Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 reliable?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has 86 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?

Top problems: ENGINE (19 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (15 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (14 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?

Yes, there are 16 recall(s): STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, COMMUNICATION, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, COMMUNICATION, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER, STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is approximately $2,260/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 84. The most common issue is engine problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: 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 w. There are 16 recalls issued for this model year.

3 crash reports 6 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

19 complaints

22%

• 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 w
• Engine failure needs cylinder head replaced which is very common amongst this car. Same make and model is covered under warranty but mine has a different engine that isn't covered. These cars were made during covid and have faulty parts.
• The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle drove as needed. T

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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 w”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Based on 20 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 21K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (16)

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM23/10/2020

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 GLC300, GLC350e, GLC43 AMG, and GLC63 AMG vehicles. The power steering control unit wiring harness may have been damaged during the production process, possibly resulting in a loss of power steering assist or an electrical short-circuit.

Risk: A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, If the wiring harness short-circuits, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020110012.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,260

Full coverage / month

$188

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+35%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2260

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 155K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

4 yr / 50K mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2020 GLC 300, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 86 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 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 w
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 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 O
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: 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 J
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 16 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)