STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 98 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and fuel system categories. 12 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 189 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 1 |
| Apr 2017 | 2 | 3 |
| Jun 2017 | 1 | 4 |
| Jul 2017 | 2 | 6 |
| Aug 2017 | 2 | 8 |
| Oct 2017 | 2 | 10 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 11 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 12 |
| Jan 2018 | 2 | 14 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 15 |
| Mar 2018 | 3 | 18 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 19 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 20 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 21 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 22 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 23 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 24 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 25 |
| Feb 2021 | 2 | 27 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 28 |
| May 2021 | 2 | 30 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 31 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 32 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 33 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 34 |
| Feb 2022 | 2 | 36 |
| Jun 2022 | 7 | 43 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 44 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 45 |
| Sep 2022 | 3 | 48 |
| Oct 2022 | 3 | 51 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 52 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 53 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 54 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 56 |
| Apr 2023 | 3 | 59 |
| May 2023 | 2 | 61 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 62 |
| Aug 2023 | 3 | 65 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 66 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 67 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 68 |
| Jan 2024 | 3 | 71 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 72 |
| Mar 2024 | 3 | 75 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 76 |
| Jun 2024 | 2 | 78 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 79 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 80 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 81 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 82 |
| Dec 2024 | 1 | 83 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 84 |
| Mar 2025 | 2 | 86 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 87 |
| Jun 2025 | 6 | 93 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 94 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 95 |
| Feb 2026 | 3 | 98 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine3730.3%
- Electrical1512.3%
- Fuel system1512.3%
- Airbags108.2%
- Visibility86.6%
- Seat belts86.6%
- Powertrain (other)75.7%
- Driver assistance64.9%
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
12 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.govSTRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
COMMUNICATION; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Front Roof Panel Detachment
On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhesive, site preparation, and installation of a replacement panel with new adhesive.The consumer complaints that prompted the opening of PE21-001 all described detachments of front roof panels that had been replaced after the vehicle was put into service.Mercedes' internal investigation identified a broader scope of affected vehicles (2014-2020 CLA, GLA, C, S, GLC, and GLE class) and found the following potential service procedure- related causes of front roof panel detachments:- Improper surface pretreatments such as the use of the wrong primer or cleaner or scoring of the surface; or - Use of the incorrect adhesive.These conditions lead to a front roof panel bond that, even if sound at the time of repair, cannot maintain its strength over time and environmental exposure.Mercedes updated its service and parts ordering systems to reinforce the proper use of specified kits and procedures via webinars, shop foreman meetings, and explicit reference to the risks incurred by diverging from the repair procedures. Mercedes is also furnishing parts ordering assistance, and will hold dealerships accountable for improper repairs.ODI's analysis of the ten complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and MBUSA's complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for PE21-001 identified a total of 57 non-duplicative reports alleging incidents in which the front roof panel detached from the vehicle while in motion. Included within the 57 reports are incidents where consumers state the panel detached ...and flew off into traffic.On March 19, 2021, Mercedes notified NHTSA that it would recall subject vehicles with front roof panels known to have been replaced after the original sale of the vehicle. In total, the recall (designated as Recall 21V197) covers 15,099 vehicles that were ever registered in the United States. Based on Recall 21V197 and the remedy implemented by Mercedes, further investigation does not appear to be warranted at this time.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11376425, 11352686, 11351629, 11349158, 11341541, 11337594, 11324100, 11311591, 11222127, 11404183
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
I smell gas in my car. There is a recall for the fuel parts on the 2019. I have a 2017 with the same issue.
