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.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: headlights failing or too dim
13 of the 68 complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 19%
- recalls
- 2
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
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.
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.
Headlight is defective and is filled with condensation which has caused the entire light to fail. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service center. The light has not been inspected by a manufacturer however the manufacturer was contacted and denied that a recall exists however other purchasers have reported the same issue. There have been no apparent issues prior to this problem.
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that the passenger’s side headlight was developing fog, causing the light to be dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V261000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
The headlights stopped working due to water entering the assembly unit. First one side went out and then eventually the other side went out. The car was brought in to the dealership to fix and they stated it wasn’t covered. I’m recently learning about a recall of this issue with my type of car and I’m being told that my vehicle is not included in the recall.
Have been getting condensate inside vehicle headlights inwhich have cause the headlight to completely not work anymore.. There is no damage to headlight which means to be cause due to a problem with the seal. Checked with local and also statewide Mercedes advisors which was told there isn’t a recall for my vehicle inwhich I looked online and found an recall for vehicles just like the one I have.. Recall number 22V261000-Recall Date 04-14-2022. I’m asking for my vehicle to be inspected and repaired free of charge . Thanks and sorry for the bother - Can’t drive vehicle at night due to headlight malfunction and it’s very unsafe for me and kids and family
I seen a recall for certain 2021 GLC 300 vehicles for moisture in right side headlamp, causing headlamp to blow (go out). This happened on my 2021 GLC 300. Same moisture issue, same year, same model, however, my vin number does not show that it has a recall. I believe this safety issue needs to be expanded to include my vehicle. Same issue, same year, same make and same model
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that there was condensation inside the front passenger’s side headlight housing after it had rained. The contact then stated that while driving at night, the passenger’s side headlight failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V261000 (Exterior Lighting); and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,700.
High beam can't auto dim Fuel pump fail to operate, misfires, and shut down while driving
My vehicle suddenly starting getting moisture in the passenger side head light.Many people brought this my attention.After some time of moisture the head light begin to flicker on and off while I was driving.Then it just went out and stopped working.Eventually I took it to the dealer and they informed me that my vehicle didn't have a recall for this issue.As I search the Internet I found that lots of other customers experienced this same exact issue.I called Mercedes USA and they informed me to present the issue to you all. Thank You in advance for reviewing my concern.
My headlight is absorbing moisture & causing my light to have a shortage.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Instrument cluster message for rear turn signal lamp despite functioning rear lamp
- The message "Device detected at diagnostics connection See Owner’s Manual" appears sporadically in the...
- Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight
- Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged
Related recalls
Exterior lighting: headlights
- 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
Exterior lighting: headlights
- 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
Questions about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?
13 of 68 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 (19%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2021.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?
There are 2 recalls and 15 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Check engine light 20Loss of power 10Misfire 6Stalling 6Hesitation 5Won't shift 5
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