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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 21 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 275 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| Jan 2024 | 4 | 5 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 6 |
| Mar 2024 | 2 | 8 |
| Jul 2024 | 2 | 10 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 12 |
| Nov 2024 | 2 | 14 |
| Dec 2024 | 1 | 15 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 16 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 17 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 18 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 19 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 20 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 21 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine723.3%
- Electrical620.0%
- Powertrain (other)516.7%
- Brakes310.0%
- Driver assistance310.0%
- Exterior lighting310.0%
- Visibility13.3%
- Seat belts13.3%
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
8 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.govSTEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
While driving the vehicle the engine started running rough, check engine light illuminated and it would not accelerate above 40 mph. There are 29,100 miles on the vehicle, it's been serviced on schedule by Mercedes and is owned by me since new. It is especially concerning due to the acceleration topic which could have been catastrophic if I were trying to merge into traffic. Dealer service say the camshaft bearing needs to be replaced. It seems this is very premature for the mileage on the vehicle.
- NHTSA ID
- 11741752
- Incident
- May 31, 2026
While driving my 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 on California highways, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced sudden uncontrolled deceleration, unexpected transmission downshifts into 2nd gear, severe transmission jerking, and complete loss of accelerator response. The first major incident occurred on March 7, 2025, while traveling on Interstate 5 at approximately 70 mph. The transmission suddenly jolted and downshifted directly into 2nd gear. The vehicle immediately lost power and slowed to approximately 20 mph without warning. I exited the highway and restarted the vehicle before it temporarily resumed normal operation. A second major incident occurred on May 7, 2026, while driving on Interstate 5 near Flag City, California at approximately 65 mph. The vehicle suddenly decelerated uncontrollably to approximately 20 mph. The transmission again shifted directly into 2nd gear, and the accelerator pedal became completely unresponsive. I was forced to make an emergency stop on the shoulder of the freeway with hazard lights activated due to the risk of being rear-ended by high-speed traffic and trucks. A third incident occurred on May 13, 2026, while accelerating onto Highway 99 in Modesto, California. During a shift from 4th to 5th gear, the transmission jerked violently and the vehicle suddenly lost power while merging into highway traffic. The vehicle has been taken to Mercedes-Benz of Stockton multiple times for diagnosis and repair attempts. The dealership has performed software updates and extensive testing, and dealership personnel have personally verified the transmission defect during road testing. Mercedes-Benz engineering has also become involved in the diagnosis process. However, the defect remains unresolved. This defect creates a serious highway safety hazard due to sudden loss of propulsion, uncontrolled deceleration, and loss of accelerator response while driving at freeway speeds.
- NHTSA ID
- 11740380
- Incident
- May 13, 2026
3/31/26 2pm After highway driving - 3 miles/35 mph tried to brake- Immediately something was wrong with the brake as and it felt spongy/mushy/unresponsive. Car did not slow until I pressed the brake fully to the floor. The car did stop &was alarmingly unresponsive. Around this time,noticed the white BRAKE light illuminated. Continued to drive - terrified. Had to brake VERY HARD to get car to slow/stop. at home, Quick google search had me try turning on and off parking brake - tied this 5-6 times and white BRAKE light went off and I could brake/stop car. Bought car to Mercedes for service for 4:20 appointment - expressing incredibly strong reservations to Will Bane -and fear about driving car. He assured me as it is braking it should be fine. 04/01/2026 -notified car was ready for pick up/text stated: "Service is complete, everything looked good on the inspection report. No codes in the system for the brake concern and the brakes are currently working as designed" at pickup - and prior in text to will bane - i expressed significant concern about future braking issues. was told it was a "software issue and they updated it" and given a card for roadside assistance There was a recall campaign (2026010002/25p5496612) and codes were cleared as part of this unrelated recall. Brake fluid exchange was performed PRIOR to brake diagnosis Bottom line - I have significant concerns about braking.
