2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC problems and complaints

Owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC. The most-reported areas: Engine (30), Exterior Lighting (13), Fuel/Propulsion System (10).

Key takeaways

  • 66 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 1 involve a crash, 2 a fire, 0 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3045%
Exterior Lighting1320%
Fuel/Propulsion System1015%
Electrical System812%
Unknown Or Other711%
Power Train46%
Back Over Prevention35%
Visibility/Wiper35%
Forward Collision Avoidance35%
Structure35%
Fuel System23%
Gasoline23%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV RWD5/55/55/54/5
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV 4WD5/55/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting - filed 2026-09-11

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...

Exterior Lighting - filed 2026-09-10

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 NHTSA Safety Recall 22V-261, which addresses a substantially similar defect involving inadequ...

Electrical System,exterior Lighting - filed 2026-09-04

My 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is not currently included in NHTSA 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 accumulati...

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More for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.