33 of the
624 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz GLC 300
are about the lighting —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
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 requires replacement. On September 8, 2026, the dealership provided a repair estimate of $3,387.33. The vehicle had approximately 84,769 miles. Mercedes-Benz previously issued NHTSA Recall 22V-261 / Campaign 2022050005 for certain 2021 GLC-Class vehicles because headlamp electrical connections may not have been sufficiently watertight, allowing moisture intrusion that could cause headlamp failure. My vehicle is the same year and model and is experiencing headlamp failure involving moisture and corrosion, but Mercedes-Benz states that my VIN is not included in the recall population. Mercedes-Benz Customer Care opened Case 23963515 and has declined coverage to date. I am concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing the same or a substantially similar moisture-intrusion defect as vehicles covered by Recall 22V-261. A failed headlamp reduces nighttime visibility and presents a safety concern. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether similar headlamp moisture intrusion, corrosion, and failure may be occurring in additional 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vehicles outside the original recall population.
NHTSA complaint #11763616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 inadequate watertight sealing of the headlamp assembly that can allow moisture intrusion and lead to headlamp electrical failure. My vehicle is experiencing the same type of moisture intrusion and resulting electrical failure described in that recall. Because this failure appears consistent with the known safety-related defect identified by NHTSA, I am requesting that the vehicle and affected headlamp assembly be evaluated for recall-related or manufacturer-assisted repair rather than treated solely as a routine out-of-warranty component failure.
NHTSA complaint #11763491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 accumulation and damage/corrosion around the headlamp electrical module/connector. The headlamp system subsequently malfunctioned. Recall 22V-261 describes a condition where the headlamp electrical connection may not be watertight, allowing moisture ingress and potentially causing headlamp failure. My vehicle appears to exhibit the same condition even though my VIN is excluded from the recall population. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the affected population for Recall 22V-261 may need to be expanded.
NHTSA complaint #11762288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The screen goes blank not only in the middle where the maps, air conditioning and radio is but the screen where the speed gas tank are as well. We have taken the car in at least 5 times stayed the issue and were told there’s no recall yet for the car. I see here that there is. The car was a Richmond Mercedes today the screen went down amd I was told there’s no fix but maybe I could look on the internet. So here I am!
NHTSA complaint #11754184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Headlight is defective and is filled with condensation which has caused the entire light to fail. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service center. The light has not been inspected by a manufacturer however the manufacturer was contacted and denied that a recall exists however other purchasers have reported the same issue. There have been no apparent issues prior to this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11724095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Water condensation within the driver side headlight which caused the complete headlight unit, control unit, and module to fail. This is a huge safety issue due to unable to operate vehicle safely during the when it comes to making left turns due to no signal indicator and a safety issue/hazard when driving at night. The issue has been inspected with a local dealer and with corporate being aware of the manufacturer defect. There were no indicators nor warning lamps prior to this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11711256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that the passenger’s side headlight was developing fog, causing the light to be dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V261000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
NHTSA complaint #11710686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Problem (repeat failure / prior warranty replacement): This vehicle has a recurring headlamp defect involving moisture ingress into the headlamp housing/connectors, causing electrical shorting and warning messages, with risk of headlight failure. Mercedes-Benz replaced this same headlamp under warranty in 2021 for the identical issue (moisture/shorting). The defect has recurred on the same vehicle.Recent verification: On Oct 13, 2025, the dealer (Mercedes-Benz of North Palm Beach) observed visible condensation/fogging in the lamp and confirmed it matches the prior failure that was repaired under warranty. Pattern affecting other owners: There are multiple consumer complaints in NHTSA’s database describing condensation, moisture intrusion, shorting, and headlamp malfunctions on GLC vehicles, including the 2020 model year. This indicates the issue is not isolated. Related recalls / known condition: NHTSA Recall 22V261 (GLC) identifies headlamp moisture/connector sealing problems leading to lighting failure. While my VIN is not currently included, the failure mechanism is the same: moisture → short → potential loss of headlight illumination. There are also GLC lighting recalls addressing exterior lighting malfunctions, underscoring that lighting faults on this platform are safety-relevant. Safety risk: Headlamp moisture/shorting can disable exterior lighting, reduce nighttime visibility, and increase crash risk. This is a repeat, safety-related defect previously repaired by Mercedes-Benz that has returned. Requested action: Please investigate this headlamp moisture/shorting defect on the 2020 GLC as a recurring safety problem, consider expanding applicable recall/remedy coverage, and direct the manufacturer to provide a durable fix and appropriate remedy for affected vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11693266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The headlights stopped working due to water entering the assembly unit. First one side went out and then eventually the other side went out. The car was brought in to the dealership to fix and they stated it wasn’t covered. I’m recently learning about a recall of this issue with my type of car and I’m being told that my vehicle is not included in the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11682064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Have been getting condensate inside vehicle headlights inwhich have cause the headlight to completely not work anymore.. There is no damage to headlight which means to be cause due to a problem with the seal. Checked with local and also statewide Mercedes advisors which was told there isn’t a recall for my vehicle inwhich I looked online and found an recall for vehicles just like the one I have.. Recall number 22V261000-Recall Date 04-14-2022. I’m asking for my vehicle to be inspected and repaired free of charge . Thanks and sorry for the bother - Can’t drive vehicle at night due to headlight malfunction and it’s very unsafe for me and kids and family
NHTSA complaint #11674539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Entire front right headlight assembly and module failed with no headlight, turn signal, park light etc. There is no visible external damage to the assembly although there is some moisture inside assembly. From internet search, it appears that this is a very common failure. Cost is over $2500 for replacement from local mechanics and over $3300 from Mercedes dealerships with little to no warranty for future failures either.
NHTSA complaint #11661143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I seen a recall for certain 2021 GLC 300 vehicles for moisture in right side headlamp, causing headlamp to blow (go out). This happened on my 2021 GLC 300. Same moisture issue, same year, same model, however, my vin number does not show that it has a recall. I believe this safety issue needs to be expanded to include my vehicle. Same issue, same year, same make and same model
NHTSA complaint #11657172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that there was condensation inside the front passenger’s side headlight housing after it had rained. The contact then stated that while driving at night, the passenger’s side headlight failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V261000 (Exterior Lighting); and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,700.
NHTSA complaint #11656755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attention Assist System Suspended notification comes on randomly on vehicle while driving, rendering driver defenseless with regard to safety warnings that would otherwise be in effect, such as blind spot assist, attention assist, which are vital components for safe driving. This has happened on numerous occasions, most recently on 12/06/2024 while driving under destination route guidance. It has also happened when car was stopped to retrieve mail at residence mail box and, at other times for no apparent reason, while driving. Each time when engine was restarted the dashboard read 'System suspended' and continued to do so until car was returned to dealer. This vehicle was purchased on 12/21/2023 and with less than 350 miles began repeated problems with warnings, the first of which was "Check engine"on 02/02/2024, as car was running rough. Car was repaired(dealer determined cause was electrical/software error, fault code) yet before driving out of the dealership the same 'check engine' warning reappeared and vehicle had to be returned to service that same day for the same problem. Since that date in 2023, this vehicle has had numerous seemingly computer related issues that render it unreliable as to the safety devices this vehicle features that should always be maintained. On 03/21/2024 with less than 950 miles the fans remained running after shutting vehicle off and a message appeared stating" cooling system malfunction/reduced drive performance" with a red triangle on dashboard. Dealer determined the cause was 'SOFTWARE" At this point I am concerned that this vehicle is over engineered with computerized options that randomly fail. On another occasion the lights on one side may have been on overnight. The lights (courtesy lights) were on on the right side overnight in garage. My safety is continuously at risk whenever a warning appears.I replaced my GLK specifically to have Blind Spot Assist, PRE-safe, Attention Assist, Active distance assist and other features.
NHTSA complaint #11629760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle suddenly starting getting moisture in the passenger side head light.Many people brought this my attention.After some time of moisture the head light begin to flicker on and off while I was driving.Then it just went out and stopped working.Eventually I took it to the dealer and they informed me that my vehicle didn't have a recall for this issue.As I search the Internet I found that lots of other customers experienced this same exact issue.I called Mercedes USA and they informed me to present the issue to you all. Thank You in advance for reviewing my concern.
NHTSA complaint #11627113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed during a rainstorm, the contact became aware that there was water inside the headlight assembly. Later, the contact stated that while driving at night, the headlamps were not functioning as needed. The contact stated that after a visual inspection, the driver’s and passenger’s side indicators were not functioning. The headlamp warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the headlight assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11598327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.