2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, body and structure, and engine. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 119
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes reported
- 9
- 8 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 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 hand0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
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 2019 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 2019 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.
Sudden power loss, no restart
25,000–35,000 miles
Panoramic roof glass or panel failure
25,600–40,000 miles
Crankcase ventilation valve fault (P052E)
27,000–52,880 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical16No crashes
Fires lead this category. 3 of 16 complaints are fire-related, including vehicles that burn while parked and a burning smell traced to the battery before the engine shuts itself off. Other reports describe sudden loss of power and no restart, sometimes with a "Key Fob not Detected" message, around 25,000 to 35,000 miles. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault. Many filings are about recall 22V365000 for the communication system, where the over-the-air update or the part has not arrived. The infotainment screen also reboots while driving, which can black out the rear camera.
Body and structure6No crashes
The panoramic roof is the problem here. Glass shatters or cracks while driving, and the front roof panel lifts or comes off at speed as its adhesive bonding breaks down. Drivers usually hear a crack, pop, or wind noise first. Reported failures fall between about 25,600 and 40,000 miles. Owners point to recalls 21V197000 and 23V854000, but their VINs are not covered, and out-of-warranty claims are denied. One dealer quoted $10,484 to replace the roof. Water also leaks out of the trunk's interior panels.
Engine6No crashes
Two failures stand out. The more common one is the crankcase ventilation valve, which sets code P052E, lights the check engine lamp, blocks emissions inspections, and costs over $2K to repair. It shows up around 52,880 miles. The more serious one is a cracked or broken piston, which causes violent shaking or a sudden loss of power at highway speed with no warning light. One owner was told the engine needed replacing at 52,839 miles, just past the 50,000-mile warranty.
Transmission5No crashes
The transmission can hang in neutral when shifted from reverse to drive. It then stalls or jerks into gear, and one dealer blamed the valve body and low pump pressure. Another report describes the car dropping from highway speed to about 15 mph without warning because of a front differential failure. The car also rolls back on hills, lurches forward while the brakes are applied, and jerks when braking. On plug-in hybrid models, overheating is reported. Dealers often cannot duplicate these faults or call them normal.
Steering4No crashes
The front wheels skip, judder, and knock when the steering is turned sharply, most often when backing out of a parking space. Drivers say it sounds and feels like hitting something, and some worry an axle will break. One high-performance model also has steering wheel shake and wobble in turns. Dealers have called the behavior normal even after reproducing it. No repairs are reported, and the complaints do not show a clear mileage pattern.
Wipers and visibility4No crashes
The front stationary sunroof panel separates from the roof and flies off at highway speed, which ties into the roof problems reported elsewhere. The other complaint is about a driver's window switch that breaks apart in the hand while the driver is trying to clear a fogged window in the rain, at about 27,500 miles. The manufacturer opened a case but later declined to help, and the car was not repaired. Only two complaints fall in this category.
The moonroof glass shatters while driving at around 35 mph with no impact, matching the roof failures in other categories. The windshield wipers skip across the glass at all speeds and leave the view unclear in rain. Replacing and adjusting the blades does not fix it. The manufacturer has called it a known problem with no fix yet, and owners report that no aftermarket blades fit.
Acceleration and cruise control22 crashes
The car surges forward without warning during slow driving at about 5 to 15 mph. Both complaints in this category involve crashes with injuries. In each case the vehicle jumped a curb, hit a street sign, and struck a concrete planter, and the airbags deployed. No warning lights came on beforehand. One owner says the event data recorder showed the accelerator at 100% even though they were only pressing it lightly. The cause is not established in these reports.
Backup camera2No crashes
The rearview camera stops working and shows no image when the car is put in reverse. No warning light appears. In one case a dealer said the backover prevention software needed an update, but the VIN was not covered by recall 22V232000, and the car was not repaired at 76,954 miles. Owners call it a collision risk for pedestrians and other cars. This category has only two complaints.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints GLC owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The command system keeps turning off and rebooting while driving. Sometime it makes the rear camera don’t work(blackout), auto on/off does not work, it happens about every two minutes making it dangerous.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
P052E71 Engine Separator and actuator malfunctioning. Was told this fails several times on Mercedes vehicles. I will not pass emissions with this issue. Over $2K to repair and engine light along with code appears. I have videos of the engine light coming off and on. Car has been inspected by Firestone and Mercedes Service Center.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2024
The Crankcase ventilation valve has a malfunction. The actuator is blocked. Code #052E71. The manufacturer has inspected the vehicle and confirmed the issue. The same issue has happened repeatedly to numerous Mercedes owners. The car is not safe to drive with this issue because it could cause engine problems.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
I was going through drive thru waiting in line, when suddenly the car started to accelerate sharply, I put two feet on the brakes to stop the forward motion of vehicle - could not stop or place in park or neutral. their was ample room from the vehicle in front.. slightly removed feet from brake, suv lunged at vehicle in front kept on lunging then came to a halt...vehicle went back to normal operation.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2021
How the 2019 compares with other GLC years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 ranks second for owner complaints among 8 GLC years, about 2.0 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical169
- Body and structure62
- Engine69
- Transmission54
- Steering43
- Wipers and visibility40
Where the 2019 fits in the GLC's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the fourth model year of the GLC's first generation (2016–2022).
Mercedes-Benz updated the GLC for 2020, so a 2019 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2020 (not on a 2019)
- Updated MBUX Operating System
- New engines
- New steering wheel
- 12.3-inch digital cockpit
Recalls to confirm (14)
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.
24V070000Exterior lightsFeb 2024
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.".
Risk: Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
21V961000Fuel systemDec 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
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.
19V914000EquipmentDec 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLC 300 4MATIC coupe, AMG GLC 43 Coupe, AMG GLC 43, AMG GLC 63, GLC 300, GLC 350e 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, AMG GLC 63 Coupe, and AMG GLC 63 S Coupe vehicles. The passenger side sun visor may have incorrect air bag warning labels, written in a foreign language. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: If an air bag label is in a foreign language, an occupant may not be aware of the risks to children sitting in the front seat, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag warnings and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020014.
19V822000SteeringNov 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLC300 and GLC300 4MATIC vehicles. The electrical connection between the power steering electric motor and the control unit may fail, resulting in the loss of electric power steering assist.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist would require a greater steering effort to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019110014.
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.
18V840000SteeringNov 2018
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLC300 vehicles. An internal sensor within the electric power steering unit may fail, deactivating the power steering assist.
Risk: A loss of electric power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering unit, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA'S number for this recall is 2019040007.
Also looking at these instead of a GLC?
Cars shoppers compare with the Mercedes-Benz GLC, with their own 2019 checklists.
