RoadVitals

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
21
Latest Jun 3, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Jul 24, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

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 265 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.

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.gov

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

Jul 24, 2026
310,667 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
The risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 31, 2026.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Aug 20, 2025
3,749 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2026 EQE and GLC vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. The steering coupling bolt may have been improperly tightened, allowing the steering coupling to loosen from the steering rack.
The risk: A loose steering coupling can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will tighten the steering coupling bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Jun 6, 2025
92,851 units potentially affected
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2025 GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC, 2024-2025 AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, 2025 GLC 350E 4MATIC, and AMG GLC 63 S E vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. In certain crash scenarios, where the rear occupant's head contacts the C-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
The risk: In the event of a crash, insufficient impact protection can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will modify the roof lining and C-pillar trim, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jun 3, 2026

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
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 27, 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
Brakes
Filed Apr 10, 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
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 2, 2025

•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
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 7, 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
Driver assistance
Filed Feb 27, 2025
1 injury reported

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
EngineExterior lighting
Filed Dec 9, 2024

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
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 14, 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.

LI82.60-P-080806

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint After an "Over the Air" update (OTA), FM or SDARS radio reception is limited; only a few stations are found. Cause The firmware installation was incomplete. Remedy In the A26/17 control unit "MBUX multimedia system" (head unit), use XENTRY to carry out the special process "All Modules"; this will reinstall the firmware completely.

LI35.30-P-058566

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).

LI54.71-P-079104

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 Do not replace parts. Please open a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox but read the below carefully: • The vehicle must be exhibiting the concern as shown in the attachment videos. • The vehicle DOES NOT need to be at the dealer, nor does it need to be brought into the dealership. • If the geographic location is known, it is very important that it is provided. • Provide any pictures or videos, if available. A new software for the head unit is scheduled for tentative release in Q3 2026.

LI33.20-P-078406

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.

LI82.60-P-080383

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Complaint Radio station cover art does not refresh when switching stations. The UI continues to show the old station’s artwork instead of updating to the new one. Cause When a new station change request is triggered, a temporary glitch is causing the Head Unit application to fail to overwrite the previous request. This glitch is causing the cover art mismatch in the Radio application. Remedy Please do not replace any parts. The E505.9 software is released and available in XENTRY Q3 2026.

LI33.20-P-078406

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.

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

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026030
2025153065.6
2024Viewing218053.5
20235512157.5
2022562058.6
2021619056.7
20206716161.8
20194612168.1
20188712264.0
20179812258.3
201613212261.2

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.