Engine & fuel system problems are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a luxury crossover sports utility vehicle (SUV). It was renamed from GLK when the second-generation 2016 model was launched.
Although well-received in the marketplace, there have been complaints and recalls from day one. Lemberg Law highlighted a cross-section of consumer complaints about the 2020 model.
There are 18 formal complaints on file with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for this model. Additionally, there are 15 recalls. About 4 of the complaints are that dealers are unable to perform or complete the recall. This clearly doesn’t resolve any issues for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC owners.
There are fewer complaints and recalls reflected on the NHTSA website for the 2021 model – 11 and 5 respectively. But it’s worth bearing in mind that only 5 of the 18 complaints made about the 2020 model are dated 2020. Only 4 of the 15 recalls are dated 2020.
Click on other model years to view more problems: 2020 2022
The most common of the 11 complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC relate to the engine, fuel/propulsion system, and structure of the vehicle – in that order. So, we will look at these more closely.
Other problems consumers complain about relate to back-over prevention, the electrical system, vehicle speed control, and visibility/wiper.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Structure:body | |
| Electrical System | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Visibility/wiper |
There are 5 complaints that involve engine problems. All involve malfunctions of varying severity.
One refers to an incident that happened less than 45 hours after purchase of a new 2021 GLC. The internal combustion engine misfired and malfunctioned while the SUV was driving at about 65 mph. Then it stopped and shook vigorously and continuously. The driver couldn’t keep moving or stop the shaking.
“We are severely, physically, emotionally, and mentally distraught due to the manufacturing defect.”
The explanation was a valve train component defect caused major downstream effects to the engine.
Another complaint about engine failure happened when a 2021 GLC had only 199 miles on the clock. A valve spring failed and the engine stalled shortly after the owner had collected the new car.
According to the complaint, the dealership downplayed the failure as “a simple fix.” Nevertheless, the owner accepted “goodwill assistance” from the manufacturer.
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Three complaints involve the fuel/propulsion system, 2 specifically the fuel line. One GLC owner describes how the SUV stopped and gasoline was pouring out from under the hood. The fire department closed the street because of a fire risk, and the SUV was towed to the dealership where a high-pressure fuel line was replaced.
This SUV had only 1,000 miles on the clock.
The other issue was an incorrectly installed fuel line bracket. This was also repaired.
There are also 3 complaints about the structure of the SUV.
One complaint relates to a flaw that is covered by a service campaign for an earlier model, but doesn’t cover the 2021 model that has the same flaw. Dated 10 May 2019, the service notice requires Mercedes-Benz to replace the protective grille over the SUVs radiator.
“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 (the) front radiator. Looks like Mercedes-Benz didn’t do anything about this issue and kept making vehicles with the same defect.”
There are many similar complaints about the radiator grille on forums.
Another complaint fires at the same problem, although the SUV owner isn’t aware of the predated service campaign.
“I have purchased the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic coupe and noticed a design flaw on the car.
“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, which can be dangerous. I did contact the dealer and they said there is nothing they can do.”
The third complaint is that there is excessive rust on the frame of the vehicle.
If your 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC has issues and you believe you’ve got yourself a lemon, contact Lemberg Law so that we can assess your case. We have many years of experience dealing with lemon law and have helped resolve various settlements for clients.
It’s not going to cost you anything because the law says that Mercedes-Benz must pay the legal fees of lemon law cases.
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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