
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 80. The most common issue is engine problems (35% of all complaints), specifically: i have purchased the 2021 mercedes-benz glc 300 4matic coupe and noticed a design flaw on the car. as you can see in the attached picture, the front bumper provides no protection to the radiator. it has already started chipping due to the rock damage. this can leave the car impaired on the freeway w. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
84
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.1x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems
ENGINE
29 complaints- • I HAVE PURCHASED THE 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 4MATIC COUPE AND NOTICED A DESIGN FLAW ON THE CAR. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE ATTACHED PICTURE, THE FRONT BUMPER PROVIDES NO PROTECTION TO THE RADIATOR. IT HAS ALREADY STARTED CHIPPING DUE TO THE ROCK DAMAGE. THIS CAN LEAVE THE CAR IMPAIRED ON THE FREEWAY W
- • 2021 MERCEDES GLC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VALVE SPRING FAILURE AND STALLED ENGINE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE VALVE SPRING BROKE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE GROSSLY
- • ON APRIL 21, 2021 AT ABOUT 1800 (TIME), LESS THAN 45-HOURS AFTER PURCHASE OF THE NEW 2021 GLC 300 VEHICLE, THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION (ENGINE) MISFIRED AND ABRUPTLY MALFUNCTIONED WHILE IN STEADY ACCELERATION AT 65-MPH. MY FAMILY AND I WERE HEADED EASTBOUND ON THE CA-60 FREEWAY IN LANE THREE (LEFTMOST,
“I HAVE PURCHASED THE 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 4MATIC COUPE AND NOTICED A DESIGN FLAW ON THE CAR. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE ATTACHED PICTURE, THE FRONT BUMPER PROVIDES NO PROTECTION TO THE RADIATOR. IT HAS ALREADY STARTED CHIPPING DUE TO THE ROCK DAMAGE. THIS CAN LEAVE THE CAR IMPAIRED ON THE FREEWAY W”
— NHTSA complaint filing
FUEL SYSTEM
11 complaints- • ON APRIL 21, 2021 AT ABOUT 1800 (TIME), LESS THAN 45-HOURS AFTER PURCHASE OF THE NEW 2021 GLC 300 VEHICLE, THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION (ENGINE) MISFIRED AND ABRUPTLY MALFUNCTIONED WHILE IN STEADY ACCELERATION AT 65-MPH. MY FAMILY AND I WERE HEADED EASTBOUND ON THE CA-60 FREEWAY IN LANE THREE (LEFTMOST,
- • Fuel line malfunctioned, car stopped , gasoline was pouring out from under the hood. I was "lucky" that it did not catch fire, fire department showed up, closed the street, car was towed, dealership " replaced high-pressure line of fuel system high pressure pump". It all started without a warning, s
- • Entered parked vehicle and noticed very strong gas fumes. Vehicle would not start. Looked under the vehicle and noticed very large quantity of gasoline on the ground. Vehicle was towed to Mercedes dealership in Rochester, Michigan. Diagnosis was an incorrectly installed fuel line bracket. New b
“ON APRIL 21, 2021 AT ABOUT 1800 (TIME), LESS THAN 45-HOURS AFTER PURCHASE OF THE NEW 2021 GLC 300 VEHICLE, THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION (ENGINE) MISFIRED AND ABRUPTLY MALFUNCTIONED WHILE IN STEADY ACCELERATION AT 65-MPH. MY FAMILY AND I WERE HEADED EASTBOUND ON THE CA-60 FREEWAY IN LANE THREE (LEFTMOST, ”
— NHTSA complaint filing
LIGHTING
10 complaints- • Vehicle left/front headlight has water condensation and entire headlight doesn't work. Its pretty much not drivable. I brought the vehicle to a manufacturer dealership and they claim that the failure of the headlight is due to physical impact to the exterior of head light. There is a minor scratch b
- • My headlight is absorbing moisture & causing my light to have a shortage.
- • My vehicle suddenly starting getting moisture in the passenger side head light.Many people brought this my attention.After some time of moisture the head light begin to flicker on and off while I was driving.Then it just went out and stopped working.Eventually I took it to the dealer and they inform
“Vehicle left/front headlight has water condensation and entire headlight doesn't work. Its pretty much not drivable. I brought the vehicle to a manufacturer dealership and they claim that the failure of the headlight is due to physical impact to the exterior of head light. There is a minor scratch b”
— NHTSA complaint filing
ELECTRICAL
7 complaints- • The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notif
- • My car was bought new in October 2021 & I began having problems after having it for 6 months & the mileage at that time was about 4000 miles - it was in April 2022 & the check engine light came on & I had a loss of power to where it slowed down & would not go any faster than about 30/35 miles an hou
- • My vehicle suddenly starting getting moisture in the passenger side head light.Many people brought this my attention.After some time of moisture the head light begin to flicker on and off while I was driving.Then it just went out and stopped working.Eventually I took it to the dealer and they inform
“The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notif”
— NHTSA complaint filing
OTHER
6 complaints- • THERE IS AN EXISTING ISSUE FOR MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES. SERVICE CAMPAIGN #2019040010. HOWEVER, IT ONLY INCLUDES 2019 MODELS. I PURCHASED A 2021 GLC MODEL AND IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE OF NOT HAVING THE PROTECTION ON FRONT RADIATOR. LOOKS LIKE MERCEDES-BENZ DIDNT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND KEPT MAKI
- • Excessive frame rust, the pictures I included are all the patches that have been done to the frame so far.
- • The HVAC system has a very had odor that could impact our respiratory health, and giving us headaches when we drive. I wanted to share with you my current situation that I believe relates to the Mercedes HVAC Class Action Settlement (https://www.mercedeshvacsettlement.com/). My 2021 GLC300 Mercede
“THERE IS AN EXISTING ISSUE FOR MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES. SERVICE CAMPAIGN #2019040010. HOWEVER, IT ONLY INCLUDES 2019 MODELS. I PURCHASED A 2021 GLC MODEL AND IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE OF NOT HAVING THE PROTECTION ON FRONT RADIATOR. LOOKS LIKE MERCEDES-BENZ DIDNT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND KEPT MAKI”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 84 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: I HAVE PURCHASED THE 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 4MATIC COUPE AND NOTICED A DESIGN FLAW ON THE CAR. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE ATTACHED PICTURE, THE FRONT BUMPER PROVIDES NO PROTECTION TO THE RADIATOR. IT HAS ALREADY STARTED CHIPPING DUE TO THE ROCK DAMAGE. THIS CAN LEAVE THE CAR IMPAIRED ON THE FREEWAY W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: ON APRIL 21, 2021 AT ABOUT 1800 (TIME), LESS THAN 45-HOURS AFTER PURCHASE OF THE NEW 2021 GLC 300 VEHICLE, THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION (ENGINE) MISFIRED AND ABRUPTLY MALFUNCTIONED WHILE IN STEADY ACCELERATION AT 65-MPH. MY FAMILY AND I WERE HEADED EASTBOUND ON THE CA-60 FREEWAY IN LANE THREE (LEFTMOST,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐LIGHTING: Vehicle left/front headlight has water condensation and entire headlight doesn't work. Its pretty much not drivable. I brought the vehicle to a manufacturer dealership and they claim that the failure of the headlight is due to physical impact to the exterior of head light. There is a minor scratch b
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V354000 (Back Over Prevention, Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notif
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 84
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 80
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300