campaign 18V-683 cover on early GLC300?
Certain 2016-2018 GLC300 and GLC300 4Matic vehicles (with GLC350e, GLC43, and GLC63 variants): rear seat-belt latch plates may be difficult to fasten; dealers install felt strips between the C-pillar and rear side paneling.
When did the X254 GLC generation start in the US?
Model year 2023 on this site (after X253 2016-2022).