Powertrain, wheels, and vehicle speed control issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
When a driver wants a top-notch vehicle, they look toward the Mercedes lineup. The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC300 has a lot to offer, considering the automaker has often claimed owners want “the best or nothing.” However, this particular model seems to miss the mark with a defective powertrain, faulty tires and a dangerous vehicle speed control system.
Click on other model years to view more problems: 2021 2022
The most important part of any powertrain is the transmission, but the entire system must run smoothly to enjoy the open road. Yet, owners of the GLC300 have nothing but complaints to express.
Here is one from the Edmunds site. “My vehicle has 8800 miles on it. Check engine light came on at 8500 miles and I made it to a dealer, where they diagnosed a faulty transmission control unit. Since it’s not in stock, I’ll have to call ahead to another dealer to get it fixed. When they did the A service (early), they overfilled the oil, so now the car smokes like a chimney but I was told it will burn off. I thought a new Benz would be great for a cross country road trip. Instead I’m discovering that the GLC was a bad purchase decision. If you’re reading this, know that we’ve owned 9 Mercedes over the last few decades. And this will be the last.”
To be “the best,” Mercedes has to ignore the problems of consumers. That’s why the only published service bulletins have to do with minor electrical system complaints that won’t hinder the drivability of the vehicle. There’s nothing said about the powertrain or the defective parts. Drivers are being kept in the dark and are starting to wonder if “nothing” would have actually been the better option.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Steering | |
| Back Over Prevention | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Power Train | |
| Air Bags | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera |
With a faulty transmission, the ride is rough, but installing the wrong tires can have the same disastrous consequences.
Here’s one example left with Edmunds. “Why drive an SUV if the tires can’t handle graded dirt roads? The Pirelli no-flat tires puncture very easily. This is my last GLC.”
Again, there’s nothing to find in the Service Bulletins from Mercedes about this matter. Instead, the company hopes that owners take their GLC out on the road and don’t notice the intense problems keeping it under control. It operates like an SUV with a mind of its own, which isn’t what most people consider “the best.”
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Modern vehicle speed control systems are designed to make the ride safer and more enjoyable. But what happens when these systems malfunction?
Here’s an illustration from an Edmunds user. “For 45 years I have been a loyal Mercedes-Benz owner – mostly E Class vehicles with the exception of my 2017 and 2020 GLCs. The 2020 has a severe safety issue which may cause injury or death. When the cruise Control is set it automatically changes the set speed as the road speed limit changes. A wonderful feature however, the GLC senses the exit ramp speed limit as I travel the highway and changes the cruise Control to the exit ramp speed limit. So, traveling at a speed set to 70 mph on the interstate, I pass by an exit and the cruise Control changes to 30 mph and applies the brakes. Vehicles behind me screech their tires, blow their horns and make unmentionable comments and gestures as they pass.”
Again, Mercedes has remained silent. At this point, it might be better if the luxury automaker changed its tagline to – the best or we won’t tell you otherwise.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Mercedes-Benz pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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Alan & Sheri I’m having an issue with my 2021 and being treated the same way before I’m even able to see what my options are after getting this devastating news of a mechanical engine failure. Lemon law needs to change the mileage criteria, 24k isn’t long enough to determine if it’s a lemon.
I purchased a GLC 300, 2020, that now has a manufacturing defect in the casing around the piston. It has been a nightmare dealing with w dealership. I submitted a claim to Mercedes’ Corporate and the dealership became anger at me stating it my fault, they requested that I return the loner car because I have the claim on buy back.?I have no other vehicle. I had to rent a car $60.00 a day and still responsible for paying the car note. I thought I was buying a dependable SUV. My whole perception and image of Mercedes Benz has changed. I would never purchase another Mercedes’s.
I bought a Mercedes GLC 300 on March 18, 2022 It has a major problem with the steering module. I have had it in the shop 2 times now and still has not been fixed. As I understand it Mercedes has to provide an update to the module so the service department can upload it to my car. To do that they have to keep my car while they install the software. My car is not the only one with this same problem. There is a waiting list with all lot of cars like mine. I have been buying Mercedes-Benz since 1970! I have never had a problem like this with any of my cars.
I have a 2016 Mercedes GLC with 33, 000 miles
The warranty expired last year. I have complied with all services.
I’ve replaced tires, both batteries, brakes etc which seemed excessive considering low mileage
Today I found out I have a cracked piston and the engine needs to be replaced at approximately $13,000!
Again my car has 33,000 miles ! This should not be happening !