VehicleVerdict

2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 sits mid-pack among Glc 300 years: 84 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 79, with 9 recalls and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 29 reports (35% of the total).

84

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Glc 300 years?

Glc 300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted123 complaints2018: 123 complaints2019: 64 complaints2020: 88 complaints2021: 84 complaints2022: 79 complaints2023: 99 complaints2024: 33 complaints2025: 28 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Glc 300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Glc 300 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2935%
Fuel System1113%
Lighting1012%
Driver Assistance810%
Electrical System78%
Other67%
Visibility & Wipers45%
Body & Structure34%
Transmission34%
Speed Control22%
Airbags11%

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 have recalls?

9 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V070000LightingFebruary 2, 2024 · 15,502 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

23V445000Fuel SystemJune 26, 2023 · 143,551 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

22V365000OtherMay 20, 2022 · 242,722 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

22V261000LightingApril 15, 2022 · 129 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V527000AirbagsJuly 12, 2021 · 542 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V354000Driver AssistanceMay 14, 2021 · 343,191 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

21V230000Seat BeltsApril 1, 2021 · 8,634 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V072000OtherFebruary 12, 2021 · 67 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V058000OtherFebruary 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC 300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would lose power and fail to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The check engine light would appear on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the vehicle…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2022 · crash

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 16, 2021

The headlights stopped working due to water entering the assembly unit. First one side went out and then eventually the other side went out. The car was brought in to the dealership to fix and they stated it wasn’t covered. I’m recently learning about a recall of this issue with my type of car…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 1, 2024

Vehicle will flash warnings on dash the the blind spot assist in inoperative and the front passenger air bag malfunction. The active brake assist is also malfunctioning as the two white cars colliding is on. The dealership as tried to fix this issue 5 times and has tried argue the the active brake…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 15, 2022

I seen a recall for certain 2021 GLC 300 vehicles for moisture in right side headlamp, causing headlamp to blow (go out). This happened on my 2021 GLC 300. Same moisture issue, same year, same model, however, my vin number does not show that it has a recall. I believe this safety issue needs to be…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 20, 2025

2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 — common questions

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Glc 300: 84 NHTSA complaints, 9 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2021 Glc 300 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (29 complaints), fuel system (11 complaints), lighting (10 complaints).

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Glc 300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercedes-Benz Glc 300 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Glc 300 years to avoid are 2018. The cleanest record among Glc 300 years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.