My sunroof exploded while driving on the interstate.
The worst 2023 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.
- Electrical30
- Engine15
- Driver assistance11
- Lights10
- Brakes5
- Fuel system5
- Body4
- Transmission3
- Steering2
- Acceleration1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Recalls 12
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: lock
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CLA, 2019-2022 A-Class, 2022-2023 C-Class, 2024 CLE, 2020-2026 GLA/GLB, and 2023-2024 GLC vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific model information. The micro-switch in the driver's door lock may corrode and fail to detect an open door, preventing the electronic parking brake or "Auto-Park" feature from engaging automatically. This may result in a vehicle rollaway.
- Risk
- A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the driver's door lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning July 31, 2026.
Recall number 26V481000 · Recall details
Steering: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2026 EQE and GLC vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. The steering coupling bolt may have been improperly tightened, allowing the steering coupling to loosen from the steering rack.
- Risk
- A loose steering coupling can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will tighten the steering coupling bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 25V533000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC vehicles. The headlights are missing adjustment prevention caps, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. 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
- Improperly adjusted headlights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025060005.
Recall number 25V365000 · Recall details
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2025 GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC, 2024-2025 AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, 2025 GLC 350E 4MATIC, and AMG GLC 63 S E vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. In certain crash scenarios, where the rear occupant's head contacts the C-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, insufficient impact protection can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will modify the roof lining and C-pillar trim, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 25V379000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV, and EQS vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under recall 24V‑115. An incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed.
- Risk
- An incorrect fuse box can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2025050003/4.
Recall number 25V255000 · Recall details
Seats: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC vehicles. The driver's and front passenger seat rail may have been incorrectly attached to the vehicle body.
- Risk
- An incorrectly attached seat may not properly restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the bolt connection and tighten the bolts between the driver and front passenger seat rail and the vehicle body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 24V808000 · Recall details
Structure: interior panels: dashboard
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 GLC 300 4MATIC vehicles. Certain dashboard area bolts may have been insufficiently tightened, potentially causing improper air bag deployment or parts separation during a crash. In addition, the 12-Volt electric auxiliary heater connections may be loose, possibly causing the electrical wiring to overheat.
- Risk
- An improper air bag deployment increases the risk of injury in a crash. Overheated wiring can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were August 23, 2024. Owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑877‑496‑3691.
Recall number 24V520000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023-2024 C300, AMG C43, S580e, S580, Maybach S580, Maybach S680, AMG SL43, AMGSL63, GLC300, EQE350, EQE500, EQS450, EQS580, AMG EQS, 2023 S500, AMG SL55, AMG EQE, 2024 E350, E450, AMG C63e S, CLE300 Coupe, CLE450 Coupe, and GLC300 Coupe vehicles. The 80-Amp fuses may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail.
- Risk
- An 80-Amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the main fuse boxes, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024030008.
Recall number 24V115000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 GLC300, 2024 GLE350, and GLE450 vehicles equipped with an M254 engine. The incorrect screws, installed on the high-pressure fuel pump, may prevent a proper seal from forming between the high-pressure fuel pump and the tandem oil pump.
- Risk
- An inadequate seal can allow fuel and oil to leak onto the road, creating a hazard for other road users and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a fuel and oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 23V878000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing 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 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, October 1, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall number 23V‑445.
Recall number 23V880000 · Recall details
Trailer hitches
- What is wrong
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2023 GLC300 vehicles. The front tow eye may be inadequately threaded to the crossmember and can detach during towing.
- Risk
- A detached tow eye can separate the vehicle from the tow truck, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front crossmember, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1‑800‑367‑6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023090010/120002.
Recall number 23V629000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- 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
See all 12 recalls for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Defect investigations
Malfunction Indicator Light / No-Start
In a letter dated July 2, 2023, Aldelberto A. Cordova (the petitioner) submitted a petition requesting that the federal safety agency initiate an investigation of an alleged defect within the âISG 48-volt on-board electrical system,â which resulted in warning light illumination as well as an inability to start the vehicle in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. ODI reviewed the petition, complaint data in the federal safety agency's databases and information gathered from an Information Request (IR) letter sent to Mercedes-Benz. Examination of this information indicates that the subject component listed in the petition is not capable of causing the a loss of motive power. The alleged defect cited in the petition was caused by a software deviation in the Central Powertrain Controller (CPC), which is a separate system and independent of the 48-volt system. After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information in the federal safety agency's possession, information submitted by Mercedes-Benz, the federal safety agency does not find that a formal investigation is warranted. Â Accordingly, the Agency is denying the petition. As with all potential motor vehicle safety risks, the federal safety agency will continue to review any new information or incidents as they are submitted to the Agency. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agency's reasons for denial of the petition will be published in the future. The petition and its attachments can be reviewed at under reference ODI number 11533472.
DP23003
Technical service bulletins for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 342
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz...
- Fuel/propulsion system
- In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the...
- Diverse functional limitations in the vehicle in combination with various warning and fault messages in...
- Wheezing noises/squeaking noises from the front shock absorbers when passing over surface undulations and...
- Oil seeping from turbocharger oil return line at connection to engine block
- Issue A software update will be performed that provides enhancements to the robustness and system...
- Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic...
