2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC

The liftgate on this car is faulty. There are hundreds of reports online that I found when it happened to me, which has been several times now. The liftgate has a sensor that is activated by your foot, but when you are inside the hatch it will trigger and close on you. There is no sensor to stop it from falling and it traps you inside and has hit me on the head, bruised my shoulders and back and I have fallen from being hit by it. I have reported it to Mercedes several times and asked them to at least cover the sensor and they say it's not possible. This is dangerous and it's going to seriously injure or kill somebody younger or more feeble.

NHTSA ID

11761794

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Vehicle experiences a severe, abrupt jerk/jolt during deceleration around the 5th-to-4th gear downshift. The issue occurs consistently when slowing down. Dealership verified the condition on Repair Order #1906625 and confirmed a transmission flaw. Dealer stated software is required from the manufacturer with no ETA for release. The abrupt deceleration creates unexpected cabin jolting during normal traffic slowing.

NHTSA ID

11755359

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

The instrument cluster display went dark and has not been able to display any information such as speed in miles per hour, fuel gauge, and other important information needed to maintain safe driving.

NHTSA ID

11742067

Incident

Jun 3, 2026

All of the screens in the car failed to start. They remained black while the car was running. Turning the car off did nothing. Drove to a parking lot, turned the car off, got out, locked the car, waited 5 minutes and it still didn't come back. Had to do a reboot by holding the system power button for 10 seconds. This has occurred 3x in 9,200 miles.

NHTSA ID

11729806

Incident

Mar 27, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11723770

Incident

Jan 17, 2026

To the Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration I am submitting this complaint to formally report a serious and recurring safety defect involving the automatic braking and collision detection systems in our Mercedes-Benz GLC. License Plate: 9RHN710 Dealer Servicing Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek (AutoNation), San Jose, California The vehicle has repeatedly experienced unexpected and unprovoked braking events, including situations where the automatic braking system engages despite there being no vehicles, pedestrians, or visible obstructions present. The issues observed include: • Sudden automatic braking activation without obstruction • Unexpected vehicle deceleration during normal driving conditions • Repeated dashboard alerts indicating “Speed Severely Restricted” • Repeated Attention Assist / “Coffee Break” warnings during normal local driving • Sudden brake engagement when parking, accompanied by a loud mechanical noise These events create a dangerous driving condition, as unexpected braking could lead to a rear-end collision from vehicles traveling behind the driver. During one incident, the abrupt braking caused a severe jolt to the driver, resulting in whiplash symptoms that required medical evaluation and MRI imaging, which identified cervical strain. The vehicle has been brought to the authorized dealership multiple times for inspection and repair attempts. However: • The dealership has not been able to diagnose or repair the issue • Service visits have largely been documented as general inspections • No ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) diagnostic or calibration report has been provided, despite the fact that the malfunction appears directly related to radar, camera, or collision prevention systems. We respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation review this complaint and determine whether further investigation into this issue is warranted.

NHTSA ID

11723692

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

The component that repeatedly fails is the vehicle’s electronic display/infotainment system (dual digital screens/MBUX system) and potentially related electrical components in my 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC. The system has malfunctioned six (6) separate times since I purchased the vehicle new in May 2025. When the malfunction occurs, both display screens suddenly go completely black and become inoperable while the vehicle is running. During these failures, the vehicle also produces a repetitive clicking sound from the dashboard area while the screens are off. The most serious incident occurred on February 17, 2026, when the screens shut down while I was driving and I detected a burning electrical smell inside the vehicle. This raised significant concerns about a possible electrical malfunction or fire risk. The digital display system provides critical driving information, including vehicle settings, safety alerts, and operational controls. When the screens shut down, the driver loses access to important vehicle information and control functions, which creates a potential safety hazard while operating the vehicle. This issue has been reproduced multiple times and the vehicle has been taken to Mercedes-Benz of Jackson, Mississippi for inspection and repair attempts on several occasions. The dealership has attempted repairs and indicated that they have opened a case with the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing department regarding the recurring electrical issue. Due to the repeated electrical failures, clicking sounds from the dashboard area, and the burning electrical odor detected while the vehicle was in operation, I am concerned that this issue may indicate a serious electrical defect that could potentially lead to overheating or fire. The malfunction occurs while the vehicle is being driven, which places the driver and passengers at risk. Because the display system repeatedly shuts down and the issue has occurred multiple times despite dealer inspections and repair

NHTSA ID

11721877

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

BOTH DASHBOARD SCREENS WENT DARK AND REMAINED SO THROUGH 5 CYCLES OF STARTING THE CAR. HAD NO OPERATING INFORMATION WHATSOEVER. TOLD BY DEALER THAT MANY 2025 GLC-300'S ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11706872

Incident

Nov 17, 2025

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!

