Owners have filed 99 complaints
about the 2023 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 with NHTSA between 2023 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 8 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 — 65
Against the median year of the Mercedes Benz GLC 300. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 57
11.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2023 compares with every other Mercedes Benz GLC 300
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
337.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
225.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
337.5%
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 2023peak 37Apr 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2023 Mercedes Benz GLC 300
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP23003Opened 25 Jul 2023Closed 20 May 2024POWER TRAIN
Malfunction Indicator Light / No-Start
In a letter dated July 2, 2023, Aldelberto A. Cordova (the petitioner) submitted a petition requesting that NHTSA initiate an investigation of an alleged defect within the “ISG 48-volt on-board electrical system,” which resulted in warning light illumination as well as an inability to start the vehicle in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. ODI reviewed the petition, complaint data in NHTSA's databases and information gathered from an Information Request (IR) letter sent to Mercedes-Benz. Examination of this information indicates that the subject component listed in the petition is not capable of cau...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Dayton, OH1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
1. Rear Hatch hands free system - closes unexpectedly while loading or unloading car without using feet to trigger system. Hatch will close down and trap driver in the rear, causing bruising on driver and requiring assistance to push hatch back up. Has been into dealer multiple times since this is HUGE risk to animals or small children exiting out of the rear. Dealer finally disabled hands free system. 2. Lane change assist/blind spot warning - Auto believes there's a vehicle in the lane to either side and will stop car from changing lanes, when actually there isn't a vehicle there. Has caused several close calls due to signaling to change lanes the car will then try to pull back into previous lane. Warning light remains on the side mirrors even when there are no vehicles in the lane. This is especially hazardous while driving at night and in less than optimal weather conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11653863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH1 injured
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
1. Rear Hatch hands free system - closes unexpectedly while loading or unloading car without using feet to trigger system. Hatch will close down and trap driver in the rear, causing bruising on driver and requiring assistance to push hatch back up. Has been into dealer multiple times since this is HUGE risk to animals or small children exiting out of the rear. Dealer finally disabled hands free system. 2. Lane change assist/blind spot warning - Auto believes there's a vehicle in the lane to either side and will stop car from changing lanes, when actually there isn't a vehicle there. Has caused several close calls due to signaling to change lanes the car will then try to pull back into previous lane. Warning light remains on the side mirrors even when there are no vehicles in the lane. This is especially hazardous while driving at night and in less than optimal weather conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11653863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH1 injured
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
1. Rear Hatch hands free system - closes unexpectedly while loading or unloading car without using feet to trigger system. Hatch will close down and trap driver in the rear, causing bruising on driver and requiring assistance to push hatch back up. Has been into dealer multiple times since this is HUGE risk to animals or small children exiting out of the rear. Dealer finally disabled hands free system. 2. Lane change assist/blind spot warning - Auto believes there's a vehicle in the lane to either side and will stop car from changing lanes, when actually there isn't a vehicle there. Has caused several close calls due to signaling to change lanes the car will then try to pull back into previous lane. Warning light remains on the side mirrors even when there are no vehicles in the lane. This is especially hazardous while driving at night and in less than optimal weather conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11653863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WACrash1 killed
STEERING
Loss of propulsion at highway speeds with subsequent failure of digital light system at night resulting in injury crash
NHTSA complaint #11614976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WACrash1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Loss of propulsion at highway speeds with subsequent failure of digital light system at night resulting in injury crash
NHTSA complaint #11614976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WACrash1 killed
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Loss of propulsion at highway speeds with subsequent failure of digital light system at night resulting in injury crash
NHTSA complaint #11614976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sevierville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof exploded while driving on the interstate.
NHTSA complaint #11732486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesOrangevale, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speed limit warning system failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the Heads-up Display (HUD) illuminated a red light and an unknown message about driving too slowly was displayed. The contact stated that the red light illuminated and flashed intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was common with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact asked if the speed limit warning system could be deactivated, and the dealer was informed that it had to be approved by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #11725658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There are two issues 1) Unsure of the exact date, but about a year or two ago we were driving our car and the car's automatic break system went into effect on a typically busy, 3 lane road despite there not being any cars in front of our vehicle. We took it into the dealership, who confirmed the issue and told us that sometimes the automatic brake mis-identifies the metal plates in the roads to be vehicles. Had there been a car driving behind us at the time this was happening, it could have been a major accident as the speed limit on that road was 45mph. Additionally we had our [XXX] in the car. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. 2) Recently we have been having a warning sign on our car that says the 12v battery is low, even though it should not be. Historically this would tell us to drive our car around so the battery wouldn't die, but this would sometimes turn on even after a 30+ minute drive. It was turning on every single time we turned the car off, so we brought it into the shop. While in the shop, the dealer provided us with a brand new GLC 300. I took this GLC 300 to my son's daycare to drop him off and when I returned to the car I received an error message "48V battery service required" and could not turn on the vehicle. This brand new vehicle left me stranded. While I was safe at my son's daycare, this has caused me to have significant concerns around the safety and reliability of these GLC300s. We are planning on taking our 2023 GLC 300 on a 6 hour road trip with our [XXX] old and [XXX] old and I am very concerned about the car not starting if we stop for gas. What if we get stranded in a small city along the way? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11725254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There are two issues 1) Unsure of the exact date, but about a year or two ago we were driving our car and the car's automatic break system went into effect on a typically busy, 3 lane road despite there not being any cars in front of our vehicle. We took it into the dealership, who confirmed the issue and told us that sometimes the automatic brake mis-identifies the metal plates in the roads to be vehicles. Had there been a car driving behind us at the time this was happening, it could have been a major accident as the speed limit on that road was 45mph. Additionally we had our [XXX] in the car. There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. 2) Recently we have been having a warning sign on our car that says the 12v battery is low, even though it should not be. Historically this would tell us to drive our car around so the battery wouldn't die, but this would sometimes turn on even after a 30+ minute drive. It was turning on every single time we turned the car off, so we brought it into the shop. While in the shop, the dealer provided us with a brand new GLC 300. I took this GLC 300 to my son's daycare to drop him off and when I returned to the car I received an error message "48V battery service required" and could not turn on the vehicle. This brand new vehicle left me stranded. While I was safe at my son's daycare, this has caused me to have significant concerns around the safety and reliability of these GLC300s. We are planning on taking our 2023 GLC 300 on a 6 hour road trip with our [XXX] old and [XXX] old and I am very concerned about the car not starting if we stop for gas. What if we get stranded in a small city along the way? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11725254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexander, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased a brand new GLC 300 on May 25, 2023. By June 2, 2023 I was already stranded due to a 12V battery electrical system failure. Since then I have been stranded 8 total times and the vehicle has been in the service department 14+ times for repeated electrical issues (8 of those visits were related to the same 12V battery electrical system failures. The battery was reportedly replaced in 2024-shortly thereafter I began experiencing issues with the collision assist malfunctioning. The alarms would sound seat belt tighten and brakes lock up while driving on the interstate. The theft deterrent alarm wound sound in the middle of the night without provocation. The panoramic roof would malfunction. The air vent disintegrated. In August 2025, the collision assist malfunctioned causing the vehicle to steer off the road resulting in a blow out. It has not been driven since.
NHTSA complaint #11722368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, IL
ENGINE
Vehicle has a significant engine oil leak without being driven. Engine oil electronic meter still shows engine oil to be in "Ok" range. Vehicle is 2023 with only 19680 miles and is rarely driven till the last 2 months. Other 2023 Model Year MB GLC300's manufactured at the same Bremen Germany plant are already being recalled for engine and fuel leaks, however, this one is not on the list. This vehicle is also the 2.0L Inline 4 engine and may be the same engine as the others being recalled. The others are recalled due to an imperfect seal between the high pressure fuel pump and the tandem oil pump. My vehicle is leaking engine fluid, likely oil at a significant rate without having been driven in any unsafe manner or much use.
NHTSA complaint #11685600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
1. Rear Hatch hands free system - closes unexpectedly while loading or unloading car without using feet to trigger system. Hatch will close down and trap driver in the rear, causing bruising on driver and requiring assistance to push hatch back up. Has been into dealer multiple times since this is HUGE risk to animals or small children exiting out of the rear. Dealer finally disabled hands free system. 2. Lane change assist/blind spot warning - Auto believes there's a vehicle in the lane to either side and will stop car from changing lanes, when actually there isn't a vehicle there. Has caused several close calls due to signaling to change lanes the car will then try to pull back into previous lane. Warning light remains on the side mirrors even when there are no vehicles in the lane. This is especially hazardous while driving at night and in less than optimal weather conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11653863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH1 injured
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
1. Rear Hatch hands free system - closes unexpectedly while loading or unloading car without using feet to trigger system. Hatch will close down and trap driver in the rear, causing bruising on driver and requiring assistance to push hatch back up. Has been into dealer multiple times since this is HUGE risk to animals or small children exiting out of the rear. Dealer finally disabled hands free system. 2. Lane change assist/blind spot warning - Auto believes there's a vehicle in the lane to either side and will stop car from changing lanes, when actually there isn't a vehicle there. Has caused several close calls due to signaling to change lanes the car will then try to pull back into previous lane. Warning light remains on the side mirrors even when there are no vehicles in the lane. This is especially hazardous while driving at night and in less than optimal weather conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11653863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH1 injured
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
1. Rear Hatch hands free system - closes unexpectedly while loading or unloading car without using feet to trigger system. Hatch will close down and trap driver in the rear, causing bruising on driver and requiring assistance to push hatch back up. Has been into dealer multiple times since this is HUGE risk to animals or small children exiting out of the rear. Dealer finally disabled hands free system. 2. Lane change assist/blind spot warning - Auto believes there's a vehicle in the lane to either side and will stop car from changing lanes, when actually there isn't a vehicle there. Has caused several close calls due to signaling to change lanes the car will then try to pull back into previous lane. Warning light remains on the side mirrors even when there are no vehicles in the lane. This is especially hazardous while driving at night and in less than optimal weather conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11653863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesDecatur, IL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated while driving on an access road at 35 MPH, the brake pedal was not depressed; however, the vehicle came to an immediate stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to continue driving normally. The local dealer was contacted and sent a tow truck to pick up the vehicle from the residence for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
check engine light continues to turn on and off, response from dealer maintenance is this issue is temperature related and just keep driving, not sure how this makes for an effective or safe functioning of a warning light also seems like it can lead to unnecessary trips to and costs at the maintenance garage. This has been a multiple time issue since purchase of vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11629834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milpitas, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sunroof glass blasted and shattered during a drive on an interstate highway. I was driving normally when I heard a loud sound like a tire burst or gunshot. Initially, I thought that my tire had busted. I took an exit and stopped to inspect the tires. I found them to be okay, but I was puzzled where the sound came from. I started driving again and observed that a lot of outside noise was coming, also there was a glass clinking noise so I stopped again to check. I found a hole in my sunroof and the shattered glass had fallen on the protective mesh cloth. That is when I realized that the loud sound was from this broken sunroof. It was something like that the sunroof had blasted outwards as the bump was going outside. Luckily, I didn't lose control of that sudden, loud sound and didn't get into a crash. Hopefully, the broken glass didn't fly and hit other cars.
NHTSA complaint #11629650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car has software issue putting drivers at risk until the update is provided. Response to problem from manufacturer is to drive the car or wait until such time as a solution is developed. this is the 3 issue in less than a year the car's fuel uptake system is interrupted putting drivers at risk when pulling out into traffic or needing normal acceleration expected from a normally functioning car. How long will Mercedes get away with this before someone is killed
NHTSA complaint #11623589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Canada, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11621247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GLC 300 was purchased new on May 25, 2023. Multiple 12V battery errors, check engine indicators, and rear hatch closing on owner starting the first week of ownership. 48V battery and Main Fuse Box were replaced. Multiple recalls were addressed. Most significant issue related to false collision avoidance incidents on two occasions that resulted in dangerous situations and extreme stress on the occupants. First occurrence was on July 12, 2024. Driving approximately 40 mph on two lane road near a school that was not in session. There were no surrounding vehicles, pedestrians or obstacles. Vehicle beeped, seatbelts locked, and speed forced to 10 mph. Took vehicle to local MB dealership who attributed the vehicle’s response to proximity to a school zone. Vehicle was not checked for fault codes. Second occurrence was on August 19, 2024. Driving 55 mph on major highway and a truck entered the merge lane to the right. The truck was travelling at reduced speed and remained in the merge lane showing no effort to merge into vehicle’s lane. Vehicle had violent sudden deceleration with beeping alerts, locking seatbelts and reduced speed to 10 mph. Driver and passenger experienced symptoms of whiplash. It was fortunate that there was no vehicle travelling immediately behind the vehicle. Vehicle was driven to MB dealership for analysis. The vehicle had been driven 6,177 miles in 15 months. Service manager indicated there were no fault codes so no maintenance was warranted. Owner viewed the vehicle as dangerous due to false collision avoidance issues that put passengers and others at risk. The owner sold the vehicle to the MB dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11618304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
