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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is engine and cooling, typically around 7,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical GLC 300 model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
70/100
Owner complaints
68
Recalls
9
Service bulletins
2184 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
23-25mpg
Typical repair
$9,000

The worst 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Check engine light 20Headlights 13Loss of power 10Misfire 6Stalling 6Hesitation 5Won't shift 5

Recalls 9

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported February 2, 2024 · 15,502 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 24V070000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported June 26, 2023 · 143,551 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 23V445000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 22V365000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported April 15, 2022 · 129 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 22V261000 · Recall details

Air bags: sensor: side impactReported July 12, 2021 · 542 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 21V527000 · Recall details

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraReported May 14, 2021 · 343,191 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 21V354000 · Recall details

Seat belts: pretensionerReported April 1, 2021 · 8,634 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 21V230000 · Recall details

CommunicationReported February 12, 2021 · 67 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 21V072000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported February 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 21V058000 · Recall details

See all 9 recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 218

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 218 bulletins for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylRWD222925
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD21-222823-24

What 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a service center, and the contact was provided DTC: P07B7. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with an internal transmission or software programming failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced and was referred to the dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was scheduled for an appointment with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Driver assistance · 26,000 miles · GA · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the blind spot assist detection feature failed to function as intended. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the contact confirmed that the blind spot assist feature was enabled. In addition, the failure occurred after the vehicle was taken through the car wash. The contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact sustained pain to the right shoulder, arm and hand. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Lights · GA

I own a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The vehicle developed moisture/condensation in the headlamp, and the affected headlamp subsequently failed. I took the vehicle to RBM of Alpharetta, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. I was advised that corrosion was found in the affected headlamp and that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. On September 8, 2026, the dealership provided a repair estimate of $3,387.33. The vehicle had approximately 84,769 miles. Mercedes-Benz previously issued the federal safety agency Recall 22V‑261 / Campaign 2022050005 for certain 2021 GLC-Class vehicles because headlamp electrical connections may not have been sufficiently watertight, allowing moisture intrusion that could cause headlamp failure. My vehicle is the same year and model and is experiencing headlamp failure involving moisture and corrosion, but Mercedes-Benz states that my VIN is not included in the recall population. Mercedes-Benz Customer Care opened Case 23963515 and has declined coverage to date. I am concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing the same or a substantially similar moisture-intrusion defect as vehicles covered by Recall 22V‑261. A failed headlamp reduces nighttime visibility and presents a safety concern. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review whether similar headlamp moisture intrusion, corrosion, and failure may be occurring in additional 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vehicles outside the original recall population.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Lights · FL

My vehicle is experiencing moisture intrusion caused by a defective headlight housing seal. The water intrusion has resulted in a short circuit and failure of the turn signal module within the headlamp assembly. I am aware of the federal safety agency Safety Recall 22V‑261, which addresses a substantially similar defect involving inadequate watertight sealing of the headlamp assembly that can allow moisture intrusion and lead to headlamp electrical failure. My vehicle is experiencing the same type of moisture intrusion and resulting electrical failure described in that recall. Because this failure appears consistent with the known safety-related defect identified by the federal safety agency, I am requesting that the vehicle and affected headlamp assembly be evaluated for recall-related or manufacturer-assisted repair rather than treated solely as a routine out-of-warranty component failure.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · OH

My 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is not currently included in the federal safety agency Recall 22V‑261 / Mercedes-Benz Campaign 2022050005, but my vehicle is experiencing substantially the same defect described in that recall. Moisture/water entered the left headlamp assembly/electrical connection, resulting in condensation/water accumulation and damage/corrosion around the headlamp electrical module/connector. The headlamp system subsequently malfunctioned. Recall 22V‑261 describes a condition where the headlamp electrical connection may not be watertight, allowing moisture ingress and potentially causing headlamp failure. My vehicle appears to exhibit the same condition even though my VIN is excluded from the recall population. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review whether the affected population for Recall 22V‑261 may need to be expanded.

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent, sudden, and life-threatening drop into "limp home mode" while driving, creating an severe speed differential with surrounding traffic.First Incident (50,584 miles): The vehicle entered limp mode. Authorized Mercedes service center scanned the car, confirming Fault Code P019185 (Rail pressure sensor malfunction / signal above permissible limit value). The dealer applied an Engine Control Module software patch under Mercedes TSB LI07.70-P-078047.Second Incident (53,695 miles): Less than 3,000 miles later, the exact same sudden powertrain failure recurred. The vehicle drastically lost propulsion power immediately after exiting a high-speed freeway, leaving the driver in an incredibly vulnerable, unsafe position.The manufacturer's documented software remedy has completely failed to fix the underlying powertrain defect, leaving a known hardware component failure unaddressed while actively endangering vehicle occupants.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · NJ · fire

While the vehicle was being operated normally, it caught fire. We were driving on a summer day in August. Conditions were humid, with temperatures in the mid-80s. The vehicle was on the return leg of an approximately 30-mile drive. Traffic was somewhat heavy, with speeds generally below 20 mph and occasional stops. We first noticed a slight burning smell, followed shortly afterward by a distinct puff of white smoke coming from under the hood on the passenger side, near the windshield. We immediately decided to stop the vehicle and get out. Within approximately 30 seconds, we observed the first visible flames. Within about one minute, the fire had spread rapidly and the vehicle was engulfed in flames. By approximately 3½ minutes, the entire front half of the vehicle had been destroyed by the fire. Parts of the vehicle were blown off during the fire, with some debris traveling across the roadway and into the nearby woods. Fortunately, there were no injuries because we recognized the danger and exited the vehicle quickly.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Engine · AL

While driving in my neighborhood at 25 MPH, my Mercedes GLC300 suddenly lost power and the check engine light illuminated. My car would no longer exceed 25-30 MPH, but I drove it straight to the dealership and they said it was a faulty cylinder head and will cost $10,000 to fix! After intense negotiations, they agreed to fix it for $4,205.58, which was better, but still, that’s a lot to pay for a manufacturer’s defect! My car is a 2021 with only 67,540 miles on it.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Engine · NJ

Getting P06DA trouble code meaning that there is something wrong with the oil pressure solenoid in the oil sump. this is a known issue where the wiring of the solenoid get frayed. cost of repair for the (cheap part) is $7,500 because of 18 hour labor involved. MB knows this is an issue with the wiring in the solenoid. I'm not sure if there is a fire risk because of the frayed wires.

Filed Mar 15, 2026 · Transmission · CA

The engine starts shaking, smell of gas car than stops while driving, could caused an accident and severely injured someone on the freeway. This is a major safety issue after further researching this particular issue MB of Canada issue a warranty letter extension for this particular but nothing for US.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 before you buy

Compare the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

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Other model years

20162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 reliable?

Owners have filed 68 complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, close to a typical GLC 300 model year.

What is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 year score?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 scores 70 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?

Engine and cooling, with 30 complaints, typically around 7,000 miles. Next is lights (13).

How many recalls does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 have?

9 recalls, covering exterior lighting, fuel system, gasoline and electrical system.

What year does the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 have bad engine?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (42 complaints), 2017 (37 complaints) and 2021 (30 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 get?

Official estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 range from 23 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 22 city and 29 highway.

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