Complaint Frequent rear view camera flap actuations and/or noise associated. NOTE: Rear view camera functions are NOT affected and still perform in accordance with regulatory requirements. Cause Calibration of the reversing camera is in progress. This is not a malfunction, but an intended system behavior. Remedy An optimization has been implemented to reduce the quantity of rearview camera flap actuations for calibration. Open an XSS case requesting addition of the option code "0O1" (Zero, "O", "1"). Once the code has been added, update and SCN code PARK (N62/*) control unit. Prior to releasing the vehicle, please verify the following: • Rear camera flap when calibrating after a key cycle bus sleep will stay open to 29 MPH and then close. Will re‑open, when calibrating, at 9 MPH.

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.

Complaint Traffic sign symbol for "Traffic Sign Assist" is blinking in instrument cluster without obvious cause usually with one of the following scenarios: • Flashing without a speed limit ("‑ ‑"). • Flashing when current vehicle speed is under speed limit. • Flashing between US speed limit symbol and European speed limit symbol. NOTE: • Verify that the concern falls under one of the attachment videos. If not, then it is outside of the scope of this LI. • This also does not cover "Traffic Sign Inoperative" messages on the instrument cluster. Cause There are two identified reasons for this concern: 1. Country code information stored incorrectly at a particular geographic latitude range. 2. Incorrect reference data when the vehicle is started and a GPS signal is not immediately available. Remedy Update head unit software to latest version and the re‑check function in the same location. If vehicle is still exhibiting one of the symptoms as described exactly as in the complaint section or as shown in the video attachments, open a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox with the following: • Video of the concern. • Exact location (latitude and longitude is best)

Complaint The following most common complaints may be observed: • Brief connectivity interruptions when using Apple CarPlay over Wi-Fi • Audio cuts out • Device not recognized • No operation possible Cause There are multiple possible causes for an iPhone disconnecting from a vehicle’s head unit while using Apple CarPlay. These include hardware, software, and environmental factors: Environmental Interference External Sources: • Passing under toll bridges, driving near airports, or areas with heavy electronic interference (e.g., as described in LI82.85-P-076157) can cause connection drops. Cellular Networks: • Interference from nearby cell towers operating on similar frequencies (usually 2.4GHz or 5GHz) can disrupt the signal. Storage Location: • Keeping your phone in a handbag or surrounded by other objects inside the vehicle can create physical or electronic interference. Device and Software Issues Head Unit Software/Hardware: • Outdated firmware, bugs, or hardware faults in the vehicle’s head unit can prevent a stable connection. iPhone Software/Hardware: • Similar issues in the iPhone, including buggy iOS updates or hardware problems, may affect performance. Reset or Reboot:• Automatic rebooting or resetting of either the head unit or the iPhone will temporarily disrupt CarPlay. Connection and Settings Wired Connections: • Faulty Cable: A damaged or poor-quality USB cable can cause intermittent or total loss of connection. • USB Port Issues: Dust, debris, or physical damage in the USB port of either the head unit or the iPhone can also lead to disconnects. Wireless Connections: • Intermittent Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: Unstable wireless communication (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) can frequently break the Car- Play connection. Power Management: • Battery Saver Mode: Enabling low power mode may restrict background processes, affecting CarPlay. • Vehicle’s Electrical System: Unstable power delivery from the car’s battery or electrical interruptions can cause the head unit to malfunction. Phone & App Configuration Phone Settings: • Incorrect or conflicting settings (especially Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) on your iPhone can interfere with the CarPlay link. • Third-Party Apps/Profiles: • Installed apps or configuration profiles may conflict with CarPlay’s operation. • Native apps are apple maps, apple music, audio books, apple news, podcasts, messages and phone. All other apps are considered third party apps. App Conflicts: • Running conflicting apps that require similar system resources as CarPlay can cause instability. Mobile Data Plan: • Streaming from online sources without sufficient mobile data can result in lost connectivity. Other Factors Heat & Overheating: • If either the phone or the head unit overheats, they may disable certain functions to prevent damage, leading to disconnection. User Actions: • Accidentally disconnecting the device in settings, or physically moving or bumping the phone or cable, may disrupt the connection. Remedy FUP6 (E605.8) software has been released for the following chassis: 118, 177, 243,247,206,254,167,294,295,296,223, 297. Flash available software for the head unit and test for function. The LI will be updated once available for the remaining chassis. If the complaint remains after the SW update please continue with the steps below. Guided Diagnostic Path for Apple CarPlay Connection Issues: Please follow the steps below to systematically diagnose and resolve CarPlay concerns:Update Devices: • Ensure the iPhone is updated to the latest available iOS version. • Ensure the vehicle’s head unit is updated to the latest software version available. Isolate the Issue: • Check whether the symptom persists with another iPhone running the latest iOS version. • Test both wireless and wired CarPlay connections: • Does the issue only occur with wireless CarPlay? • Does the wired connection to the phone function correctly? Further Troubleshooting Steps: • Reboot the iPhone. See attachment for further instructions.

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.