GLC 300 was purchased new on May 25, 2023. Multiple 12V battery errors, check engine indicators, and rear hatch closing on owner starting the first week of ownership. 48V battery and Main Fuse Box were replaced. Multiple recalls were addressed. Most significant issue related to false collision avoidance incidents on two occasions that resulted in dangerous situations and extreme stress on the occupants. First occurrence was on July 12, 2024. Driving approximately 40 mph on two lane road near a school that was not in session. There were no surrounding vehicles, pedestrians or obstacles. Vehicle beeped, seatbelts locked, and speed forced to 10 mph. Took vehicle to local MB dealership who attributed the vehicle’s response to proximity to a school zone. Vehicle was not checked for fault codes. Second occurrence was on August 19, 2024. Driving 55 mph on major highway and a truck entered the merge lane to the right. The truck was travelling at reduced speed and remained in the merge lane showing no effort to merge into vehicle’s lane. Vehicle had violent sudden deceleration with beeping alerts, locking seatbelts and reduced speed to 10 mph. Driver and passenger experienced symptoms of whiplash. It was fortunate that there was no vehicle travelling immediately behind the vehicle. Vehicle was driven to MB dealership for analysis. The vehicle had been driven 6,177 miles in 15 months. Service manager indicated there were no fault codes so no maintenance was warranted. Owner viewed the vehicle as dangerous due to false collision avoidance issues that put passengers and others at risk. The owner sold the vehicle to the MB dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11618304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
GLC 300 was purchased new on May 25, 2023. Multiple 12V battery errors, check engine indicators, and rear hatch closing on owner starting the first week of ownership. 48V battery and Main Fuse Box were replaced. Multiple recalls were addressed. Most significant issue related to false collision avoidance incidents on two occasions that resulted in dangerous situations and extreme stress on the occupants. First occurrence was on July 12, 2024. Driving approximately 40 mph on two lane road near a school that was not in session. There were no surrounding vehicles, pedestrians or obstacles. Vehicle beeped, seatbelts locked, and speed forced to 10 mph. Took vehicle to local MB dealership who attributed the vehicle’s response to proximity to a school zone. Vehicle was not checked for fault codes. Second occurrence was on August 19, 2024. Driving 55 mph on major highway and a truck entered the merge lane to the right. The truck was travelling at reduced speed and remained in the merge lane showing no effort to merge into vehicle’s lane. Vehicle had violent sudden deceleration with beeping alerts, locking seatbelts and reduced speed to 10 mph. Driver and passenger experienced symptoms of whiplash. It was fortunate that there was no vehicle travelling immediately behind the vehicle. Vehicle was driven to MB dealership for analysis. The vehicle had been driven 6,177 miles in 15 months. Service manager indicated there were no fault codes so no maintenance was warranted. Owner viewed the vehicle as dangerous due to false collision avoidance issues that put passengers and others at risk. The owner sold the vehicle to the MB dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11618304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hurricane, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The care sends a message that the battery is low. Then the check engine light comes on till we drive the car for awhile. The first time this happened I took it to the dealer and they said they could find nothing wrong with it and was giving no readings. It has continued to happen a lot. The battery should not be going down if it not being used. There has to be a problem. This has been going on for over a year. The dealer where we bought the car called today about service and said there was a recall about the battery, but when I call MB they said there was not recall?
NHTSA complaint #11615647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WACrash1 killed
STEERING
Loss of propulsion at highway speeds with subsequent failure of digital light system at night resulting in injury crash
NHTSA complaint #11614976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WACrash1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Loss of propulsion at highway speeds with subsequent failure of digital light system at night resulting in injury crash
NHTSA complaint #11614976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WACrash1 killed
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Loss of propulsion at highway speeds with subsequent failure of digital light system at night resulting in injury crash
NHTSA complaint #11614976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weslaco, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Second time the rear left tail light not working properly. The parking light stay on after turning vehicle off at time it turns off. The light assembly was replaced by dealership less than a year ago. The light assembly was defective according to the dealership vehicle was purchase 10 prior.
NHTSA complaint #11609329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weslaco, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Second time the rear left tail light not working properly. The parking light stay on after turning vehicle off at time it turns off. The light assembly was replaced by dealership less than a year ago. The light assembly was defective according to the dealership vehicle was purchase 10 prior.
NHTSA complaint #11609329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesMcallen, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V115000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
NHTSA complaint #11607936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Herndon, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is an active recall for my vehicle Mercedez Benz GLC 300W4 for which I was NOT NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. The recall states that certain 80A fuses installed might not meet production requirements. As a result, a contact interruption or an increased triggering resistance might occur. In this case, systems connected to the fuse might become inoperable. Among others, the vehicle might lose propulsion without warning, restraint functions or the instrument cluster might be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash and injuries. In addition, a risk of fire cannot be ruled out. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the respective main fuse box on the affected vehicles. The following is the SAFETY RISK associated with this recall. As a result, a contact interruption or an increased triggering resistance might occur. In this case, systems connected to the fuse might become inoperable. Among others, the vehicle might lose propulsion without warning, restraint functions or the instrument cluster might be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash and injuries. In addition, a risk of fire cannot be ruled out. I have noticed that check engine light turning on at times while driving which might be due to this fuse malfunctioning. Please take appropriate action and support my case. I can provide more details if required. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11601017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.