Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2025 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4MATIC with NHTSA between 2025 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 53
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4MATIC. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2025 compares with every other Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4MATIC
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2025 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4MATIC
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
646.2%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
430.8%
Body & Structure
17.7%
Brakes
17.7%
Transmission & Drivetrain
17.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2025peak 7Aug 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Los Gatos, CA1 injured
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
To the Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration I am submitting this complaint to formally report a serious and recurring safety defect involving the automatic braking and collision detection systems in our Mercedes-Benz GLC. License Plate: 9RHN710 Dealer Servicing Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek (AutoNation), San Jose, California The vehicle has repeatedly experienced unexpected and unprovoked braking events, including situations where the automatic braking system engages despite there being no vehicles, pedestrians, or visible obstructions present. The issues observed include: • Sudden automatic braking activation without obstruction • Unexpected vehicle deceleration during normal driving conditions • Repeated dashboard alerts indicating “Speed Severely Restricted” • Repeated Attention Assist / “Coffee Break” warnings during normal local driving • Sudden brake engagement when parking, accompanied by a loud mechanical noise These events create a dangerous driving condition, as unexpected braking could lead to a rear-end collision from vehicles traveling behind the driver. During one incident, the abrupt braking caused a severe jolt to the driver, resulting in whiplash symptoms that required medical evaluation and MRI imaging, which identified cervical strain. The vehicle has been brought to the authorized dealership multiple times for inspection and repair attempts. However: • The dealership has not been able to diagnose or repair the issue • Service visits have largely been documented as general inspections • No ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) diagnostic or calibration report has been provided, despite the fact that the malfunction appears directly related to radar, camera, or collision prevention systems. We respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation review this complaint and determine whether further investigation into this issue is warranted.
NHTSA complaint #11723692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Gatos, CA1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
To the Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration I am submitting this complaint to formally report a serious and recurring safety defect involving the automatic braking and collision detection systems in our Mercedes-Benz GLC. License Plate: 9RHN710 Dealer Servicing Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek (AutoNation), San Jose, California The vehicle has repeatedly experienced unexpected and unprovoked braking events, including situations where the automatic braking system engages despite there being no vehicles, pedestrians, or visible obstructions present. The issues observed include: • Sudden automatic braking activation without obstruction • Unexpected vehicle deceleration during normal driving conditions • Repeated dashboard alerts indicating “Speed Severely Restricted” • Repeated Attention Assist / “Coffee Break” warnings during normal local driving • Sudden brake engagement when parking, accompanied by a loud mechanical noise These events create a dangerous driving condition, as unexpected braking could lead to a rear-end collision from vehicles traveling behind the driver. During one incident, the abrupt braking caused a severe jolt to the driver, resulting in whiplash symptoms that required medical evaluation and MRI imaging, which identified cervical strain. The vehicle has been brought to the authorized dealership multiple times for inspection and repair attempts. However: • The dealership has not been able to diagnose or repair the issue • Service visits have largely been documented as general inspections • No ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) diagnostic or calibration report has been provided, despite the fact that the malfunction appears directly related to radar, camera, or collision prevention systems. We respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation review this complaint and determine whether further investigation into this issue is warranted.
NHTSA complaint #11723692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
To the Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration I am submitting this complaint to formally report a serious and recurring safety defect involving the automatic braking and collision detection systems in our Mercedes-Benz GLC. License Plate: 9RHN710 Dealer Servicing Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek (AutoNation), San Jose, California The vehicle has repeatedly experienced unexpected and unprovoked braking events, including situations where the automatic braking system engages despite there being no vehicles, pedestrians, or visible obstructions present. The issues observed include: • Sudden automatic braking activation without obstruction • Unexpected vehicle deceleration during normal driving conditions • Repeated dashboard alerts indicating “Speed Severely Restricted” • Repeated Attention Assist / “Coffee Break” warnings during normal local driving • Sudden brake engagement when parking, accompanied by a loud mechanical noise These events create a dangerous driving condition, as unexpected braking could lead to a rear-end collision from vehicles traveling behind the driver. During one incident, the abrupt braking caused a severe jolt to the driver, resulting in whiplash symptoms that required medical evaluation and MRI imaging, which identified cervical strain. The vehicle has been brought to the authorized dealership multiple times for inspection and repair attempts. However: • The dealership has not been able to diagnose or repair the issue • Service visits have largely been documented as general inspections • No ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) diagnostic or calibration report has been provided, despite the fact that the malfunction appears directly related to radar, camera, or collision prevention systems. We respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation review this complaint and determine whether further investigation into this issue is warranted.
