2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine3730.3%
- Electrical1512.3%
- Fuel system1512.3%
- Airbags108.2%
- Visibility86.6%
- Seat belts86.6%
- Powertrain (other)75.7%
- Driver assistance64.9%
- Brakes43.3%
- Steering43.3%
- Tires & wheels32.5%
- Interior & seats21.6%
- Body & structure10.8%
- Suspension10.8%
- Exterior lighting10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
-The malfunctioned component is the Positive Crankcase Ventilation. - Vehicle wanted to stall and did not want to accelerate while in the middle lane on the highway with my family. - Yes it has been diagnosis by certified mechanic - The check engine light turned on at the time of the incident and has been turning on and off ever since.
I was driving and my engine light came on. I ran the code and it came up as P052E which has to do with the positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve. I’ve heard that this part goes out very often on the Mercedes Benz.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle goes into neutral while driving which poses a major risk.
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who then diagnosed a failure with the alternator. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the fuel gauge provided incorrect information and indicated that there was no fuel in the fuel tank. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and sometimes occurred immediately after refueling. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 55,000. The VIN was not available.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Error message of collision prevention assist inoperable. Mercedes dealer wants $400 to look at it only.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Error message of collision prevention assist inoperable. Mercedes dealer wants $400 to look at it only.
BOUGHT CAR 3 DAYS AGO AND BRAKES SQUEAL UPON BACKING OUT OF GARAGE AND SOMETIMES APPLYING WHEN STOPPING! SPECIFICALLY ASKED SALESMAN IF MERCEDES HAD PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES MAKING NOISE AS WE WENT THROUGH THIS WITH A VW TOUREG AND WAS TOLD NO THEY DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. CALLED SALESPERSON TODAY AND WAS INFORMED NOW THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND ITS NORMAL AND SHOULD ONLY HAPPEN WHEN CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AND ITS COLD OR THEY GOT WET. TOLD IF IT GOES MORE TIMES THAN THAT BRING INTO SERVICE???? VERY DISAPPOINTED WE WERE BOLD FACTLY LIED TO AND NOW HAVE ANOTHER CAR THAT APPEARS TO HAVE BRAKE NOISE ISSUES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
2017 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 Coupe 27,700 miles. I was driving on MD I-95 when the Power Steering Malfunction warning light came on and I lost power steering. I got off the next exit. Steering was very difficult especially when the car slowed. The Mercedes Benz dealer is replacing the electronic steering power control unit, power steering motor and steering rack. Cost $4910. Mercedes Benz has had GLC 300 recalls for Power Steering Malfunction but not for my model year.
The steering column has stopped moving up/down. I guess due to some latency build up (after having tried to adjust the steering a few times prior to the drive) caused the steering to move down (one time incident) while driving and caused momentary loss of steering control due to slippage and had to pull over to the shoulder of the freeway. While this was a one time incident it could become a safety issue...this seems to be a rampant issue (up/down movement getting jammed) on all MB vehicles and anything related to critical vehicular controls should be flagged as such.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the dealer had only reset the codes. In addition, the contact stated that the tire pressure sensor warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the sunroof latch failed to close as needed using the sunroof power switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,100.
I previously submitted a problem My #11606217 I found out that these tires (2nd set replacement due to tread low within 7 months) I am very concerned that due to the DOT # on these tire is 0119 (last four) which is 5 years old I do not feel safe to travel on tires that is 5 yeas old The original purchase was January 2024. They were replaced (due to tread worn) with these tires August 2024 What is the timeframe for tires purchased I purchased 2 tires previously (front) from the Mercedes dealer 2 years ago and the DOT# is 4622 Please let me know if these tires are safe for long distance
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while activating the front windshield wipers, the wiper blades started scratching the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the front windshield was replaced. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times before the failure was corrected. On another occasion while entering the front driver side door, the contact became aware that the extended bar in the seat had protruded through the seat cover. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front driver’s side seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times before the failure was corrected. On another occasion, the contact became aware that there was fluid leaking from the vehicle. The contact examined the vehicle and notice that the windshield washer fluid was leaking from the washer fluid reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed that the windshield washer fluid reservoir needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to contact the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was 32,831.
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, OR STILL, THE DRIVER'S SIDE COVER FOR THE SEATBELT/AIRBAG WILL NOT STAY ATTACHED. THIS IS LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND IS VISIBLE WHEN ENTERING AND EXITING THE CAR. I AM NOT REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE COSMETIC ISSUE AS MUCH AS THE SAFETY ISSUE. WITH THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS, THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IF THE BAG DEPLOYS WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE FLOATING PART? WILL THE AIRBAG, OR SEATBELT EVEN DEPLOY, OR WORK AS IT SHOULD? THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU CAN BE INJURED BY THE HARD PLASTIC THAT IS HANGING THERE. THE PIECE CAN ALSO GET CAUGHT UNDER OUR FEET WHILE DRIVING AS IT DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE. I REPORTED THIS THE 3RD DAY AND HAD IT REPAIRED 3 OTHER TIMES. I HAVE HAD MY CAR AND IT HAS BEEN IN PLACE ONLY 5 DAYS IN 2 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AND 30 DAYS. THE NEW LOANER THEY GAVE ME HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND THE PORTERS REPORT THEY NEVER STAY ON. THE CAR WAS IN FOR SERVICE FOR THIS ISSUE 4 TIMES IN THE FIRST 20 MONTHS I OWNED IT. IT COULD HAVE BEEN WEEKLY IF I WOULD HAVE NOT JUST LIVED WITH IT IN BETWEEN SERVICES THAT WERE NEEDED AND TAKEN IT IN AGAIN FOR SERVICE AND THE ISSUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
EXPLODING PANORAMIC SUNROOF: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH ON ROUTE 35SOUTH (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER AT 7:30PM ON 5FEB2018 THE FORWARD PANEL OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND ME. IT WAS A LOUD POP EXPLOSION. THE SAFETY GLASS LOOKS PUSHED OUT AND GLASS STARTED TO FLY BEHIND THE CAR ONTO THE ROAD. I PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND I CONTACTED MERCEDES HELP LINE FOR ASSISTANCE. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALER (MY LOCAL DEALER CONTEMPORARY MOTORS IN LITTLE SILVER, NJ). I DID A NIGHT DROP BOX DROP OFF. MERCEDES IS NOW ACCESSING THE ROOF.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
对不起我说中文, 我的英语不好 我这辆车有安全辅组问题 有一次突然发动机熄火然后静止了几秒 然后我又从新启动,还有发动机有噪音,我已经拿去4S店维修了4次 还是问题重复出现。我现在不想浪费时间去4S 点了 每次都要浪费我很久的时间。 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER2018030012 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER18V177 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE THREE LEVERS LEFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLLING WIPERS (BOTH FRONT AND REAR) ADJUSTMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL, AND CRUISE CONTROLS DO NOT ILLUMINATE IN THE DARK/EVENING. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER IS DISTRACTED FROM VIEWING THE ROAD AHEAD IN AN ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY THE NEEDED ACTIONS FOR OPERATION. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT MY VEHICLE IS MADE THIS WAY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .