25 of the
609 complaints filed about the Mercedes Benz GLC 300
are about the steering —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2022.
I was driving home on a 4 Lane Expressway on a Saturday afternoon, it was mildly raining with the roads a little wet. I suddenly lost control of the car and could not control the steering wheel, the car ended up hydroplaning and I lost control it ping-ponged across four expressway lanes back-and-forth about 20 to 25 times with zero control of the steering wheel, barely missing the medians and other cars. It should have been a massive catastrophe. Cars around me you had to stop and swerve around me to avoid hitting me all while driving on the expressway. Had someone accidentally hit me in the process it would’ve certainly flipped the car and I would’ve either ended up dead or in the ICU. After several minutes somehow without moving the steering wheel, I managed to just go straight and pull over. And waited for help to get back safely slowly. I thought the incident was isolated because the roads might have been the cause. But I went out out of the country and upon coming back, drove my car again on the expressway coming back home and the exact same thing happened with my minor child in the car across two expressway lanes in the evening time With the roads perfectly dry. Lost control of the steering wheel could not steer or direct the car and had to jerk it from to prevent it from driving off the highway. It seemed to have occurred both times at a higher velocity on expressways when the steering wheel needed to be engaged. I had it towed to the Mercedes Benz Of Coral Gables dealership, but they cannot find anything wrong with the car, even though the exact same model of my car has an active recall for 2023 and 2024 models. For the same problem, I later learned. Mine is a 2022. I have been in a loaner vehicle for three weeks while they investigate and I need Assistance to make sure that something gets done because nothing has been found and I do not want to risk driving with my child in the car.
NHTSA complaint #11696510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loss of Steering Control at Highway Speeds – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Vehicle: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300, VIN [XXX] Dates of Incident: September 13th and October 4th Mileage at Time of Incident: 39,500 While driving on a four-lane expressway at highway speeds, my vehicle suddenly and completely lost steering control, resulting in a total inability to steer. First Incident The first event occurred during light rain with mildly wet road conditions. Without warning, the vehicle hydroplaned and violently crossed all four lanes approximately 20–25 times, narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles and medians. The steering wheel was completely unresponsive. After several minutes, the car inexplicably corrected its course. Second Incident The second incident occurred weeks later under clear, dry conditions with my minor child in the car. Once again, the steering wheel locked, leaving me unable to direct the vehicle. I had to physically force the wheel to prevent the car from leaving the highway. Investigation The car was towed to Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, where technicians were unable to find any fault despite multiple diagnostic attempts. I have since discovered that 2023 and 2024 models of this same vehicle are under active recall for a similar steering malfunction, which may indicate that 2022 models are also affected. Safety Concern This defect poses an imminent risk of fatal accidents, both to occupants and to other drivers. The failure occurs without warning, at high speeds, and results in total loss of steering control. Requested Action I request that the NHTSA investigate whether 2022 models should be included in the existing recall related to steering control failure in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11696517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The driver’s seat automatically adjusted while the vehicle was in drive, causing me to lose the ability to reach the pedals and almost resulting in a collision. While driving my 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC with my children in the car, I stopped at a stop sign when the driver’s seat suddenly began adjusting itself backward. My husband also drives this vehicle, and because I had not logged into my driver profile, the car began moving the seat and controls to his saved position, while the car was in drive. The seat moved so far back that I could not reach the pedals. I lost control of the vehicle while another car was turning into my lane. The only way I avoided an accident was by quickly putting the car into park before the seat adjustment completed. This was a terrifying and dangerous situation. Automatic seat adjustments should never be allowed while the vehicle is in motion or in drive. This design flaw puts drivers, passengers, and surrounding traffic at risk of serious injury or death
NHTSA complaint #11682705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle's steering wheel vibrates noticibly between speeds of 47 mph and 55 mph. This issue was once addressed with a "software update" by Mercedes Benz of Portsmouth, NH. Streering wheel vibration is a concern for any driver that rely on power steering to turn or hold the car steady. In addition it creates unnecessary panic for some drivers. This issue is brought to Mercedes Benz multiple times. I had replaced all the tires at 19,000 miles, balanced, got tires aligned by Mercedes Benz dealer and the issue persists.
NHTSA complaint #11664363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 300. The contact stated while attempting to park, a loud clanking noise was coming from the steering wheel as the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring in the steering wheel which caused the steering wheel to fail and the steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 62,700
NHTSA complaint #11635080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Eagle Sport All Season, Tire Size: 255/45/R20, DOT Number: NE12JU1R1021. The contact stated that within a year of purchasing the vehicle brand new, he noticed that there was significant amount of rubber coming off the outer side of the front passenger's side tire. The contact stated that the failure was moderate on the front driver's side tire. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front driver's side tire was replaced twice due to the failure. Additionally, the front passenger's side tire was replaced three times; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that upon investigating the failure online, he learned that the steering knuckle might be damaging the tires. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle and the tire failure mileage were approximately 6,000.
NHTSA complaint #11608519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
the power steering wheel adjustment stopped working, leaving the steering wheel stuck in a very unconfutable position for driving. The car just ended its 4 yr warranty
NHTSA complaint #11583628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a significant steering vibration as the front wheel drops in a common pothole turning at speeds above 30 mph. There is a loss of control as if the wheel is skipping. It feels like the shock absorber continues to vibrate for a few seconds. I did mention this to Mercedes-Benz during the annual maintenance service but they did not do anything.
NHTSA complaint #11573644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel malfunctioned, and became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic power steering module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11560725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This 2023 GLC, a newly redesigned model, has a number of issues. The two most severe are the adaptive speed limit and the lane keeping assist. I had to disable the traffic sign recognition feature because I was on I-95 in Maryland where the posted speed limit was 65. The car abruptly slowed me down to 35 because it saw an exit sign speed limit but I was not on the exit. I was lucky the car behind me didn't hit me. A warning would be good but to brake the vehicle for a speed limit sign seems problematic. The more serious issue is the lane keeping assist. The car is supposed to show green markers when I'm above 37MPH and on a marked road. Normally, one turns red and eases the car back into the lane if I drift. There are 3 settings and mine is set to provide the most warning. If the system works (it sometimes does) I am already on the line at the alert. Typically, it could care less where I am in relation to road markings and will let me drift across lanes with no warning whatsoever. I took the car in to the dealership several times for this. The first time, they said "it's designed so you can't trick it." I didn't buy that. I then took it our for a drive with the service manager. He said "it detected steering input". I then let it drift across the road marking while removing my hands from the wheel and it provided no warning whatsoever (no turn signal use to disable the function). I asked him if he saw steering input that time. He said "I need a video of this". This issue has supposedly been sent to the engineers in Germany but this problem existed when new and it's been weeks with no resolution. This is a backup system but it is something I certainly paid for and would like to know it works should I actually need it. All testing was done in a safe manner and not around traffic. I can only attach pictures but I have videos as well. The dash should not be showing green lane markings on both sides in any of these screenshots from videos.
NHTSA complaint #11538722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The first day the car was picked up by us, we turned back and complained about the steering wheel and drivers' seat vibration. They checked it and we were told they cannot find anything. We were told to drive the car for awhile and return it if this complaint persists. We returned it to Okemos Mercedes with the same complaint. They said it is the tires and they replaced the right front tire. I told them I was driving since I was 17 and I know the difference between body and tire problems. We were told to try it again and come back and if it persists to return for diagnostics. Same response. I have complained to both dealership and and Mercedes main office and Mercedes does not agree it is a warranty issue. During the July 4th holidays, our son drove it and it was the first time I became a passenger. I cannot believe how scary the vibrations, noise and feeling unsafe in the back was. I made numerous calls to Mercedes and they keep pointing at the tires as the issue. The tires are supposed to have 2 more years tread left but Mercedes Okemos tried to sell us a tire. I was told by Mercedes main office to keep calling [XXX] at Okemos Mercedes service center but he had not returned calls. Mercedes main office said [XXX] had not returned calls, either. They were pointing fingers at each other while we were driving our grandchildren in an unsafe car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11534401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving over 50 MPH, the steering wheel was vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown manufacturer recall and the steering wheel bracket was replaced, and the steering wheel software was updated. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back a fourth time, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience the failure and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Mercedes-Benz of Rockville Centre (110 W Graham Ave, Hempstead, NY 11550, (516) 766-6900), but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,742.
NHTSA complaint #11530701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Excessive steering wheel vibration after the software update. Mercedes main office in Georgia was notified and they instructed there is a fix after I threatened the lemon law. Time on dash will read random times, then will fix itself. Air conditioner will not run cold to drivers side.
NHTSA complaint #11530039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Steering wheel vibrates uncomfortably and appears to lose steering effectiveness when the car goes over road irregularities when driving at moderate to high speeds. Irregularities experienced include driving over cross joints, bumps or dips on the road, and poorly repaired road surfaces. The sensation is disturbing and feels unsafe. The vibrations last for a few seconds each time. There are no warning signs or signals while this is happening. The vehicle is less than a year old and it has been doing this for a few months now. First time I felt this issue the car had approximately 3,100 miles. I made an appointment to take it to the dealership for it’s first 10,000 mile maintenance and will request to have this issue inspected.
NHTSA complaint #11517328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a squeaky noise from the suspension, shock absorbers or somewhere in that area. They have fixed the issue multiple times. Kept my car in the workshop for days multiple times but it’s not getting fixed. They probably sold me a lemon. I need help in rectifying this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11516174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At speed above 55mph , the steering wheel shakes in an abnormal and unsafe manner while traveling over a bump. This seems to be a manufacture defect and recall would be ideal. This seems to be an issue with all this model of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11513163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Temporary vibrations (LONG LASTING) noticeable on steering wheel when front axle excited when driving over road irregularities at a speed between 45 mph and 90 mph (70 km/h and 150 km/h). Excitation examples: • Driving over deeply recessed manhole covers • Driving over cross joints • Driving over extreme surface undulations
NHTSA complaint #11481588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle vibrates quite violently when hit some potholes. Steering wheel is the part that vibrates more but vibration is felt throughout the vehicle. It is more prevalent at highway between 55-65 mph speed. I also noticed that car shakes unusually and tilts to one side at times making it quite uncomfortable for driver. back tires make slipping noice on potholes and feels like car is going to be unstable momentarily . All these issues are putting driver and others at risk. I joined Facebook page of glc300 owners and almost everyone reported this kind of problem. For most of the people including me , it is still unresolved . I took my vehicle to dealer and they updated software but issue still persists.
NHTSA complaint #11480906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.