NHTSA complaint #11723692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Celina, TX
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle experiences a severe, abrupt jerk/jolt during deceleration around the 5th-to-4th gear downshift. The issue occurs consistently when slowing down. Dealership verified the condition on Repair Order #1906625 and confirmed a transmission flaw. Dealer stated software is required from the manufacturer with no ETA for release. The abrupt deceleration creates unexpected cabin jolting during normal traffic slowing.
NHTSA complaint #11755359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marco Island, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The instrument cluster display went dark and has not been able to display any information such as speed in miles per hour, fuel gauge, and other important information needed to maintain safe driving.
NHTSA complaint #11742067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northborough, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All of the screens in the car failed to start. They remained black while the car was running. Turning the car off did nothing. Drove to a parking lot, turned the car off, got out, locked the car, waited 5 minutes and it still didn't come back. Had to do a reboot by holding the system power button for 10 seconds. This has occurred 3x in 9,200 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11729806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boca Raton, 00
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11723770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boca Raton, 00
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11723770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11723770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Gatos, CA1 injured
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
To the Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration I am submitting this complaint to formally report a serious and recurring safety defect involving the automatic braking and collision detection systems in our Mercedes-Benz GLC. License Plate: 9RHN710 Dealer Servicing Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek (AutoNation), San Jose, California The vehicle has repeatedly experienced unexpected and unprovoked braking events, including situations where the automatic braking system engages despite there being no vehicles, pedestrians, or visible obstructions present. The issues observed include: • Sudden automatic braking activation without obstruction • Unexpected vehicle deceleration during normal driving conditions • Repeated dashboard alerts indicating “Speed Severely Restricted” • Repeated Attention Assist / “Coffee Break” warnings during normal local driving • Sudden brake engagement when parking, accompanied by a loud mechanical noise These events create a dangerous driving condition, as unexpected braking could lead to a rear-end collision from vehicles traveling behind the driver. During one incident, the abrupt braking caused a severe jolt to the driver, resulting in whiplash symptoms that required medical evaluation and MRI imaging, which identified cervical strain. The vehicle has been brought to the authorized dealership multiple times for inspection and repair attempts. However: • The dealership has not been able to diagnose or repair the issue • Service visits have largely been documented as general inspections • No ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) diagnostic or calibration report has been provided, despite the fact that the malfunction appears directly related to radar, camera, or collision prevention systems. We respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation review this complaint and determine whether further investigation into this issue is warranted.
NHTSA complaint #11723692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Gatos, CA1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
To the Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration I am submitting this complaint to formally report a serious and recurring safety defect involving the automatic braking and collision detection systems in our Mercedes-Benz GLC. License Plate: 9RHN710 Dealer Servicing Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek (AutoNation), San Jose, California The vehicle has repeatedly experienced unexpected and unprovoked braking events, including situations where the automatic braking system engages despite there being no vehicles, pedestrians, or visible obstructions present. The issues observed include: • Sudden automatic braking activation without obstruction • Unexpected vehicle deceleration during normal driving conditions • Repeated dashboard alerts indicating “Speed Severely Restricted” • Repeated Attention Assist / “Coffee Break” warnings during normal local driving • Sudden brake engagement when parking, accompanied by a loud mechanical noise These events create a dangerous driving condition, as unexpected braking could lead to a rear-end collision from vehicles traveling behind the driver. During one incident, the abrupt braking caused a severe jolt to the driver, resulting in whiplash symptoms that required medical evaluation and MRI imaging, which identified cervical strain. The vehicle has been brought to the authorized dealership multiple times for inspection and repair attempts. However: • The dealership has not been able to diagnose or repair the issue • Service visits have largely been documented as general inspections • No ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) diagnostic or calibration report has been provided, despite the fact that the malfunction appears directly related to radar, camera, or collision prevention systems. We respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation review this complaint and determine whether further investigation into this issue is warranted.
