2021 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 2021 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
- Engine3036.6%
- Exterior lighting1315.9%
- Fuel system1214.6%
- Electrical89.8%
- Driver assistance78.5%
- Visibility44.9%
- Powertrain (other)44.9%
- Body & structure33.7%
- Airbags11.2%
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 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 malfunction / signal above permissible limit value). The dealer applied an Engine Control Module software patch under Mercedes TSB LI07.70-P-078047.Second Incident (53,695 miles): Less than 3,000 miles later, the exact same sudden powertrain failure recurred. The vehicle drastically lost propulsion power immediately after exiting a high-speed freeway, leaving the driver in an incredibly vulnerable, unsafe position.The manufacturer's documented software remedy has completely failed to fix the underlying powertrain defect, leaving a known hardware component failure unaddressed while actively endangering vehicle occupants.
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 was better, but still, that’s a lot to pay for a manufacturer’s defect! My car is a 2021 with only 67,540 miles on it.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 September 8, 2026, the dealership provided a repair estimate of $3,387.33. The vehicle had approximately 84,769 miles. Mercedes-Benz previously issued NHTSA Recall 22V-261 / Campaign 2022050005 for certain 2021 GLC-Class vehicles because headlamp electrical connections may not have been sufficiently watertight, allowing moisture intrusion that could cause headlamp failure. My vehicle is the same year and model and is experiencing headlamp failure involving moisture and corrosion, but Mercedes-Benz states that my VIN is not included in the recall population. Mercedes-Benz Customer Care opened Case 23963515 and has declined coverage to date. I am concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing the same or a substantially similar moisture-intrusion defect as vehicles covered by Recall 22V-261. A failed headlamp reduces nighttime visibility and presents a safety concern. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether similar headlamp moisture intrusion, corrosion, and failure may be occurring in additional 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vehicles outside the original recall population.
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 headlamp assembly that can allow moisture intrusion and lead to headlamp electrical failure. My vehicle is experiencing the same type of moisture intrusion and resulting electrical failure described in that recall. Because this failure appears consistent with the known safety-related defect identified by NHTSA, I am requesting that the vehicle and affected headlamp assembly be evaluated for recall-related or manufacturer-assisted repair rather than treated solely as a routine out-of-warranty component failure.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 malfunction / signal above permissible limit value). The dealer applied an Engine Control Module software patch under Mercedes TSB LI07.70-P-078047.Second Incident (53,695 miles): Less than 3,000 miles later, the exact same sudden powertrain failure recurred. The vehicle drastically lost propulsion power immediately after exiting a high-speed freeway, leaving the driver in an incredibly vulnerable, unsafe position.The manufacturer's documented software remedy has completely failed to fix the underlying powertrain defect, leaving a known hardware component failure unaddressed while actively endangering vehicle occupants.
The vehicle lost power and will not operate over 40 mph/2000 rpms
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 the headlamp electrical module/connector. The headlamp system subsequently malfunctioned. Recall 22V-261 describes a condition where the headlamp electrical connection may not be watertight, allowing moisture ingress and potentially causing headlamp failure. My vehicle appears to exhibit the same condition even though my VIN is excluded from the recall population. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the affected population for Recall 22V-261 may need to be expanded.
This is a well-known issue with these engines. See TSB (Service Bulletin) The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has 42,000 miles and the warranty ran out 2 weeks ago. The vehicle is up-to-date on service. Fault code P06DA00 Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit/Open. The Yellow Check Engine Light came on and the engine does not run properly and causes engine damage. We had to drive it slowly, under 45 mph, to the nearest dealership. This is a safety issue. To replace the oil pump control valve solenoid and the wire harness for this feature is $5009.00 at Mercedes-Benz. The part cost is about $300 retail, and the rest is all labor fees.
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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was not functioning properly. After restarting the vehicle, the camera operated as needed; however, several days later, the camera became inoperable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
While slowly backing out of the driveway and without contacting anything at all, the rear window completely shattered. The window has never been hit by anything and had no defects yet it completely shattered so clearly reflects a manufacturing defect of some sort that is incredibly dangerous to passengers or other vehicles, since it happens without warning and without the necessity of an impact of any kind.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Have been getting condensate inside vehicle headlights inwhich have cause the headlight to completely not work anymore.. There is no damage to headlight which means to be cause due to a problem with the seal. Checked with local and also statewide Mercedes advisors which was told there isn’t a recall for my vehicle inwhich I looked online and found an recall for vehicles just like the one I have.. Recall number 22V261000-Recall Date 04-14-2022. I’m asking for my vehicle to be inspected and repaired free of charge . Thanks and sorry for the bother - Can’t drive vehicle at night due to headlight malfunction and it’s very unsafe for me and kids and family
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while his spouse was driving approximately 35 MPH, the passenger’s side side-view mirror fractured without impact. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment; however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 malfunction / signal above permissible limit value). The dealer applied an Engine Control Module software patch under Mercedes TSB LI07.70-P-078047.Second Incident (53,695 miles): Less than 3,000 miles later, the exact same sudden powertrain failure recurred. The vehicle drastically lost propulsion power immediately after exiting a high-speed freeway, leaving the driver in an incredibly vulnerable, unsafe position.The manufacturer's documented software remedy has completely failed to fix the underlying powertrain defect, leaving a known hardware component failure unaddressed while actively endangering vehicle occupants.
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.
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
Sunroof glass panel exploded outward. Fabric retractable interior sunroof liner did contain all of the fragmented safety glass. No prior impact on or to the sunroof. If the interior fabric sunroof liner had been retracted, the interior of the vehicle would have been showered with the glass shards impacting the driver and all passengers. There was no warning. A loud sound similar to gunshot occurred as the sunroof failed. The vehicle was driven to a local windshield repair facility for examination. I contacted and notified Mercedes Benz USA of the incident. They have not done a follow-up as of this date. I contacted Mercedes Benz of Anchorage AK and will do a follow-up with that dealership on May 31 2022.
Excessive frame rust, the pictures I included are all the patches that have been done to the frame so far.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle will flash warnings on dash the the blind spot assist in inoperative and the front passenger air bag malfunction. The active brake assist is also malfunctioning as the two white cars colliding is on. The dealership as tried to fix this issue 5 times and has tried argue the the active brake assist is functioning normal.
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 .