The most-reported GLC-Class run is WDC0G8EBXLF (2020 builds) with 7 complaints, 3.7× the typical run. Engine problems make up 26% of reports; 2018 is the worst model year at 2.7 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 60 recall campaigns for GLC-Class model years 2016–2026.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has 152 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 10% of every GLC-Class complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WDC0G8EBXLF•••••• | 2020 | — | — | |
| WDC0G4KB4JV•••••• | 2018 | 1 | — | |
| WDC0G4JB8KV•••••• | 2019 | — | — | |
| WDC0G4JB3JV•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDC0G4KB6JV•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDC0G4KB2JV•••••• | 2018 | 1 | — | |
| WDC0G4KB9JV•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDC0G4KBXJV•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDC0G4JB1JV•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDC0G4KB0JV•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDC0J4KB3JF•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| WDC0G4JB4JV•••••• | 2018 | — | — |
Each of the other 140 GLC-Class runs has 4 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 268 GLC-Class VINs so far, most often 2025, 2026, 2022 builds; 7 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class the gap between build years is 2.7×: a 2018 car draws 2.7 complaints per run, a 2016 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 31 | 19 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 26 | 17 | 2 | |
| 2020 | 68 | 39 | 3 | |
| 2019 | 50 | 31 | 5 | |
| 2018 | 89 | 33 | 4 | |
| 2017 | 13 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2016 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
Heaviest year here is 2018 at 2.7 complaints per run; lightest is 2016 at 1. The 2023 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 26% of everything Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class owners report: Engine, 81 of 282 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 6 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 5 | 6 | |
| Power Train | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 4 | — | |
| Structure | 1 | 4 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 2 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 60 recall campaigns on the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class; the 6 below cover build years 2016 to 2026. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 21V058000 | Electrical System:software | 2016–2021 |
| 21V072000 | Communication | 2017–2021 |
| 21V197000 | Structure:body:roof And Pillars | 2016–2020 |
| 23V854000 | Structure:body:roof And Pillars | 2016–2020 |
| 25V533000 | Steering:critical Fasteners | 2023–2026 |
| 24V070000 | Exterior Lighting:headlights | 2019–2022 |
21V058000 was opened in 2021 on cars built from 2016: 5 years on the road before the recall.
The GLC-Class against its rivals
The GLC-Class draws 1.9 complaints per production run; the Toyota Highlander 2.9, the Toyota 4-Runner 1.7 and the Honda CR-V 3.7.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | 282 | 152 | 6.7% | |
| Toyota Highlander | 5,259 | 1,799 | 8.3% | |
| Toyota 4-Runner | 768 | 448 | 11.7% | |
| Honda CR-V | 14,848 | 4,017 | 5.1% |
How serious were they
Of the 282 reports on the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, 6.7% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 282 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 19 (6.7%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 7 (2.5%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 17 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class share of that is 282 complaints over 152 runs, 0.03% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 282 NHTSA complaints from 152 GLC-Class runs and 60 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which GLC-Class production run has the most complaints?
WDC0G8EBXLF, a 2020 build, with 7 complaints. The typical GLC-Class run has 1.9.
Which GLC-Class years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2018 is heaviest at 2.7 complaints per run and 2016 lightest at 1.
Does the GLC-Class get more complaints than the Toyota Highlander?
No: 1.9 complaints per production run for the GLC-Class against 2.9 for the Toyota Highlander.
How many GLC-Class complaints involve a crash?
6.7% of 282 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 7 involved a fire.
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