- NHTSA ID
- 11715888
- Incident
- Feb 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Driver’s Air Bag Malfunction - Service Required" and "Collision Prevention Assist Unavailable" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the air bag had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer, but the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11715404
- Incident
- Nov 3, 2025
- Mileage
- 130,000 mi
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while parked and attempting to release the seat belt, the seat belt remained latched. The contact stated that after the third attempt, the seat belt operated as needed. The failure had occurred in the front driver’s and passenger’s side seat belts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the buckle and needed to be replaced. The seat belt buckle was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance because the warranty had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11715340
- Incident
- Dec 15, 2025
- Mileage
- 71,000 mi
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the first panel of the panoramic sunroof went off track and failed to close as intended. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the panoramic sunroof glass was pushed down firmly, and the sunroof closed. The contact attempted to open the sunroof, but the sunroof failed to operate as intended; however, the contact heard a motorized sound coming from the sunroof. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11698964
- Incident
- Nov 15, 2024
- Mileage
- 70,000 mi
The Valve body control failed. I took the car into the dealership but upon doing some searching this seems to be a common issue amongst owners of this vehicle/make model. The transmission won't go beyond 5th gear (of 9) so it's is dangerous to drive on the interstate. The car doesn't shift into drive, only shifts into N, the reverts automatically to park. It required the engine shutting on/off multiple times and only then does it go into 3rd gear, causing the vehicle to jump due to missing gears. This issue could leave an owner stranded at any time and cause injury due to the limitations of the gears. It was inspected and confirmed behavior by Mercedes in Durham NC. There were no warning lamps, there were no signs of the issue. The technician did plug it in and was able to read the fault codes but it didn't trigger a light. The appeared first about 45 days ago, and the vehicle was taken in to be looked at 7/21/25.
- NHTSA ID
- 11680130
- Incident
- Jun 27, 2025
My vehicle goes into neutral while driving which poses a major risk.
- NHTSA ID
- 11669974
- Incident
- Jun 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that on several occasions while opening the sunroof, the contact heard an abnormal grinding sound. Additionally, the contact stated that the sunroof failed to close as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the sunroof rails needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11667611
- Incident
- May 31, 2023
- Mileage
- 82,000 mi
Vehicle has previous recalls done and still has the same issues with recall. Srs code no air bag will deploy. Dealer ship refused to service vehicle due to miscommunication and I'm driving a defective vehicle without an airbag which could lead to a bad accident waiting to happened. I will like to file a complaint against Mercedes of Richmond for refusing to service my vehicle without a defective air bag and the passenger seat bear latch doesn't retract properly. So I'm currently dealing with 2 huge safety hazard and was denied service due to a miscommunication with Steven Powers (service technician) at Mercedes of Richmond! I will like an investigation done.
- NHTSA ID
- 11666296
- Incident
- Jun 10, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN
Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).
SUSPENSION
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner as seen in the attached pictures. NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease). See the attached steering knuckle and wheel hub pictures for reference. NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.
SUSPENSION
Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements and/or Creaking/crackling noises from the area of the wheel bearing on the front axle when cornering/ maneuvering. Sound file attached for comparison. MUST match noise for proper diagnosis. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Rear) LI33.30-P-056665 (Throttle Lift-Off Noise - Front) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present after re-testing: • If 192/232 chassis, verify FIN is in the listed range below in "Operation B" and perform. • If not 192/232 chassis or vehicle is a 192/232 not in the listed FIN range, additional verifications of where the noise is coming from are needed. Use multiple channel NVH method to narrow down location. Verify the LI's listed above were completed or if there are other similar noises associated with the chassis (Example: 192/232 also has under panel noises and an associated LI). Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures "2.jpg" and "3.jpg"). NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range): Only affects vehicles up to FIN end number: • Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 • Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.
ENGINE; VISIBILITY/WIPER
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint Service code B1 displayed in the customer menu does not match the workshop code displayed in the workshop menu, e.g., 505 or 550A, which includes a service A. Cause The root cause is currently being investigated. Remedy To determine the cause, the instrument cluster control unit (N133/1) and powertrain control unit (N127) logs are required before confirming the service or correction using XENTRY Diagnosis. Please open a TIPS case to BCE inbox with the requested information in the attachments.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N112/9) control unit: event code B15CE00 is ACTIVE and STORED (A+S) • Vehicle Documentation System: For the HERMES control unit, the EID1, EID2, ICCID, IMEI, IMSI, TELNR fields in the "Identification/Serial number" column have the value "-" Cause Still under analysis Remedy Recommission the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis 03/2026 and add-on 33399 installed or carry out the procedure with a newer version of XENTRY Diagnosis: XENTRY→ "N112/9 - Control unit for telematics services (HERMES)" -> "Adaptations" -> "Control unit commissioning" -> "Commissioning of previously installed control unit"
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.