2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 95 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, electrical, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 95
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes reported
- 5
- 4 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which GLC is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 24 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | 4WD | 350 mi range |
- The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the plug-in hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A GLC that averages well under the EPA 24 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Crankcase ventilation valve fault
35,000–70,000 miles
Clock spring and airbag warning
60,000–72,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine18No crashes
A check engine light with code P052E, a crankcase ventilation valve fault, is the dominant pattern. Reports cluster under 65,000 miles, and the fault can return after repair. Out-of-warranty fixes run about $2,000. A smaller group describes far worse failures. These include sudden power loss at highway speed, with one injury when the car nearly stopped on a freeway, a broken piston at 55,000 miles that required a replacement engine, and burned piston rings with a warped cylinder head. Repeated stalling in heavy traffic also appears.
Electrical131 crash
The most alarming pattern is the transmission shifting from Drive to Neutral on its own while moving, including in heavy highway traffic. One crash with an injury involved the car lurching forward at parking speed with the brakes not engaging. Crankcase vent failures can leave oil in the wiring harness or engine computer, and dealers have declined to cover that damage. Other reports describe clock spring failures that disable the horn and steering wheel buttons, a backup camera that cuts out in Reverse, a failed windshield washer, no-starts, and brake assist faults that stop the car.
Transmission91 crash
The transmission drops into Neutral while driving and sometimes refuses to re-engage, stranding the car in traffic. Code P073E, limp mode, loud bangs, shaking, and stalling recur across reports. Attempted fixes range from software updates to a valve body or a new transmission control unit, without clear success. The electronic column shifter also draws complaints about not registering Park, and one crash followed the car rolling back on an incline. A GLC43 AMG suffered torque converter damage at 44,000 miles.
Body and structure7No crashes
The panoramic sunroof glass explodes at highway speed with nothing hitting it, and this is the most common complaint in this category. Roof trim and the glass panel ahead of the sunroof also separate and fly off on the interstate. That endangers cars behind and leaves the roof unsealed against water. A power liftgate that slams shut on its own struck two people on the head, and a dealer called for a new liftgate motor. One fire report describes flames starting in the wheel well after a run-flat tire puncture.
Seat belts7No crashes
Rear outboard latch plates slip into the side paneling, often after the rear seats are folded and raised, leaving the belts unusable. Recall 18V177000 covers this defect, but several owners say dealers found their VIN excluded, and one reports recall parts were unavailable. The driver's belt warning also chimes as if unbuckled when it is latched. Dealers have had trouble reproducing this intermittent fault. Some owners also report a rear belt that occasionally will not latch.
Airbags61 crash
Clock spring failures dominate. The airbag warning light comes on, the horn quits, and the steering column rattles in turns, at roughly 60,000 to 72,000 miles. One owner was told the VIN was left out of the related recall. A defective airbag control unit appears at about 57,000 miles. There are two injury reports. In one, the steering wheel airbag deployed without cause while the driver was backing out of a driveway. In the other, a knee airbag caused a severe shin wound in a minor deer strike.
Brakes5No crashes
The brakes squeal, screech, or grind at low speed, especially in reverse, on cold mornings, and after snow. The noise returns after pad replacements. Dealers have suggested hard braking to clear it, but that gives no lasting fix. Some owners paid for new pads themselves after warranty claims were denied. None of these reports describe reduced stopping power. The burden is noise and repeat dealer visits.
Fuel system4No crashes
The P052E crankcase ventilation code shows up again here, once failing at 58k miles. A fuel pressure sensor or wiring fault makes the fuel door stick shut or pop open on its own. One dealer quoted $5081 to fix it on a car with less than 20,000 miles. The engine can also die when pulling away after an auto stop-start event at a light, taking three attempts to restart. That leaves the car stalled in traffic.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints GLC owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Car failed to accelerate due to faulty fuel pump, fuel tank, etc. Car stopped and died several times in the middle of heavy traffic. Mercedes Benz of West Houston, Sewell Dealership, has my car that was towed to them late afternoon on 3/5/2024. I have owned a Mercedes for over 40 years and never had this occur or be scared due to the car’s lack of performance.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2024
I was driving when engine light came on.It then went into limp mode.The car would not accelerate we me trying to cross a busy 60mph road.I was almost killed.The code after it was tested p2138 .Pedal position sensor.This fault almost killed me....
