2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 10, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, most often about engine. There are 12 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 69
Recalls: 12
Crashes: 3
Fires: 0
Injuries: 2
Median mileage: 49,500 mi

Key facts

Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 26 of 69 complaints (38%).
Electrical System (10) and seats & seat belts (7) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 49,500 mi.
Owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has 12 recalls on file.
NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
It ranks 4th of 9 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Engine	26
Unknown or other	16
Electrical system	10
Seat belts	7
Air bags	6
Fuel/propulsion system	6
Power train	4
Steering	3

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 complaints that list mileage.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 recalls (12)

Recall 23V854000Dec 15, 20232,976 vehicles
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
Recall 22V365000May 20, 2022242,722 vehicles
COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
Recall 21V197000Mar 19, 202115,096 vehicles
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall 21V072000Feb 12, 202167 vehicles
COMMUNICATION · COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
Recall 21V058000Feb 5, 20211,292,258 vehicles
COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Recall 18V838000Nov 27, 2018104,663 vehicles
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C43 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Cabriolet, C350e Plug-In Hybrid, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 S AMG, 2018-2019 GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe, GLC300 4Matic, GLC350e Plug-In Hybrid, GLC43 AMG Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC63 S AMG Coupe, and GLC63 AMG vehicles equipped with Audio 20 head units and automatic child seat recognition. The status of the passenger side air bag may not display correctly.
Risk: If the passenger air bag is incorrectly displayed as 'ON' when it is not, a front seat passenger may be unaware that the air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the audio head unit software, free of charge. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120009.
Recall 18V683000Oct 1, 20184,702 vehicles
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY · STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 and GLC300 4Matic, 2018 GLC350e and GLC63 AMG 4Matic and 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The seat belt latch plates (the parts that insert into the buckles) for the outboard rear seats may retract into the interior paneling, preventing the occupants from being able to use the seat belts.
Risk: If the rear seat passengers cannot fasten their seat belts, they have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install felt strips between the C-pillar and rear side paneling, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018100002.
Recall 18V610000Sep 11, 20184,702 vehicles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLC300 4MATIC Coupe, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, and GLC43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The front turn signals may have an incorrect color of pink or violet. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Turn signals that are the wrong color may not be as easily recognized by other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the color of the turn signal, replacing the LED module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall 18V208000Mar 29, 201857 vehicles
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG GT, AMG GT C, GLC43 AMG 4Matic, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic and GLC350e 4Matic vehicles. The housing for the driver side air bag inflator may have been made with defective steel. In the event of an air bag deployment, the defective steel may cause the inflator to improperly inflate the driver-side air bag and potentially rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash involving driver air bag deployment, an improperly inflated air bag and/or an inflator rupture with sharp metal fragments might result in serious injury or death to the driver or to occupants.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 29, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Recall 18V177000Mar 15, 2018121,858 vehicles
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY · STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Mercedes Benz USA LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG, 2016-2018 GLC300 4Matic, 2016-2018 GLC300, 2018 GLC63 AMG 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic vehicles. The seat belt latch plates (the parts that insert into the buckles) for the outboard rear seats may retract into the interior paneling, preventing the occupants from being able to use the seat belts.
Risk: If the rear seat passengers cannot fasten their seat belts, they have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a buffer to the c-pillar paneling, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018030012.
Recall 17V715000Nov 14, 20179,379 vehicles
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, and GLC43 AMG vehicles. The fixed panoramic sun roof frontal and side plastic panels may have insufficient bonding, allowing the panels to separate during vehicle operation.
Risk: If the sun roof panels detach from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash or injury for following traffic.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding on the sun roof panels, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017110009.
Recall 17V627000Oct 6, 2017495,290 vehicles
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Risk: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

NHTSA defect investigations

EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C…

Recent 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Jul 30, 2026NJEngine
Error code P052E71 on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC means the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Regulator Valve Performance has a malfunction, specifically that the partial-load ventilation valve actuator is blocked. By research, i found that this is a very common problem on those engines, and no recalls from the company to fix their fault.
NHTSA complaint #11753763 · source
Filed Jun 3, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
Component Failure: The vehicle is equipped with the M274 2.0L turbocharged engine, which suffered a major internal mechanical defect. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership diagnosed the vehicle at 79,504 miles with a malfunction in the crankcase ventilation system alongside severe internal defects, quoting a total repair estimate of $9,851 to perform extensive engine work. Safety Risk: This known manufacturing defect involves premature failure and cracking of the pistons,…
NHTSA complaint #11741952 · source
Filed Apr 21, 2026INElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
Safety Issue: Infotainment display screen produces scrambled pixels during Apple CarPlay navigation while driving. Description: When Apple CarPlay is connected and navigation is in use, the vehicle's infotainment display screen suddenly produces scrambled pixels, rendering the map and display unreadable. This malfunction occurs without warning while the vehicle is in motion, creating a dangerous visual distraction for the driver and uncertainty of where and when to turn or…
NHTSA complaint #11732752 · source
Filed Mar 10, 2026FLBody & Structure
While driving on interstate 4 in Florida with our grandchildren going approximately 70 mph the sunroof on our 2018 Mercedes GLC just exploded no object came into the vehicle and while glass came into the vehiclenot all the glass that made up the sunroof came into vehicle suggesting a pressure issue as apparently blew out
NHTSA complaint #11723228 · source
Filed Dec 31, 2025TXTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact's friend owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated that while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the gear shifter independently shifted to neutral(N). No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was persistent. The contact stated that the owner forced the gear shifter out of neutral(N). The vehicle was taken…
NHTSA complaint #11708077 · source
Filed Dec 2, 202590,000 miNYTowedTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shifted into gear initially without warning. The contact stated that while stopped at a light, the vehicle shut off with the "Transmission Malfunction Stop" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was unable to move the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic ran a diagnostic test on the vehicle and initially…
NHTSA complaint #11702561 · source
Filed Nov 17, 2025MAOther / Unknown
I have P052E71 error code. It’s a crankcase ventilation malfunction. Seems to be a common issue reported widely online on various forums. Mercedes should place a recall on this. The car has 55k miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11699931 · source
Filed Nov 10, 202560,000 miVAAirbags
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Front Air Bag Malfunction" was displayed, and the horn became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering column and air bag clock spring were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA…
NHTSA complaint #11698503 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology