NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
It took a few minutes to be able to completely turn left out of a shopping center while waiting in line. When finally able to turn left, the car stalled into what appeared to be neutral where I had no control to increase speed and was turning very slowly. Oncoming traffic from both ways were coming and luckily stopped on-time. I had to turn off the entire car and restart in the middle of the road in order to be able to drive again. There could've been a massive collision if cars were not paying attention on both sides. Note that the car was NOT in neutral at the time and was in drive the entire time. This same incident also happened over a year ago but thought it was something I could've done wrong or was a one-time thing. Now that it's happened twice confirms that there is something wrong with the car. The car did not indicate a power failure or warning lights during this incident. I have an appointment with Mercedes on 4/25 to get this looked at. This has been reported on other models from other car owners but we have never seen a recall. This is a serious malfunction and could've gotten myself or others killed. I do not feel safe driving this car unless it is fixed.
This is in reference to a 2020 Mercedes GLC350e Plug-In Hybrid. Sole owner purchased January 2020 with under 4 Thousand miles on the odometer, 3 years extended warranty. Took car only to MB Henderson dealership for service/maintenance performance on the vehicle and nowhere else. Dealership has records. The GLC350e received no recall of any kind. On November 11, 2021, the car coolant alert displayed and instructed to shut engine down, key off of ignition and stop everything -- car was not safe to drive. In contacting MB Henderson, NV dealership, they concurred with the display and asked that the vehicle be towed to their facility for further inspection -- No MB Dealership had the capacity to tow the vehicle to their service facilities. So I called using my own AAA Towing and the dealership received the 2020 GLC350e at their facility. They had it overnight and the next day. After checking everything found they can't reproduce the Coolant warning alert display and said the car was safe to drive. Fast forward to March 8th, 2020 this display resurfaced while driving on Interstate 15 southbound to Los Angeles. Called dealership, and their recommendation was again repeated -- Shut off engine, tow it to the nearest dealership. The locatioin was between Bakers and Barstow, and the nearest MB dealership was in Riverside, CA. This is a desolated area and unsafe to stay or leave the car where it is. With what I learned from the November 12, 2021 service performed by the dealership, they couldn't find anything wrong with the car. I felt it important to get off the freeway and proceed to Barstow and call the Riverside Dealership when I get there. This I did and before reaching Barstow, the car engine started to smoke and the hood bulged up. In seconds the bulge was increasing in size, a sliver of flame appeared. This scared me, so I got out of the car in a hurry, and dialed 911 and the insurance company. The flame got more intense and it was totaled.
Engine coolant after 2000 miles from topped off by dealership got low and sparked fire, and totaled my car. Warning alert was ON to say turn off engine remove key. Articles related to this: 800,000 Mercedes-Benz Owners Warned Their Cars Could Catch Fire (forbes.com) Daimler warns car owners of fire risk it lacks parts to fix | Reuters 800,000 Mercedes Vehicles Are In Risk Of Catching Fire, But They Don't Have The Parts To Fix It (topspeed.com) Auto manufacturer Daimler advised 800,000 Mercedes-Benz owners that a technical defect could cause their cars to catch fire, but said it lacked the parts to fix the defect immediately, warning owners to instead drive “particularly carefully.” When confronted with the above with Mercedes Benz my vehicle fire MB maintained that the fire is a hot surface ignition issue and denied the car had any design issue. In the article, MB's warning to owners to instead drive "particularly carefully" means to me that they do admit there are critical and chronic issues with the car that would not only produce trip interruptions but catch fire altogether. It is mandatory for Mercedes to redesign the coolant's chronic issues and make the recall so that more owners will not be faced with the problem I had -- total loss of the vehicle.