Filed with NHTSA, March 2023
While driving my SUV, I turned a corner and I heard and felt a wire or wires pull and snap inside the steering wheel. I then found that I could not operate any of the controls on the steering wheel and the driver side airbag light came on with a disabled message on the display. I think that it is the clock spring inside of the steering wheel that got caught up and snapped from me turning the wheel.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2022
All of the buttons on my steering wheel including the horn stopped working. I hear a clicking noise when i turn the steering wheel and the passenger air bag light randomly goes on and off. This leads me to believe the clock spring is broken. If the clock spring is the problem, this could create an airbag malfunction causing it to not deploy when needed or randomly deploy while i’m driving.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2023
Transmissiongoes into neutral while driving car at times. sometimes it will not go back into gear No movement of car on freeway potential of being hit from behind. problem reproduced, inspected by independent shop not inspected no lights
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
How the 2018 compares with other GLC years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 ranks third for owner complaints among 8 GLC years, about 1.5 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine187
- Electrical139
- Transmission94
- Body and structure72
- Seat belts70
- Airbags60
Where the 2018 fits in the GLC's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the third model year of the GLC's first generation (2016–2022).
Mercedes-Benz updated the GLC for 2020, so a 2018 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2020 (not on a 2018)
- Updated MBUX Operating System
- New engines
- New steering wheel
- 12.3-inch digital cockpit
Recalls to confirm (15)
Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
23V854000Body and structureDec 2023
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
22V365000ElectricalMay 2022
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
21V197000Body and structureMar 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
Risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
21V072000CommunicationFeb 2021
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
21V058000ElectricalFeb 2021
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.
Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
Fix: 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.
20V776000ElectricalDec 2020
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 AMG GLC 63 4MATIC vehicles. The power supply cable on the starter might not have been installed correctly, possibly allowing the cable to chafe against the starter housing and short-circuit.
Risk: If the power supply cable short-circuits, it can result in a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter harness and power supply cable installation, and correct it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021010006.
19V788000Seat beltsNov 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E400 Wagon 4MATIC, E400 4MATIC, E43 AMG 4MATIC, 2018-2019 E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E300, E300 4MATIC, GLC63S Coupe AMG 4MATIC, 2019 CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E450 Wagon, E53 AMG 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, G550 4MATIC, G63 AMG, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG 4MATIC, GT63 AMG four-door 4MATIC, and GT63S AMG four-door 4MATIC vehicles. Although correctly fastened, the front seat belts may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, which may cause the electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the pretensioner to be deactivated.
Risk: The electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the seat belt pretensioners may not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckles, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020017.
18V905000AirbagsDec 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 AMG Coupe, GLC63S AMG Coupe, and GLC63 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the frontal air bag may have a delayed deployment for certain unbelted front seat passengers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: A delay in the air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will update the air bag control unit software parameters, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019020004.
18V838000AirbagsNov 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C43 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Cabriolet, C350e Plug-In Hybrid, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 S AMG, 2018-2019 GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe, GLC300 4Matic, GLC350e Plug-In Hybrid, GLC43 AMG Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC63 S AMG Coupe, and GLC63 AMG vehicles equipped with Audio 20 head units and automatic child seat recognition. The status of the passenger side air bag may not display correctly.
Risk: If the passenger air bag is incorrectly displayed as 'ON' when it is not, a front seat passenger may be unaware that the air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the audio head unit software, free of charge. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120009.
18V683000Body and structureOct 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 and GLC300 4Matic, 2018 GLC350e and GLC63 AMG 4Matic and 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The seat belt latch plates (the parts that insert into the buckles) for the outboard rear seats may retract into the interior paneling, preventing the occupants from being able to use the seat belts.
Risk: If the rear seat passengers cannot fasten their seat belts, they have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install felt strips between the C-pillar and rear side paneling, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018100002.
18V610000Exterior lightsSep 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLC300 4MATIC Coupe, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, and GLC43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The front turn signals may have an incorrect color of pink or violet. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: Turn signals that are the wrong color may not be as easily recognized by other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the color of the turn signal, replacing the LED module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
18V208000AirbagsMar 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG GT, AMG GT C, GLC43 AMG 4Matic, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic and GLC350e 4Matic vehicles. The housing for the driver side air bag inflator may have been made with defective steel. In the event of an air bag deployment, the defective steel may cause the inflator to improperly inflate the driver-side air bag and potentially rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash involving driver air bag deployment, an improperly inflated air bag and/or an inflator rupture with sharp metal fragments might result in serious injury or death to the driver or to occupants.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 29, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
18V177000Body and structureMar 2018
Mercedes Benz USA LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG, 2016-2018 GLC300 4Matic, 2016-2018 GLC300, 2018 GLC63 AMG 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic vehicles. The seat belt latch plates (the parts that insert into the buckles) for the outboard rear seats may retract into the interior paneling, preventing the occupants from being able to use the seat belts.
Risk: If the rear seat passengers cannot fasten their seat belts, they have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a buffer to the c-pillar paneling, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018030012.
17V715000Wipers and visibilityNov 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, and GLC43 AMG vehicles. The fixed panoramic sun roof frontal and side plastic panels may have insufficient bonding, allowing the panels to separate during vehicle operation.
Risk: If the sun roof panels detach from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash or injury for following traffic.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding on the sun roof panels, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017110009.
17V627000AirbagsOct 2017
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
Risk: If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
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