- NHTSA ID
- 11730496
- Incident
- Mar 31, 2026
•Incident Details: •Both sudden shutdown incidents •“12V Battery” warning (first incident) •“Stop - Switch Off Vehicle” warning (second incident) •That it happened with children in the car on a tollway Safety Concerns: •Loss of power steering/braking •Risk of collision •Repeated failures on a 1-year-old vehicle
- NHTSA ID
- 11677934
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2025
I am writing to report a critical safety issue with my 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC300, VIN: [XXX] , which I purchased on [XXX], from Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek, CA, with 9,500 miles. On [XXX], while driving on [XXX], the vehicle suddenly lost power, the transmission downshifted to 2nd gear, and the accelerator became unresponsive. I was forced to drive at 20 mph for 20 minutes on a busy freeway, posing a severe risk of a rear-end collision. I managed to exit the freeway, but this incident could have resulted in a serious accident. This failure may be related to prior recalls of the 2024 GLC300, including issues with a defective 80-amp fuse (February 2024) and a loose 48-volt battery ground connection (March 2024), both of which can cause power loss. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this incident to determine if it warrants an expanded recall or further action to protect other drivers. I have notified Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek CA and Mercedes-Benz USA, demanding an investigation and a refund under the California Lemon Law. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and provide an update on any investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11647082
- Incident
- Mar 7, 2025
I am experiencing auto braking when there are no obstructions near or around the vehicle. The auto braking is random but occurs fairly often. It is very unsettling and makes me very nervous while driving my brand new vehicle. This happens without warning and can definitely put myself and my passengers as well as passengers in the vehicles around me at great risks of collisions.
- NHTSA ID
- 11645213
- Incident
- Feb 27, 2025
Attention Assist System Suspended notification comes on randomly on vehicle while driving, rendering driver defenseless with regard to safety warnings that would otherwise be in effect, such as blind spot assist, attention assist, which are vital components for safe driving. This has happened on numerous occasions, most recently on 12/06/2024 while driving under destination route guidance. It has also happened when car was stopped to retrieve mail at residence mail box and, at other times for no apparent reason, while driving. Each time when engine was restarted the dashboard read 'System suspended' and continued to do so until car was returned to dealer. This vehicle was purchased on 12/21/2023 and with less than 350 miles began repeated problems with warnings, the first of which was "Check engine"on 02/02/2024, as car was running rough. Car was repaired(dealer determined cause was electrical/software error, fault code) yet before driving out of the dealership the same 'check engine' warning reappeared and vehicle had to be returned to service that same day for the same problem. Since that date in 2023, this vehicle has had numerous seemingly computer related issues that render it unreliable as to the safety devices this vehicle features that should always be maintained. On 03/21/2024 with less than 950 miles the fans remained running after shutting vehicle off and a message appeared stating" cooling system malfunction/reduced drive performance" with a red triangle on dashboard. Dealer determined the cause was 'SOFTWARE" At this point I am concerned that this vehicle is over engineered with computerized options that randomly fail. On another occasion the lights on one side may have been on overnight. The lights (courtesy lights) were on on the right side overnight in garage. My safety is continuously at risk whenever a warning appears.I replaced my GLK specifically to have Blind Spot Assist, PRE-safe, Attention Assist, Active distance assist and other features.
- NHTSA ID
- 11629760
- Incident
- Dec 6, 2024
When stopped at a light or stop sign, Vehicle will Jerk forward as If hit from behind. Very surprising and dangerous. Very intermittent. The has happened many times. Vehicle will at times have rough downshifts. Ie. overdrive (9th) to (8th) gear. also intermittent. This has happened multiple times. Vehicle was taken to the dealer twice for a total of 50 hours in the shop. The first service time no problem was found, diagnostics did not show problem. Aug 22 to Aug 30, 2024. The second service time Oct 3 to Nov 14, 2024. Problem was duplicated by the technician. Vehicle diagnostics still did not show a problem. Technician replaced the transmission valve body, did various software checks at the request of the factory. The engine control unit was then changed based on data supplied to the factory. At this point technician checked the car and dealers believes car is fixed. Vehicle has been returned to us on Nov 14 2024. We have requested the vehicle be bought back or replaced.
- NHTSA ID
- 11625278
- Incident
- Jul 15, 2024
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!
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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)
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 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.
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.