2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 problems, complaints & recalls

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 recalls (9)

• Recall 24V070000Feb 2, 202415,502 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

  Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 GLC 300, 2020 GLC 350e, and 2020-2022 AMG GLC 43 vehicles. The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming traffic. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

  Risk: Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlight adjustment and correct it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

• Recall 23V445000Jun 26, 2023143,551 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

  Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

  Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

• 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 22V261000Apr 15, 2022129 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

  Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLC 300, GLC 300 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic, and AMG GLC 43 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connection for the headlights may not be watertight, which can result in headlight failure.

  Risk: Headlight failure can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight sealing plugs, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050005.

• Recall 21V527000Jul 12, 2021542 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT

  Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.

  Risk: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.

• Recall 21V354000May 14, 2021343,191 vehicles
  BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

  Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

  Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

  Remedy: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

• Recall 21V230000Apr 1, 20218,634 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · SEATS

  Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.

  Risk: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

  Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.

• 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.

Recent 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 complaints

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

1. Filed Oct 5, 202626,000 miGACrash1 injuredDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the blind spot assist detection feature failed to function as intended. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the contact confirmed that the blind spot assist feature was enabled. In addition, the failure occurred after the vehicle was taken through the car wash. The contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact sustained…

   NHTSA complaint #11769131 · source
2. Filed Sep 11, 2026GALighting

   I own a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The vehicle developed moisture/condensation in the headlamp, and the affected headlamp subsequently failed. I took the vehicle to RBM of Alpharetta, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. I was advised that corrosion was found in the affected headlamp and that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. On September 8, 2026, the dealership provided a repair estimate of $3,387.33. The vehicle had approximately 84,769 miles. Mercedes-Benz…

   NHTSA complaint #11763616 · source
3. Filed Sep 10, 2026FLLighting

   My vehicle is experiencing moisture intrusion caused by a defective headlight housing seal. The water intrusion has resulted in a short circuit and failure of the turn signal module within the headlamp assembly. I am aware of NHTSA Safety Recall 22V-261, which addresses a substantially similar defect involving inadequate watertight sealing of the headlamp assembly that can allow moisture intrusion and lead to headlamp electrical failure. My vehicle is experiencing the same…

   NHTSA complaint #11763491 · source
4. Filed Sep 4, 2026OHElectrical SystemLighting

   My 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is not currently included in NHTSA Recall 22V-261 / Mercedes-Benz Campaign [phone removed], but my vehicle is experiencing substantially the same defect described in that recall. Moisture/water entered the left headlamp assembly/electrical connection, resulting in condensation/water accumulation and damage/corrosion around the headlamp electrical module/connector. The headlamp system subsequently malfunctioned. Recall 22V-261 describes a…

   NHTSA complaint #11762288 · source
5. Filed Aug 30, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent, sudden, and life-threatening drop into "limp home mode" while driving, creating an severe speed differential with surrounding traffic.First Incident (50,584 miles): The vehicle entered limp mode. Authorized Mercedes service center scanned the car, confirming Fault Code P019185 (Rail pressure sensor malfunction / signal above permissible limit value). The dealer applied an Engine Control Module software patch under Mercedes TSB…

   NHTSA complaint #11760688 · source
6. Filed Aug 28, 2026NJFireOther / Unknown

   While the vehicle was being operated normally, it caught fire. We were driving on a summer day in August. Conditions were humid, with temperatures in the mid-80s. The vehicle was on the return leg of an approximately 30-mile drive. Traffic was somewhat heavy, with speeds generally below 20 mph and occasional stops. We first noticed a slight burning smell, followed shortly afterward by a distinct puff of white smoke coming from under the hood on the passenger side, near the…

   NHTSA complaint #11760363 · source
7. Filed May 20, 2026ALEngine

   While driving in my neighborhood at 25 MPH, my Mercedes GLC300 suddenly lost power and the check engine light illuminated. My car would no longer exceed 25-30 MPH, but I drove it straight to the dealership and they said it was a faulty cylinder head and will cost $10,000 to fix! After intense negotiations, they agreed to fix it for $4,205.58, which was better, but still, that’s a lot to pay for a manufacturer’s defect! My car is a 2021 with only 67,540 miles on it.

   NHTSA complaint #11739133 · source
8. Filed May 5, 2026NJEngine

   Getting P06DA trouble code meaning that there is something wrong with the oil pressure solenoid in the oil sump. this is a known issue where the wiring of the solenoid get frayed. cost of repair for the (cheap part) is $7,500 because of 18 hour labor involved. MB knows this is an issue with the wiring in the solenoid. I'm not sure if there is a fire risk because of the frayed wires.

   NHTSA complaint #11735862 · source

Compare the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 with another vehicle →

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