Sometimes after I hit the brake (hard or soft) but need to step on the gas again, the car pauses and does nothing for over a second, making it dangerous if you need to make a turn. Sometimes the car is confused whether to go fast or slow down so it does nothing and does not re-act to the driver pushing the pedal down. This situation can leave the driver in dangerous situations regarding on coming traffic
The contact's wife owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with ignition failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but declined to buy back the vehicle and offered a two-year service plan for a free oil change per year. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
At around 11pm on Monday, Sept 20, 2021 I was driving approximately 65 mph on the highway when the vehicle began to abruptly decelerate for no apparent reason, even when I was pushing on the accelerator pedal. When I would push on the accelerator I could hear the engine revving, I confirmed the car was in the Drive gear but the vehicle began to lose speed rapidly and no matter what action I took the car was only slowing down and had to quickly find an emergency area to pull over. My vehicle is available for inspection. This incident was a very scary situation that put my life and others at risk. I was on a two lane highway in a construction zone and there was no shoulder available to pull off safely. There were tractor trailers that had to swerve to avoid rear ending me in the roadway and I was afraid I was going to be involved in a major accident. In the end I was able to pull into a break in the Jersey barrier to get out of the lane of travel. I have a young baby and do not want to take my child in this car now for fear of it happening again. I had noticed a hesitation in the vehicle before but this is the first time this issue has happened where the car would not accelerate. I am taking the car into the dealer to see if there are any diagnostic codes and it has not been inspected by anyone. Additionally there were no warning lights, no tones, no check engine lights or anything to warn of the situation before or while it was happening. From the inside of the vehicle the car appeared to be normal but it was not clearly given the lose of power and rapid deceleration.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Eagle Sport All Season, Tire Size: 255/45/R20, DOT Number: NE12JU1R1021. The contact stated that within a year of purchasing the vehicle brand new, he noticed that there was significant amount of rubber coming off the outer side of the front passenger's side tire. The contact stated that the failure was moderate on the front driver's side tire. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front driver's side tire was replaced twice due to the failure. Additionally, the front passenger's side tire was replaced three times; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that upon investigating the failure online, he learned that the steering knuckle might be damaging the tires. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle and the tire failure mileage were approximately 6,000.
Manufacturer Recall Number2021060021 NHTSA Recall Number21V354 Mercedes dealership said they're unable to complete this recall, and it must be done via OTA update. Vehicle has no OTA update available, Mercedes refused to push update when requested, and could provide no information on when an OTA update would be available.
I have received recall notice 3 months ago for software update. The update was supposed to happen over the air which it didn't. I need this update to finish asap because i need a recall clearance letter. This update took way too longer than it should have. Please solve this issue for me. Regards,
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that upon driving through an intersection at 40 mph, another vehicle had run a stoplight. The contact swerved in an attempted to avoid the vehicle, however, she had hit the vehicle's rear driver side tire weld. The contact stated that the driver-side airbag did not deploy upon impact; however, the passenger-side airbag, where her mother was seated, did deploy. The Mercedes-Me app automatically called 911 and the contact initially declined medical attention at the time. A police report was filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The next day, the contact was referred by her doctor to a hospital where they performed a cat scan and x-ray. The contact tested positive for Covid-19 the following Monday and believed it was as a result of the hospital visit. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and upon her own research, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000(BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle remained in the possession of the independent mechanic and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The dealer was notified of the recall and informed the contact that the recall repair would be performed over-the-air (OTA). The contact then called the manufacturer and was informed that the update was not available; he was informed that there was a waiting list and that he would receive a notification when the update for the vehicle was available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
THE SUNROOF OF OUR CAR SHATTERED BY ITSELF WHEN WE WERE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. THERE WAS NO PROJECTILE THAT CAUSED THE SUNROOF TO SHATTER AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO CONFIRM THAT. BUT THE DEALERSHIP AND THE COMPANY ARE UNABLE TO SAY FOR CERTAIN WHY THIS HAPPENED AND WHETHER OR NOT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. THE INCIDENT CAUSED GLASS TO FALL ON ALL OUR PASSENGERS AND THE SOUND OF THE GLASS SHATTERING DURING DRIVING REALLY SCARED US. WE ARE CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY AND EVEN MORE CONCERNED THAT MERCEDES IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHY THIS HAPPENED AND ARE NOT ABLE TO SAY FOR SURE THAT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.
I WAS DRIVING AND STOPPED CAR TO MAKE A TURN WAITING FOR INCOMING TRAFFIC TO CLEAR. WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE AFTER TRAFFIC CLEARED, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 0.5 MILES PER HOUR. I MADE SURE THE GEAR HAD NOT SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, IT WAS ON COMFORT DRIVE. I CHANGED TO SPORTS DRIVE AND THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 0.5 MILES. I WAS NOW STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION WITH INCOMING TRAFFIC, SO I TRIED TO REVERSE. THE CAR REVERSED NO FASTER THAN 0.5 MILES PER HOUR. I TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON, AND ACCELERATION THEN WORKED. VERY SCARY. I WAS LUCKY INCOMING TRAFFIC AVOIDED ME. BIG SAFETY HAZARD. DEALERSHIP SO FAR HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE, BUT I READ OTHER BLOGS WHERE PEOPLE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR EVENT.
WHILE DRIVING UNDER AN OVERPASS THE BREAKS ACTIVATED ABRUPTLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY. WE WHERE GOING ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR AND IF IT WASN'T FOR THE SEAT BELTS WE WOULD OF HIT THE WINDSHIELD. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS FOLLOWING US UP CLOSE.. IT HAPPENED TWICE AT THE SAME SPOT WHERE THERE IS A SHADOW FROM THE OVERPASS (AT SAME TIME OF DAY)
RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE CORRECTIVE ACTION TAKEN TO THE COMMUNICATION MODULE TO COMMUNICATE THE CORRECT VEHICLE'S LOCATION FOR THE EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM; HOWEVER, LOCAL DEALER SAYS THEY CANNOT RESOLVE. COPY OF RECALL NOTICE ATTACHED - SEE BELOW.
RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL FROM MERCEDES BENZ (NHTSA RECALL #21V058) AND HAVE TRIED TO SCHEDULE WITH DEALER ON SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES TO GET THE REPAIRS COMPLETED AND THEY CONTINUE STATING THEY CANNOT PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS
THE AUDIBLE TIC-TOK SOUND OF THE TURN SIGNAL IS WAY TOO SOFT. THE SOUND IS SUPPOSED TO GIVE ONE NOTICE THAT THE TURN SIGNAL IS ON. IT SIMPLY ISN'T LOUD ENOUGH TO PROVIDE THAT FEEDBACK. CONSEQUENTLY I OFTEN FIND THAT I'M DRIVING DOWN THE STREET HAVING COMPLETED A HALF-TURN ( ONE WHERE IT DOESN'T TRIGGER A SHUT OFF) WITH MY TURN SIGNAL ON FOR BLOCKS BEFORE I NOTICE THAT THE TURN BLINKER IS STILL ON.
THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION WILL NOT DELIVER POWER IN RESPONSE TO THROTTLE APPLICATION, IT IS ALSO INCONSISTENT IN IT'S RESPONSE FROM ONE TIME TO THE NEXT. THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE FOR UP TO 4-5 SECONDS BEFORE RESPONDING TO THROTTLE COMMANDS WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. THIS IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHILE ROLLING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH AND APPLYING POWER ALSO WHILE MAKING A SHARP TURN. THE POWERTRAIN ALSO IS EXTREMELY INCONSISTENT IN IT'S RESPONSE WHICH MAKES PULLING INTO TRAFFIC EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I SUSPECT THE PROBLEM STEMS FROM SENSORS IN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (MB ESP), THE TRANSMISSION MODULE AND THE FLY BY WIRE THROTTLE AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. PROGRAMING OF SHIFTS OF THE TRANSMISSION SEEM TO FIGHTING WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION ITSELF. ALL OF THIS ADDS UP TO AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SELLING DEALER (MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH PALM BEACH FLORIDA) TWICE ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THIS IS NORMAL. I FILED A REQUEST WITH MERCEDES BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA TO BUY THE CAR BACK WITHOUT SUCCESS.
