EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43, most frequently naming the engine, driver assistance and electrical categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 188 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 2 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 3 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 4 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 5 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine337.5%
- Driver assistance225.0%
- Electrical225.0%
- Brakes112.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
7 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govCOMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
2020 AMG GLC 43 coupe here in Harrison, NJ. My driving style with this vehicle isn't different in any relevant way versus with past vehicles. There is an acceleration dead spot which is the default occurrence when I am coasting at a low speed and then go to accelerate. Common scenarios are driving toward an intersection and rolling forward as you determine if you are clear to go and then accelerating, or slowing down to let a car in the lane next to you go by so you can then switch lanes and accelerate. I swear, I've almost gotten killed a few times when I had time to go but only if I hustled; depress the accelerator, and nothing happens for a full second. Then I go from having enough time to almost getting hit.
- NHTSA ID
- 11560051
- Incident
- Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC43. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate after coming to a complete stop while the steering wheel was turned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic throttle control (ETC) software needed to be replaced; however, the dealer was unable to replace the ETC software and referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer declined the contact's request to buy back the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 800. The consumer requested Mercedes Benz buy the vehicle back, but they only offered a free months payment and release of liability but consumer refused the offer.
- NHTSA ID
- 11478857
- Incident
- Aug 11, 2022
- Mileage
- 800 mi
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- NHTSA ID
- 11471894
- Incident
- Apr 30, 2022
- Mileage
- 30,000 mi
Sometimes after I hit the brake (hard or soft) but need to step on the gas again, the car pauses and does nothing for over a second, making it dangerous if you need to make a turn. Sometimes the car is confused whether to go fast or slow down so it does nothing and does not re-act to the driver pushing the pedal down. This situation can leave the driver in dangerous situations regarding on coming traffic
- NHTSA ID
- 11455489
- Incident
- Mar 6, 2022
At around 11pm on Monday, Sept 20, 2021 I was driving approximately 65 mph on the highway when the vehicle began to abruptly decelerate for no apparent reason, even when I was pushing on the accelerator pedal. When I would push on the accelerator I could hear the engine revving, I confirmed the car was in the Drive gear but the vehicle began to lose speed rapidly and no matter what action I took the car was only slowing down and had to quickly find an emergency area to pull over. My vehicle is available for inspection. This incident was a very scary situation that put my life and others at risk. I was on a two lane highway in a construction zone and there was no shoulder available to pull off safely. There were tractor trailers that had to swerve to avoid rear ending me in the roadway and I was afraid I was going to be involved in a major accident. In the end I was able to pull into a break in the Jersey barrier to get out of the lane of travel. I have a young baby and do not want to take my child in this car now for fear of it happening again. I had noticed a hesitation in the vehicle before but this is the first time this issue has happened where the car would not accelerate. I am taking the car into the dealer to see if there are any diagnostic codes and it has not been inspected by anyone. Additionally there were no warning lights, no tones, no check engine lights or anything to warn of the situation before or while it was happening. From the inside of the vehicle the car appeared to be normal but it was not clearly given the lose of power and rapid deceleration.
- NHTSA ID
- 11433783
- Incident
- Sep 20, 2021
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STEERING
Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering system when steering (see attachment). Complaint does not impact the ability to safely steer or control the vehicle. Cause Ball screw drive (KGT) of electric steering damaged by: 1. External force due to: ‑ Hitting the curb/posts with the front wheels. ‑ Driving over obstacles (e.g. pothole/ threshold/ speed bump/ gully) at an inappropriate speed. 2. Corrosion/ water ingress through a damaged boot (see attachment). ‑ Cracks (1) ‑ High pressure cleaner (2) ‑ Animal bite (3) See various examples listed in the attachments for examples of outside influence. Remedy Remove boot clamps closest to steering gear housing on both left and right (as seen in "Steering Rack Boot Clamp Location"). Pull back boot and inspect for rust, broken end stops, water, or any other anomalies. Replace electric steering. Note: Steering gears replaced due to outside influence or damage must not be claimed under warranty!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy As of the 6th generation, the vehicle key can be recoded so that the tailgate no longer opens as a result of a long press on the button, but by double‑clicking on the button instead. This reduces the likelihood of the button being activated accidentally or unintentionally. The recoding can be carried out as follows: 1. Add SA Code O19 into VeDoc (O for Oscar, not "zero") • an XSS ticket may be necessary to add the SA code 2. Perform SCN coding of EIS N73 control unit 3. Deactivate the vehicle key (a successful deactivation is indicated by the LED lighting up 2x briefly and then 1x for a long period). 4. Place the vehicle key in the storage compartment on the key symbol and turn on the ignition. IMPORTANT: all other vehicle keys must be outside the recognition range of the vehicle when doing this! Perform steps 3 and 4 successively for all vehicle keys. Notes: 6th, 7th and 8th generation keys can be deactivated as follows: Up to modification year 22/1 by double clicking the "Lock button" As of modification year 22/1, by press and holding the “Lock button", then double‑click the “Unlock button" at the same time. On model series 167, the storage compartment with the key symbol is located in the armrest. The SCN coding from the EZS is only transferred correctly to the vehicle key under the following conditions: Only one vehicle key is located in the vehicle, this key has been deactivated and it is positioned on the marking in the storage compartment for the data transfer. The costs for this adaptation are to be borne by the customer. For the newer BR 174, 178, 244, 248, 520, and 540, a software update must be initiated, as there is no way to perform SCN coding.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the warranty coverage for the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage Detection ("DMTL") on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. Why the Warranty extension? On certain Model Year 2018 - 2024 A / C / CLA / CLS / E / G / GLA / GLB / GLC / GLE / GLS / GT / S / SL Mercedes-Benz vehicles, under certain circumstances, the DMTL may trigger erroneous Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") entries that may result in the illumination of the Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("MIL"). Any repairs under this warranty extension must be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. • If your preferred authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership performs a diagnosis and confirms that your vehicle has the issue, the repair will be covered under this extended warranty and performed at no cost to you. • This extended warranty does not apply to any other components or conditions beyond the ones mentioned above, and standard warranty terms apply, including the exclusions with respect to extra expenses, as identified in the Service and Warranty Information booklet.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other Park Topics. Cause Various root causes Remedy See attached diagnostic guide.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Information: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, after completing diagnosis, select the damage code corresponding to the component part that caused the problem. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10-P-067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car 5.Speech Detection Service 6.Navigation 7.iHeartRadio 8.Traffic Cams Cause MB Apps is sundowned for all vehicles with NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variant. Remedy No support available for NTG4.5 and NTG5 Head Unit Variants for MB App related topics. Note: Please do not create TIPS. Please do not replace any components. HU/Hermes SW update / SCN coding will not fix the issue.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.