STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 E
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 E, most frequently naming the body & structure, driver assistance and engine categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 215 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 1 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 2 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 3 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 4 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 5 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 6 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 7 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 8 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Body & structure222.2%
- Driver assistance222.2%
- Engine111.1%
- Powertrain (other)111.1%
- Visibility111.1%
- Electrical111.1%
- Brakes111.1%
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
5 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
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
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
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC350E. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera failed to display an image. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the backover prevention software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V232000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed before a case could be filed. The failure mileage was 76,954.
- NHTSA ID
- 11642730
- Incident
- Feb 9, 2025
- Mileage
- 76,954 mi
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC350. The contact stated that while being serviced the mechanic observed two cracks in the middle of the sunroof panel. The contact stated that he believes the cracks are associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the sunroof panel (205-780-00-22-40) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and he also filed a complaint (03902387). The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The contact stated the left/passenger side roof drip molding is also cracked. This is a stationary panel that is part of the panoramic sunroof assembly.
- NHTSA ID
- 11559480
- Incident
- Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC350E. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal windy sound while driving. The contact stated that the adhesive bonding of the roof panel was deteriorating, causing the front roof panel to partially detach from the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,600.
- NHTSA ID
- 11554845
- Incident
- Sep 13, 2023
- Mileage
- 25,600 mi
The car's backup camera sttoped working suddenly. No image can be seen in the monitor, putting at risk the life of other pedestrian or putting a collision risk.
- NHTSA ID
- 11482076
- Incident
- Aug 30, 2022
WHEN DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD, THE MOONROOF EXPLODED. THIS WAS NOT IMPACTED BY ANY OBJECT AND THERE WAS NO COLLISION. THIS GLASS SHATTER HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING
- NHTSA ID
- 11408273
- Incident
- Apr 14, 2021
- Mileage
- 27,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ACCELERATING FROM APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH TO 60 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. A MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUCTED THE DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT-OFF WITHIN 3 MINUTES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER, STALLED AND SHUT-OFF WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN MESSAGES DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR CAME FROM THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF SPRINGFIELD (295 BURNETT RD, CHICOPEE, MA 01020. (413)624-4100) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. *DT*JB
- NHTSA ID
- 11377146
- Incident
- Nov 7, 2020
- Mileage
- 40,000 mi
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC350E4. WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD BEFORE IT STOPPED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE ALSO OVERHEATED, WHICH CAUSED THE COOLING SYSTEM NOT TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FLETCHER JONES MOTORCARS (949-718-3000, LOCATED AT 3300 JAMBOREE RD, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE OVERHEAT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE AND WAS LATER DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SAME DEALER AND WAS INFORMED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER SENT A TOW TRUCK AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THERMOSTAT WAS BLOCKED. THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OVERHEATING DID NOT COMPLETELY STOP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *JS
- NHTSA ID
- 11241048
- Incident
- Jan 5, 2019
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET WHEN IT STALLED AND EVEN THOUGH I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. A MESSAGE IN RED APPEARED STATING THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH FUEL AND TO GO RE-FUEL, EVEN THOUGH THE TANK WAS 3/4 FULL. THE ENERGY FLOW THROUGH THE BATTERY WAS 16-19%. I HAD TO SHUT OFF THE CAR. WAIT. THEN, RE-START AND WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. PROBLEM: 1. THE CAR GAS ENGINE DID NOT KICK IN AND THE MESSAGE WAS TO RE-FUEL (CAR DID NOT RECOGNIZE ALMOST FULL TANK OF GAS). 2.STALLED WHILE IN MOTION. (I AM GLAD THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY). THE LOCAL DEALER HAS THE CAR NOW AND I AM DRIVING A LOANER. THEY HAVE THE CAR SINCE SAT APRIL 20,2019. (AUTOBAHN MOTORS 650-637-2333 @ 700 ISLAND PARKWAY, BELMONT, CA 94002
