2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (22) · Exterior Lighting (11) · Fuel/Propulsion System (8)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (9)
Exterior Lighting:headlights 2024-02-02 · campaign 24V070000 · 15,502 vehicles
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."
Risk: Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 2023-06-26 · campaign 23V445000 · 143,551 vehicles
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.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2022-05-20 · campaign 22V365000 · 242,722 vehicles
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights 2022-04-15 · campaign 22V261000 · 129 vehicles
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.
Risk: Headlight failure can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags:sensor:side Impact 2021-07-12 · campaign 21V527000 · 542 vehicles
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.
Risk: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2021-05-14 · campaign 21V354000 · 343,191 vehicles
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 comp
Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Seat Belts:pretensioner 2021-04-01 · campaign 21V230000 · 8,634 vehicles
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.
Risk: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2021-02-12 · campaign 21V072000 · 67 vehicles
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
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.
Fix: 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.
Communication: Auto Crash Notification 2021-02-05 · campaign 21V058000 · 1,292,258 vehicles
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (218)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train 2026-09-26 · LI27.00-P-073124 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (nag3 classic /9g‑tronic automatic transmission) and 725.1 (nag3 facelift/9g‑tronic automatic transmission facelift) for faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, intelligent predictive repair (ipr) has been developed a
Electrical System 2026-09-25 · OTA-Comm. Mod. SW. Update · Over The Air
a software update will be performed that provides enhancements to the robustness and system stability of the communication module. the update is free of charge and runs in the background, which takes about 8 minutes to install. during this time, the vehicle can be driven without any restrictions, an
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-09-14 · LI27.10-P-075869 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. this can be identified through control unit n45 or n15/7 in the quick test. when accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain. it may be mistaken for a harsh shift. cause modified oil qu
Power Train 2026-09-04 · LI27.00-P-073124 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (nag3 classic / 9g‑tronic automatic transmission) and 725.1 (nag3 facelift/9g‑tronic automatic transmission facelift) for faster, more effective and more targeted diagnosis, intelligent predictive repair (ipr) has been developed
Showing the 6 most recent of 218 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-05 · Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection · 26,000 mi · 💥 crash“the contact owns a 2021 mercedes-benz glc 300. the contact stated while driving 10 mph, the blind spot assist detection feature failed to function as intended. the contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the contact confirmed that the blind spot assist feature was enabled. in addition, the failure occurred after the vehicle was taken through t…”
2026-09-11 · Exterior Lighting“i own a 2021 mercedes-benz glc 300. the vehicle developed moisture/condensation in the headlamp, and the affected headlamp subsequently failed. i took the vehicle to rbm of alpharetta, an authorized mercedes-benz dealership. i was advised that corrosion was found in the affected headlamp and that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. on sept…”
2026-09-10 · Exterior Lighting“my vehicle is experiencing moisture intrusion caused by a defective headlight housing seal. the water intrusion has resulted in a short circuit and failure of the turn signal module within the headlamp assembly. i am aware of nhtsa safety recall 22v-261, which addresses a substantially similar defect involving inadequate watertight sealing of the …”
2026-09-04 · Exterior Lighting“my 2021 mercedes-benz glc 300 is not currently included in nhtsa recall 22v-261 / mercedes-benz campaign 2022050005, but my vehicle is experiencing substantially the same defect described in that recall. moisture/water entered the left headlamp assembly/electrical connection, resulting in condensation/water accumulation and damage/corrosion around…”
2026-08-30 · Power Train“the vehicle is experiencing an intermittent, sudden, and life-threatening drop into "limp home mode" while driving, creating an severe speed differential with surrounding traffic.first incident (50,584 miles): the vehicle entered limp mode. authorized mercedes service center scanned the car, confirming fault code p019185 (rail pressure sensor malfu…”
2026-08-28 · Unknown Or Other · 🔥 fire“while the vehicle was being operated normally, it caught fire. we were driving on a summer day in august. conditions were humid, with temperatures in the mid-80s. the vehicle was on the return leg of an approximately 30-mile drive. traffic was somewhat heavy, with speeds generally below 20 mph and occasional stops. we first noticed a slight burnin…”
2026-05-20 · 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…”
2026-05-05 · 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 fir…”
2026-03-15 · 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. …”
2026-03-13 · 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 …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.