- Slight creaking noises when steering
- CEL illuminates and/or AC does not blow cold
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl Hybrid | RWD | 25 | 32 | 28 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl Hybrid | AWD | 23 | 31 | 26 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 20 | 26 | 22 |
What 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speed limit warning system failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the Heads-up Display (HUD) illuminated a red light and an unknown message about driving too slowly was displayed. The contact stated that the red light illuminated and flashed intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was common with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact asked if the speed limit warning system could be deactivated, and the dealer was informed that it had to be approved by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
There are two issues 1) Unsure of the exact date, but about a year or two ago we were driving our car and the car's automatic break system went into effect on a typically busy, 3 lane road despite there not being any cars in front of our vehicle. We took it into the dealership, who confirmed the issue and told us that sometimes the automatic brake mis-identifies the metal plates in the roads to be vehicles. Had there been a car driving behind us at the time this was happening, it could have been a major accident as the speed limit on that road was 45mph. Additionally we had our [XXX] in the car. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. 2) Recently we have been having a warning sign on our car that says the 12v battery is low, even though it should not be. Historically this would tell us to drive our car around so the battery wouldn't die, but this would sometimes turn on even after a 30+ minute drive. It was turning on every single time we turned the car off, so we brought it into the shop. While in the shop, the dealer provided us with a brand new GLC 300. I took this GLC 300 to my son's daycare to drop him off and when I returned to the car I received an error message "48V battery service required" and could not turn on the vehicle. This brand new vehicle left me stranded. While I was safe at my son's daycare, this has caused me to have significant concerns around the safety and reliability of these GLC300s. We are planning on taking our 2023 GLC 300 on a 6 hour road trip with our [XXX] old and [XXX] old and I am very concerned about the car not starting if we stop for gas. What if we get stranded in a small city along the way? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased a brand new GLC 300 on May 25, 2023. By June 2, 2023 I was already stranded due to a 12V battery electrical system failure. Since then I have been stranded 8 total times and the vehicle has been in the service department 14+ times for repeated electrical issues (8 of those visits were related to the same 12V battery electrical system failures. The battery was reportedly replaced in 2024-shortly thereafter I began experiencing issues with the collision assist malfunctioning. The alarms would sound seat belt tighten and brakes lock up while driving on the interstate. The theft deterrent alarm wound sound in the middle of the night without provocation. The panoramic roof would malfunction. The air vent disintegrated. In August 2025, the collision assist malfunctioned causing the vehicle to steer off the road resulting in a blow out. It has not been driven since.
Vehicle has a significant engine oil leak without being driven. Engine oil electronic meter still shows engine oil to be in "Ok" range. Vehicle is 2023 with only 19680 miles and is rarely driven till the last 2 months. Other 2023 Model Year MB GLC300's manufactured at the same Bremen Germany plant are already being recalled for engine and fuel leaks, however, this one is not on the list. This vehicle is also the 2.0L Inline 4 engine and may be the same engine as the others being recalled. The others are recalled due to an imperfect seal between the high pressure fuel pump and the tandem oil pump. My vehicle is leaking engine fluid, likely oil at a significant rate without having been driven in any unsafe manner or much use.
1. Rear Hatch hands free system - closes unexpectedly while loading or unloading car without using feet to trigger system. Hatch will close down and trap driver in the rear, causing bruising on driver and requiring assistance to push hatch back up. Has been into dealer multiple times since this is HUGE risk to animals or small children exiting out of the rear. Dealer finally disabled hands free system. 2. Lane change assist/blind spot warning - Auto believes there's a vehicle in the lane to either side and will stop car from changing lanes, when actually there isn't a vehicle there. Has caused several close calls due to signaling to change lanes the car will then try to pull back into previous lane. Warning light remains on the side mirrors even when there are no vehicles in the lane. This is especially hazardous while driving at night and in less than optimal weather conditions.
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated while driving on an access road at 35 MPH, the brake pedal was not depressed; however, the vehicle came to an immediate stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving normally. The local dealer was contacted and sent a tow truck to pick up the vehicle from the residence for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
check engine light continues to turn on and off, response from dealer maintenance is this issue is temperature related and just keep driving, not sure how this makes for an effective or safe functioning of a warning light also seems like it can lead to unnecessary trips to and costs at the maintenance garage. This has been a multiple time issue since purchase of vehicle.
The sunroof glass blasted and shattered during a drive on an interstate highway. I was driving normally when I heard a loud sound like a tire burst or gunshot. Initially, I thought that my tire had busted. I took an exit and stopped to inspect the tires. I found them to be okay, but I was puzzled where the sound came from. I started driving again and observed that a lot of outside noise was coming, also there was a glass clinking noise so I stopped again to check. I found a hole in my sunroof and the shattered glass had fallen on the protective mesh cloth. That is when I realized that the loud sound was from this broken sunroof. It was something like that the sunroof had blasted outwards as the bump was going outside. Luckily, I didn't lose control of that sudden, loud sound and didn't get into a crash. Hopefully, the broken glass didn't fly and hit other cars.
Car has software issue putting drivers at risk until the update is provided. Response to problem from manufacturer is to drive the car or wait until such time as a solution is developed. this is the 3 issue in less than a year the car's fuel uptake system is interrupted putting drivers at risk when pulling out into traffic or needing normal acceleration expected from a normally functioning car. How long will Mercedes get away with this before someone is killed
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Questions about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 reliable?
Owners have filed 55 complaints about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, fewer than a typical GLC 300 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?
Electrical system, with 30 complaints. Next is engine (15).
How many recalls does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 have?
12 recalls, covering latches/locks/linkages, steering and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 25V255000, 24V115000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 have the most electrical problems?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2023 (30 complaints), 2017 (16 complaints) and 2019 (14 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 get?
Official estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 range from 22 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, RWD) gets 25 city and 32 highway.
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