What is the 2023-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Steering Coupling Bolt Loosening / Loss of Steering Control (Recall)?

Recall 25V533 directly covers model-year 2023-2026 GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC vehicles whose steering-coupling bolt may not have been torqued to production specifications. The connection can loosen over time, potentially causing loss of steering control and increasing crash risk. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Fuel Pump Shutdown Causing Loss of Drive Power (Recall)?

Recall 23V445 directly covers 43,257 model-year 2021-2023 GLC 300 vehicles with fuel-pump impellers that may not meet material specifications. An affected impeller may deform, contact the pump housing and create mechanical resistance; in some instances the fuel pump can shut down… Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 48V Mild-Hybrid (EQ Boost) Integrated Starter-Generator Failure?

GLC 300 models with the M264 engine use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) mounted between the engine and transmission, fed by a small lithium-ion battery. The ISG, its 48V battery, or a loose/overheating 48V ground connection can fail, trigge… Repairs typically run $1,000-$7,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC Diesel Timing Chain Tensioner Seal Oil Leak and Chain Stretch (OM651)?

EU-spec GLC 220d/250d diesels with the OM651 engine are prone to a leaking timing chain tensioner sealing ring, which causes oil loss at the chain tensioner and can lead to timing chain stretch and rattle. Mercedes recalled over 100,000 OM651 vehicles in Germany over sealing-ring… Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 9G-Tronic Harsh Shifting?

The 9G-Tronic (725.0) nine-speed automatic transmission exhibits harsh downshifts and jerky low-speed behavior, particularly the 1-2 and 2-1 shifts. The transmission software struggles with the many gear ratios at parking lot speeds. Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Cold-Start Camshaft Adjuster (Magnet/Solenoid) Rattle?

On the M274/M264 2.0L turbo engines used in the GLC, the intake camshaft adjuster relies on an internal locking pin that wears over time. Without oil pressure at cold start, the adjuster fails to lock in its default position, producing a distinct metallic rattle for 2-4 seconds o… Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC Crankcase Vent (PCV) Valve Failure with Engine Harness Oil Contamination?

The integrated PCV / crankcase breather valve in the intake manifold (M274 2.0L turbo) commonly fails or its diaphragm tears, causing unmetered vacuum leaks. Oil mist can then migrate up the engine wiring harness via capillary action, contaminating connectors. Reported predominan… Repairs typically run $320-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Panoramic Sunroof Creak and Rattle?

The panoramic sunroof develops creaking and rattling noises over bumps and temperature changes. The glass panel expands and contracts differently than the metal frame, creating friction-induced squeaks especially in cold weather. Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: low.

What is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC MBUX Infotainment System Freeze?

The MBUX infotainment system freezes, reboots, or displays a black screen. Bluetooth connections drop, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto disconnects randomly, and the voice assistant becomes unresponsive. Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: low.

What is the 2016-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC Rear Brake Squeal and Premature Rear Pad Wear?

Early X253 GLCs (2016-2019) are widely reported to squeal from the brakes, especially when backing up or in cold/damp weather, partly due to glazed pads and moisture trapped in drilled rotor holes. Separately, the rear brakes wear out noticeably before the fronts because the Elec… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: low.

Mercedes-Benz · Known Issues

2016-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Problems & Issues

2016-2026 model years · 4,200+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,200+ owner reports, the 2016-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC has 11 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Air Suspension Compressor Failure ($600-$2,000 repair), Steering Coupling Bolt Loosening / Loss of Steering Control (Recall), Fuel Pump Shutdown Causing Loss of Drive Power (Recall), 48V Mild-Hybrid (EQ Boost) Integrated Starter-Generator Failure ($1,000-$7,000 repair) and Diesel Timing Chain Tensioner Seal Oil Leak and Chain Stretch (OM651) ($600-$2,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 9G-Tronic Harsh Shifting with 2,000 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 11 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

9G-Tronic Harsh Shifting

5K-60K

MBUX Infotainment System Freeze

5K-40K

Panoramic Sunroof Creak and Rattle

10K-60K

Air Suspension Compressor Failure

30K-70K

025K50K75K100K mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mercedes-Benz GLC problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,200+ owner reports, the 2016-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Air Suspension Compressor Failure, Steering Coupling Bolt Loosening / Loss of Steering Control (Recall), Fuel Pump Shutdown Causing Loss of Drive Power (Recall). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC reliable?

The 2016-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC has 11 known issues documented across 4,200+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Air Suspension Compressor Failure and Steering Coupling Bolt Loosening / Loss of Steering Control (Recall) and Fuel Pump Shutdown Causing Loss of Drive Power (Recall) and 48V Mild-Hybrid (EQ Boost) Integrated Starter-Generator Failure and Diesel Timing Chain Tensioner Seal Oil Leak and Chain Stretch (OM651). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mercedes-Benz GLC problems?

Repair costs for known Mercedes-Benz GLC issues range from $0 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Air Suspension Compressor Failure, typically costs $600-$2,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Mercedes-Benz GLC is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2016-2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with 11 documented issues documented across 4,200+ owner reports.

What is the 2020-2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC Air Suspension Compressor Failure?

GLC models equipped with optional AIRMATIC air suspension experience premature compressor failure. The compressor overheats from compensating for minor air spring leaks and eventually burns out, leaving the vehicle in a lowered position. Repairs typically run $600-$2,000. Severity: high.

All 11 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

Diesel Timing Chain Tensioner Seal Oil Leak and Chain Stretch (OM651)#

Cold-Start Camshaft Adjuster (Magnet/Solenoid) Rattle#

Crankcase Vent (PCV) Valve Failure with Engine Harness Oil Contamination#

48V Mild-Hybrid (EQ Boost) Integrated Starter-Generator Failure#

MBUX Infotainment System Freeze#

Air Suspension Compressor Failure#

Steering Coupling Bolt Loosening / Loss of Steering Control (Recall)#

Fuel Pump Shutdown Causing Loss of Drive Power (Recall)#

9G-Tronic Harsh Shifting#

Panoramic Sunroof Creak and Rattle#

Rear Brake Squeal and Premature Rear Pad Wear#

Other Mercedes-Benz Models