The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 W4. The contact stated that when his wife was parking the vehicle at approximately 5 MPH and when she depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that his wife said that the brake pedal failed, and the instrument cluster was black. The contact stated that his wife had observed that the brake warning had been illuminated before the instrument cluster failure. The contact stated that his wife jumped the curb and crashed into the wall of a building. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was crushed, and the hood was damaged. The contact stated that the front headlights and front bumper were also crushed. The contact stated that the windshield was cracked as well. The contact stated that his wife was unhurt despite the air bags not deploying. The contact stated that the police were called and they issued a report. The contact had called his dealer who referred him to a body shop. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local body shop. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle damage was being repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V115000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: headlights failing or too dim
8 of the 55 complaints about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- recalls
- 1
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
I have taken the delivery of this car on May 2023 and has been having many issues including but not limited to rear seatbelt malfunction that needed replacement. Recent major issue is constant 'check engine light on' for various issues. Below is the 'F' and 'I' items from 'initial quick test log' as of [XXX] and also attaching detail log file. No resolution or action has been taken after several trips to the dealership in past couple of weeks and not being able to drive due to safety concern. N127 - Control unit "Drivetrain" (PTCU) -F- N73/3*1 - Electronic ignition lock - Central gateway (EZS) -I- E1n9 - Left headlamp (SG-SW-L) -I- E1n15 - Light source module control unit front left (LSM-CU-VL) -f- E2n15 - Light source module control unit front right (LSM-CU-VR) -f- E1n14 - Digital headlamp control unit front left (DHLS-CU-VL) -f- E2n14 - Digital headlamp control unit front right (DHLS-CU-VR) -f- A66 - Battery module (48 V battery) (BM48) -F B29/13 - Left rear short range radar (NBR-LR) -I- B29/14 - Right rear short range radar (NBR-RR) -I- A40/11 - Multifunction camera (MFK) -I- N62/3 - Parking system (PARK) -I- A40/8 - Central display (ZAN) -f- N133/1 - Instrument cluster (IC) -f- INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am having the following issues with my digital lights on my 2023 GLC. Dealer states normal. It is unsafe and should have a recall/software update. VIN: [XXX] Dangerously inadequate forward visibility at night on low beam/inadequate beam pattern. Level of illumination not at legal minimum of visibility on low beam/ no long distance illumination yet creates excessive illumination of retroreflective signs creating distraction. Adaptive Driving Beam not functional. Extremely limited beam pattern on low beam. Topographic/dynamic leveling does not adjust beam so you are blind going down hill/up hill at night. Poor image/contrast for projection/symbols. Only triangle works. Cornering light not functional. Cannot see sides when cornering at night. Mercedes complaint reference # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
DIGITAL LIGHT low beam inadequate distance for safe driving on unlit roadway. Low beam has unnecessary blacked out areas causing distraction. Low beams too low, especially driving down hills. Adaptive high beams revert to low beam without any apparent light to trigger camera/sensor. Dealer states they are all the same, nothing they can do, call MB USA. MB USA gave me a case number but do no seem interested in solving the issue
The digital lights are defective for the US market. The low beam doesn’t provide any light for night driving farther than x feet. It also has jagged edges across the beam that greatly effect night visibility. The adaptive part of the system doesn’t provide adequate lighting in the dark around curves, the car states it has cornering lamps but it does not/ is not activated for us market. When it’s completely dark, I cannot see the front sides for turning, the lights are a serious safety hazard. The headlamps also get condensation when wet and fog up and effect visibility where you cannot drive at night. The leveling sensor failed and subsequently rendered the auto high beam and adaptive lighting system inoperative. The car doesn’t do any of the listed safety projections it’s supposed o do, such as spotlight. One time it worked but when tested it was never able to see it again after a software update. Serious safety concerns regarding the over the air updates and advertised functionality vs real life performance
Check Right low beam error messsage. Beam decreased light output, lightbulb out. Adaptive high beam not working and neither is the intelligent light system/active lights.
Unexpectedly and without any indication or warning, at [XXX] on [XXX] I experienced multiple system failures/engine light/critical warning lights/. Transmission error message states do not shift into gear, take for service. Engine check light on. Car would not start, car was unable to be put into park. Door alarm for transmission not in park was alarming audible. After car shut off and attempt to put into park the car would not engage into park and the car electronics malfunctioned, would not stop alarming despite off, multiple error messages, including traction control inoperative, blind spot inoperative, digital light inoperative, check the 48V batter Error, and other messages toggling on. Dealership Bergeron Mercedes made aware of problem on 8/04 And was told no appointments or lands car available and to drop off Monday sans appt, name on wait list. VIN [XXX] . This is a common problem on all of the forums regarding this first what new models hear 23 releases. I was unable to put the car into park and the parking brake could not hold in place/trusted. Also, the digital light malfunctioned and high beam assist and digital light. Became inoperative due to failed wheel level sensor. Car has less than than 5K miles /less than 3 months old. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Digital Light Inactivean High Beam Assist messages Also, when you engage the inoperative warning the actuates blinker it off [brights/high blinds beams even when drivers. auto adaptive setting is day with lights off see the high beam blue light on with headlight malfunctions vehicle 248595-Connected LEst sensor FaultY batterse causing, adaptive found fault C151E29 currentiy present charger invalid performed SDS for • f 0.00. Performed guided test, found vaLue Rear level value of 8149 Unplugged sensor • спескеа Ins no corrosion or loose pins. With different fault for from front left unevagged, was stored "no signal" • sensor. Plugged sensor back in, and sensor started reading correctly. Available Ordered new sensor; Customer to return when part Service Digital Light Inactiveand High Beam Assist inop erative . At this time.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- Headlamps leaking or fogged
- Message in instrument cluster "Adaptive high beams assistant not available/inoperative" or "DIGITAL LIGHT...
- Message in instrument cluster "Adaptive high beams assistant not available/inoperative" or "DIGITAL LIGHT...
- Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged
- The message "Device detected at diagnostics connection See Owner’s Manual" appears sporadically in the...
- Complaint
Related recalls
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
Questions about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?
8 of 55 owner complaints about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 (15%) 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?
There is 1 recall and 21 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
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