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 205 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This NCU replaces the prior NCU issued on May 15, 2025, and contains additional MY 2023 and MY 2024 vehicles which are highlighted below. In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (“MBUSA”) is extending the warranty coverage on the Diagnostic Module for Tank Leakage detection (DMTL) in certain Model Year (“MY”) vehicles listed below from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV II) and 15 years/150,000 miles (vehicles certified as LEV III), whichever occurs first, for the following condition: •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’).
ENGINE
Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain MY 2019-2021 C-Class, G-Class, GLC, GT, S-Class (205, 463, 253, 190 & 222 platforms) vehicles, the engine control unit software does not correspond to current production specifications. It is therefore possible that on-board diagnostics and/or exhaust gas emissions requirements may not be fulfilled.
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).
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.
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.
ENGINE; VISIBILITY/WIPER
Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline for all dealer returns is no later than Thursday, July 9, 2026. After July 9th, returns of these parts will no longer be accepted. These parts should be returned via ZSR Special Return, using item category SCM Authorized Part Return. Please include a copy of this NCU as your authorization to return these parts. This procedure will not affect your return allowance. All returned parts will be replaced in accordance with the chart provided below.
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.