WHEN USING ENGINE START/STOP FUNCTION, OVER THE COURSE OF 3 DAYS AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR, WHEN AT A LIGHT, THE CAR DID NOT START BACK UP.
I have had issues with squeaky, very loud noises at slow speed and reverse braking. I have had this issue since I purchased this vehicle. I have brought it in a few times to have 2 different dealers fix the noise as I believe it is a safety issue as well. They said this is a common issue with GLC that they have noises while braking but there is no fix. I had an advisor drive the vehicle and witness loud squeaky noises while braking. Spending a lot of money on this vehicle, and Mercedes should fix this issue. I believe the brake system falls under lemon law and Mercedes should do something to mitigate the issue. The brake pads were okay upon inspection, but pretty soon I will have to pay a lot of money to replace pads at my own expense when the brakes, pads, rotors, etc themselves should be replaced and fixed at Mercedes expense.
The first day the car was picked up by us, we turned back and complained about the steering wheel and drivers' seat vibration. They checked it and we were told they cannot find anything. We were told to drive the car for awhile and return it if this complaint persists. We returned it to Okemos Mercedes with the same complaint. They said it is the tires and they replaced the right front tire. I told them I was driving since I was 17 and I know the difference between body and tire problems. We were told to try it again and come back and if it persists to return for diagnostics. Same response. I have complained to both dealership and and Mercedes main office and Mercedes does not agree it is a warranty issue. During the July 4th holidays, our son drove it and it was the first time I became a passenger. I cannot believe how scary the vibrations, noise and feeling unsafe in the back was. I made numerous calls to Mercedes and they keep pointing at the tires as the issue. The tires are supposed to have 2 more years tread left but Mercedes Okemos tried to sell us a tire. I was told by Mercedes main office to keep calling [XXX] at Okemos Mercedes service center but he had not returned calls. Mercedes main office said [XXX] had not returned calls, either. They were pointing fingers at each other while we were driving our grandchildren in an unsafe car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the front of the vehicle was vibrating and shaking violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they informed the contact that the tires were balanced and needed to be rotated. The vehicle was repaired however, a month later the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but a few months later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front tires were worn unevenly and a four-wheel alignment was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 450.
DRIVING ALONG RANDOM TRAFFIC NO PATTERN, AUTOMATIC BRAKE ASSIST IS TEMPORARILY NOT ACTIVE , BRIGHT YELLOW WORDING, DANGER AUTO BRAKE ASSIST WILL NOT FUNCTION AT THIS TIME.
THE VEHICLE WONDERS WITHIN THE LANE WHEN MERCEDES DISTRONIC DRIVER ASSISTANCE IS ACTIVATED, PARTICULARLY ON GENTLE CURVES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT WILL HIT LANE BUMPS UNLESS THE DRIVER ACTIVELY STEERS AWAY FROM THE LANE MARKINGS. THE 2020 GLC3004MATIC HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE WE PURCHASED IT NEW ON JANUARY 2, 2020. MERCEDES DEALER HAS CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND IS NOW DESCRIBING THE VEHICLES BEHAVIOR AS NORMAL. ACCORDING TO MERCEDES THIS IS A NEW DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE IN THE 2020 GLC. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT ACTIVELY CONTROLLED BY THE DRIVER AT ALL TIMES. THIS IS NOT AN ASSISTANCE PACKAGE AS DESCRIBED BY MERCEDES. WE HAVE DRIVEN OLDER MERCEDES WITH THE DISTRONIC SYSTEM THAT STAYED IN THE LANE VS. THE WONDERING. WE DO NOT TAKE OUR HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL THE VEHICLE DOES THIS ON IT'S OWN PRIOR TO ANY WARNINGS RELATED TO DRIVER AWARENESS OR ACTIONS. THIS ACTION BY THE VEHICLE WHEN DISTRONIC IS ACTIVATED WILL CAUSE SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENTS.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026