- NHTSA ID
- 11203297
- Incident
- Apr 20, 2019
- Mileage
- 770 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STEERING
Complaint Noises in the steering column area when steering. See example file in the attachments area: "MRSM‑Schleifgeräusch_SCCMGrindingNoises. MOV". Cause Under analysis. Remedy Check which area of the steering column the noises occur in. Do the noises tend to occur at the bottom in the driver footwell or do they tend to occur in the area of the steering column switch module (MRSM/SCCM)? If the noises occur in the area of the MRSM/SCCM, work through the following points: ‑ Loosen screws of the MRSM/SCCM and steering wheel, re‑align the MRSM/SCCM, and re‑fasten the screws (see WIS). Sometimes there is stress at the MRSM/SCCM and noises occur. ‑ If noises continue to occur, swap the MRSM/SCCM into a vehicle without any (noise) complaints. ‑ If the noises occur with the MRSM/SCCM complained about when it is in the vehicle without a complaint (donor vehicle), the MRSM/SCCM can be replaced. ‑ If noises also occur in the customer vehicle with the MRSM/SCCM from the reference vehicle, the MRSM/SCCM is not the cause and must not be replaced. Notes: ‑ When installing the MRSM/SCCM, make sure that no damage occurs! ‑ If the noise is due to the steering wheel (see attachment "Lenkrad‑Schleifgeräusch_SteeringWheel‑GrindingNoises.mp4"), please use LI46.10‑P‑077313. ‑ Only disassemble and mount all component parts in the "straight‑ahead position" (see also WIS). ‑ Please refer to this LI in the "Notes" section of the warranty claim!
SERVICE BRAKES
Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. Cause Although the cause of the vibration is most likely due to excessive lateral runout on the rotor or hub/wheel bearing, the system as a whole needs to be checked for other possible contributors. 1. Prior collision damage. 2. Excessive vehicle sitting times without rotating components. 3. Wheel bearing/hub lateral runout. 4. Wheel mating interface has been overtightened (did not follow WIS torque procedures). 5. Mating interfaces have been excessively modified (painted, gouged, bent, etc...). Remedy Read through the entire attached worksheet prior to performing. After performing, please review the final page and perform work accordingly. NOTE: This document is not pre‑authorization or otherwise dealing with warranty. This is intended for diagnostic purposes only. If there are any questions on how to proceed OR The work sheet has been performed and the vehicle has returned with the same concern. Please perform the measurements as seen in the worksheet again and open a TIPS case to the Body, Chassis, and Entertainment team.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary, create a TIPS case with an informative video as an attachment. Note: Please refer to this document in the warranty claim and, once diagnosis is completed, select the damage code depending on the component part that is causing the issue. • If the noise stops when the door trim is removed, please proceed in accordance with LI72.10‑P‑067691. Information: In this case, do not use a damage code for the speakers in the warranty claim!
POWER TRAIN
Complaint Intermittent shift feel or thud/clunk noise perceived, such as a brief jerk or transmission reaction during certain driving situations. May be most noticeable when transitioning from a coasting condition to accelerator pedal application. May occur in all drive modes. Cause Dual‑clutch transmissions (DCT) inherently exhibit more dynamic shifting behavior compared to other types of transmissions. This is due to the use of physical clutches for starting and gear changes. In certain situations, dynamic driving behavior can lead to a slight jerk sensation which is a normal technical characteristic of the transmission. A typical example is a "Change of Mind" situation: • The customer is coasting towards a red traffic light. • The traffic light turns green while the vehicle is still coasting. • The customer then presses the accelerator pedal. In these situations, a slight jerk may occur briefly because the transmission must quickly engage the appropriate gear and control the clutches accordingly. Since shift forks are responsible for engaging the gears during shifting, a slight shifting noise may also be noticeable. Please note driving programs S, S+, and M are designed to provide sportier vehicle behavior and are not optimized primarily for maximum comfort, so this operation may be more audible. Remedy Verify the customer's concern and confirm proper transmission operation. If no faults or abnormal operating conditions are identified by IPR (Intelligent Predictive Repair), no hardware replacement is necessary. Inform the customer that the transmission has been designed to provide direct gear engagement and responsive vehicle performance. Under certain operating conditions, brief shift sensations may be perceptible and are consistent with the operating characteristics of the dual‑clutch transmission
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!
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.
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.