2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 33 of 72 complaints (46%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 79 in 2020 to 72 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100–4,300 | 3,100–4,300 | 3,100–4,550 | 3,250–4,100 | 2,750–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 18–25 | 18–25 | 17–25 | 19–24 | 20–28 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–24 / 22–27 | 16–23 / 22–29 | 15–22 / 22–29 | 16–22 / 24–28 | 17–25 / 24–32 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 370–495 | 366–489 | 360–513 | 373–468 | 316–444 | |
| Complaints filed | 68 | 79 | 72 | 62 | 55 | |
| Recalls issued | 14 | 20 | 9 | 2 | 12 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 5 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 2 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class have?
9 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
Engine: 33 of 72 NHTSA complaints (46%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class get?
EPA rates it 17–25 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
EPA estimates $3,100–$4,550 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (8)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 22 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 360 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 379 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 22 mpg (high) | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 363 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 438 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 9-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 445 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | $4,550 (high) | 513 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | $4,550 (high) | 512 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 9-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 15 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | $4,550 (high) | 512 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 33 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (9)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 24V070000 · Feb 5, 2024
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 23V445000 · Jun 26, 2023
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.
COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 22V365000 · May 23, 2022
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 22V261000 · Apr 18, 2022
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.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:SIDE IMPACT · Campaign 21V527000 · Jul 13, 2021
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 21V354000 · May 17, 2021
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.
SEATS; AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 21V230000 · Apr 2, 2021
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.
COMMUNICATION; COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION · Campaign 21V072000 · Feb 16, 2021
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.
COMMUNICATION: AUTO CRASH NOTIFICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 21V058000 · Feb 8, 2021
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.