NHTSA complaint #11723692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
To the Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration I am submitting this complaint to formally report a serious and recurring safety defect involving the automatic braking and collision detection systems in our Mercedes-Benz GLC. License Plate: 9RHN710 Dealer Servicing Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz of Stevens Creek (AutoNation), San Jose, California The vehicle has repeatedly experienced unexpected and unprovoked braking events, including situations where the automatic braking system engages despite there being no vehicles, pedestrians, or visible obstructions present. The issues observed include: • Sudden automatic braking activation without obstruction • Unexpected vehicle deceleration during normal driving conditions • Repeated dashboard alerts indicating “Speed Severely Restricted” • Repeated Attention Assist / “Coffee Break” warnings during normal local driving • Sudden brake engagement when parking, accompanied by a loud mechanical noise These events create a dangerous driving condition, as unexpected braking could lead to a rear-end collision from vehicles traveling behind the driver. During one incident, the abrupt braking caused a severe jolt to the driver, resulting in whiplash symptoms that required medical evaluation and MRI imaging, which identified cervical strain. The vehicle has been brought to the authorized dealership multiple times for inspection and repair attempts. However: • The dealership has not been able to diagnose or repair the issue • Service visits have largely been documented as general inspections • No ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) diagnostic or calibration report has been provided, despite the fact that the malfunction appears directly related to radar, camera, or collision prevention systems. We respectfully request that the Office of Defects Investigation review this complaint and determine whether further investigation into this issue is warranted.
NHTSA complaint #11723692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The component that repeatedly fails is the vehicle’s electronic display/infotainment system (dual digital screens/MBUX system) and potentially related electrical components in my 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC. The system has malfunctioned six (6) separate times since I purchased the vehicle new in May 2025. When the malfunction occurs, both display screens suddenly go completely black and become inoperable while the vehicle is running. During these failures, the vehicle also produces a repetitive clicking sound from the dashboard area while the screens are off. The most serious incident occurred on February 17, 2026, when the screens shut down while I was driving and I detected a burning electrical smell inside the vehicle. This raised significant concerns about a possible electrical malfunction or fire risk. The digital display system provides critical driving information, including vehicle settings, safety alerts, and operational controls. When the screens shut down, the driver loses access to important vehicle information and control functions, which creates a potential safety hazard while operating the vehicle. This issue has been reproduced multiple times and the vehicle has been taken to Mercedes-Benz of Jackson, Mississippi for inspection and repair attempts on several occasions. The dealership has attempted repairs and indicated that they have opened a case with the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing department regarding the recurring electrical issue. Due to the repeated electrical failures, clicking sounds from the dashboard area, and the burning electrical odor detected while the vehicle was in operation, I am concerned that this issue may indicate a serious electrical defect that could potentially lead to overheating or fire. The malfunction occurs while the vehicle is being driven, which places the driver and passengers at risk. Because the display system repeatedly shuts down and the issue has occurred multiple times despite dealer inspections and repair
NHTSA complaint #11721877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loveland, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BOTH DASHBOARD SCREENS WENT DARK AND REMAINED SO THROUGH 5 CYCLES OF STARTING THE CAR. HAD NO OPERATING INFORMATION WHATSOEVER. TOLD BY DEALER THAT MANY 2025 GLC-300'S ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11706872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loveland, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The instrument panel behind the steering wheel has gone totally dark. This issue happened about a month ago but resolved itself somehow. Issue happened again and will not correct itself. Took vehicle to dealer and they could not resolve issue with software update. Upon researching the MBWorld.org user forum I noticed this may be a wide spread issue. With a dark/blank instrument panel you cannot know your speed, fuel level, or what gear you have placed the car in. My technician even indicated he has seen this issue on several 2025 MB models.
NHTSA complaint #11695851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Northport, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11669164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.