Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 hesitation problems

Filed May 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

I have had my car for almost two years. This problem has been on-going the whole time. It happens intermittently, I never know. I will be driving it and usually when I am making a turn or pulling onto a main road, you press the gas to go and the car hesitates and makes a loud brooooooooom sound like it is trying to go or figure out what to do and if you are pulling out onto a main road with on comming traffic, this is dangerous. We have seen information that on the 2019 and 2018 GLC300's this has been documented, my car is a 2020 but it's the same thing. It's like the car hesitates and slows down when it should go!

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: GLC 300 Engine: M264 Mileage at time of failure: Approximately 65,000 miles Complaint Description: While driving, my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 began experiencing repeated engine misfires and rough running, accompanied by a persistent check engine light. These symptoms began shortly after I purchased the vehicle and progressively worsened over time. The vehicle exhibited reduced engine performance and hesitation while driving. The condition was intermittent at first but became more frequent, indicating a progressive mechanical issue rather than a sudden failure. At approximately 65,000 miles, the vehicle was evaluated by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership and diagnosed with a catastrophic cylinder head failure, requiring full cylinder head replacement. The estimated repair cost is approximately $8,000. The vehicle has never been modified and has not undergone prior engine repairs. The failure occurred well before what would be considered normal wear for an engine component of this type. Based on the progression of symptoms, the dealer diagnosis, and similar reports from other owners of the same model and engine, this appears to be a systemic defect involving the cylinder head and valve train, rather than an isolated incident or maintenance-related issue. This condition presents a potential safety concern due to loss of engine performance, drivability issues, and the risk of reduced power while operating the vehicle.

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Engine · VA

There is a hesitation in or "shuddering" that causes the car to go into limp mode while in operation. I was in traffic and the car just powered down and would not get up to and or maintain speed. I contacted the local dealership and was told that there are other models and or engines in this car that have this issue and that they actually have a recall on this issue. The dealership noted that they have 1 or more that require this exact repair on every single week. The dealer told me what was wrong with it by the code it threw... He didn't have any hesitation because he is so familiar with this issue. The warning lights came on after the car powered decreased... there was no "pre" warning that this was going to happen.

Filed Oct 20, 2025 · Engine · NJ

I am the owner of a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 with the M264 engine. I am hoping that you can assist me with a widely reported, systemic defect: the premature failure of the master cylinder, regardless of vehicle mileage. This issue is extensively documented by numerous owners of the 2020 and 2021 GLC300 models across various public forums, including Reddit and dedicated GLC owner communities. I took my vehicle to Mercedes dealearship for annual service and an intermittent check engine light. The dealership informed me it was a spark plug issue. Once repaired the check engine light went on permanently and the car hesitated as if it would turn off. I brought my car in for service and was told that it was a master cylander failure of the engine. Known Defect: The defect is so widespread that it indicates a manufacturing or design flaw. Corporate Refusal: Mercedes-Benz corporate has failed to acknowledge this systemic issue publicly or initiate a recall. Local Acknowledgment: When engaging with Mercedes-Benz of Paramus, Service Manager Ben Wright acknowledged both the existence of the issue and Mercedes-Benz's corporate awareness of the defect, yet confirmed the lack of a formal recall. Repair Cost & Offer: Following the failure, I was presented with a $12,000 repair bill for parts and labor. The only offer of assistance from corporate was a minimal 20% discount, still forcing me to pay a final cost of $10,620 for a repair that should be covered under a mandatory recall. Unfortunately, I was out of warranty by 1 year and 8,000 miles. This refusal to address a known mechanical flaw is unacceptable, especially given the significant financial burden placed on owners for a defect acknowledged internally.

Filed Oct 17, 2024 · Engine · 56,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the vehicle began to shake as the check engine light appeared on the instrument. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle began to hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the vehicle remained in the dealer's possession for weeks. The contact was later informed that the engine cylinder cap was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession and had yet to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 56,600

Filed Jan 12, 2024 · Engine · SC

On 12/17/2023 at approximately 6:00 am while traveling to a friends house, my car stalled out on me. The engine light came on and the car started hesitating ( sputtering) and then shut off. I tried to start the car and it did with the engine light still on. I called a tow truck and had it towed to Carlton Mercedes. On 12/18/2023 the service advisor contacted me via text to say they will do a diagnostic to find the problem and will be in touch. 5 days later, i was told that the sensors were wet due to standing rain water I encountered and that nothing else was wrong. I picked up the car later that evening. 3weeks later the same exact thing happened. The car started sputtering (hesitating) the engine light came on and it shut off. Although my VIN number was not apart of a recent recall for my make and model, I would like the Safety Department to investigate the issue and have my car added to the recall list. The recall address the issue of loss of power to vehicles of the same make and model as mine. The Mercedes Manufacture will not fix my car under the recall if it hasn't been added to the list. I don't believe the consumer should have to pay simply because the VIN was added to the list even thought the problem exist. Please Help!

Filed Jan 3, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

My car was in for a "Problem" Dec-2023 - would not accelerate /also getting very bad gas mileage and hesitation on accelerating. 1ST - Mercedes Benz said I got bad gas - they had the car for several days -Then they thought it was a computer issue - Later -after problem -I got a Safety Recall Notice # 23V456 stating "Fuel Pump Problem "told would receive Official Re-Call in February -Went back to dealer with same problem -was told wait for re-call -Called 1‑800‑367‑6372 Mercedes Benz - spoke with "Heidi on Jan 3, 2024 [Case Number [XXX] ASKED IF THEY COULD EXPEDITE RE-CALL CLAIM BEFORE FEBRUARY - MERCEDES DECLINED - If the "Fuel Pump is an issue [and Dangerous ] why not expedite ""Parts"" Mercedes Dealer wasn't aware of Re-Call number 23V456 - INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 20, 2023 · Engine · 9,200 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle also started shaking and vibrating with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact managed to pull the vehicle off the highway and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession for several weeks before the contact was informed that it was discovered that the piston rings were burned and that the cylinder head was warped. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but had not yet receive a response. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 9,200.

Filed Sep 3, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · 7,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2016 · Transmission · 500 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 mercedes-benz glc 300. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure occurred without warning on seven occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.