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Mercedes-Benz · Compact SUV

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Plug-in hybridGas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
9 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls1 critical15
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA98
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA25 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and gas compact SUV with 9 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the GLC350e 4matic, is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 98 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
GLC350e 4maticPlug-in hybrid4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo + 85 kW DCPM242725 (31 MPGe blended)10 mi electric591.9 h$3,100
GLC300GasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo222824$3,250
GLC300 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo212824$3,250
GLC300 4matic CoupeGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo222724$3,250
AMG GLC43 4maticGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,900
AMG GLC43 4matic CoupeGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,900
AMG GLC63 4maticGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo162218$4,300
AMG GLC63 4matic CoupeGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo152218$4,300
AMG GLC63 S 4matic CoupeGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo152218$4,300

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 39881, 38952, 38954, 39001, 38955, 39002, 40039, 40040, 40041.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is in the years where high-voltage electronics and module repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

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Recalls (15)

Source: NHTSA recall database
high

Structure

2,976 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.RiskA detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
NHTSA campaign 23V854000reported Dec 15, 2023Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
minor

Electrical System

See Recall Schedule
242,722 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.RiskA disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.FixThe communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.
NHTSA campaign 22V365000reported May 20, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Structure

2021070010
15,096 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.RiskThe adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixMercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 21V197000reported Mar 19, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
moderate

Communication

2021030005
67 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.RiskA disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.
NHTSA campaign 21V072000reported Feb 12, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
minor

Electrical System

2021020025
1,292,258 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.RiskFailure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
NHTSA campaign 21V058000reported Feb 5, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
!critical

Electrical System

2021010006
2,563 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2020 AMG GLC 63 4MATIC vehicles. The power supply cable on the starter might not have been installed correctly, possibly allowing the cable to chafe against the starter housing and short-circuit.RiskIf the power supply cable short-circuits, it can result in a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter harness and power supply cable installation, and correct it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021010006.
NHTSA campaign 20V776000reported Dec 11, 2020Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
high

Seat Belts

2020020017
29,720 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E400 Wagon 4MATIC, E400 4MATIC, E43 AMG 4MATIC, 2018-2019 E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon, E300, E300 4MATIC, GLC63S Coupe AMG 4MATIC, 2019 CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E450 Wagon, E53 AMG 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, G550 4MATIC, G63 AMG, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG 4MATIC, GT63 AMG four-door 4MATIC, and GT63S AMG four-door 4MATIC vehicles. Although correctly fastened, the front seat belts may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, which may cause the electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the pretensioner to be deactivateRiskThe electric PRE-SAFE®-function and the seat belt pretensioners may not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckles, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020017.
NHTSA campaign 19V788000reported Nov 1, 2019Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
high

Air Bags

2019020004
809 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC63 AMG Coupe, GLC63S AMG Coupe, and GLC63 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the frontal air bag may have a delayed deployment for certain unbelted front seat passengers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."RiskA delay in the air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.FixMBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will update the air bag control unit software parameters, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019020004.
NHTSA campaign 18V905000reported Dec 19, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
high

Air Bags

2018120009
104,663 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C300, C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C43 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Cabriolet, C350e Plug-In Hybrid, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Coupe, C63 S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63 S AMG, 2018-2019 GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC300, GLC63 AMG Coupe, GLC300 4Matic, GLC350e Plug-In Hybrid, GLC43 AMG Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC63 S AMG Coupe, and GLC63 AMG vehicles equipped with Audio 20 head units and automatic child seat recognition. The status of the passenger side air bag may not display correctly.RiskIf the passenger air bag is incorrectly displayed as 'ON' when it is not, a front seat passenger may be unaware that the air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the audio head unit software, free of charge. The recall began January 3, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018120009.
NHTSA campaign 18V838000reported Nov 27, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
high

Structure

2018100002
4,702 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 and GLC300 4Matic, 2018 GLC350e and GLC63 AMG 4Matic and 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The seat belt latch plates (the parts that insert into the buckles) for the outboard rear seats may retract into the interior paneling, preventing the occupants from being able to use the seat belts.RiskIf the rear seat passengers cannot fasten their seat belts, they have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install felt strips between the C-pillar and rear side paneling, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018100002.
NHTSA campaign 18V683000reported Oct 1, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
high

Exterior Lighting

2018090014
4,702 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLC300 4MATIC Coupe, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, and GLC43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The front turn signals may have an incorrect color of pink or violet. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."RiskTurn signals that are the wrong color may not be as easily recognized by other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the color of the turn signal, replacing the LED module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 18V610000reported Sep 11, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
high

Air Bags

2018050003
57 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG GT, AMG GT C, GLC43 AMG 4Matic, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic and GLC350e 4Matic vehicles. The housing for the driver side air bag inflator may have been made with defective steel. In the event of an air bag deployment, the defective steel may cause the inflator to improperly inflate the driver-side air bag and potentially rupture.RiskIn the event of a crash involving driver air bag deployment, an improperly inflated air bag and/or an inflator rupture with sharp metal fragments might result in serious injury or death to the driver or to occupants.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 29, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 18V208000reported Mar 29, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
high

Structure

2018030012
121,858 vehicles
ProblemMercedes Benz USA LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG, 2016-2018 GLC300 4Matic, 2016-2018 GLC300, 2018 GLC63 AMG 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic vehicles. The seat belt latch plates (the parts that insert into the buckles) for the outboard rear seats may retract into the interior paneling, preventing the occupants from being able to use the seat belts.RiskIf the rear seat passengers cannot fasten their seat belts, they have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a buffer to the c-pillar paneling, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018030012.
NHTSA campaign 18V177000reported Mar 15, 2018Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
high

Visibility

2017110009
9,379 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, and GLC43 AMG vehicles. The fixed panoramic sun roof frontal and side plastic panels may have insufficient bonding, allowing the panels to separate during vehicle operation.RiskIf the sun roof panels detach from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash or injury for following traffic.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bonding on the sun roof panels, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2017110009.
NHTSA campaign 17V715000reported Nov 14, 2017Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
high

Air Bags

2017110011
495,290 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 RiskIf the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall began in December 6, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
NHTSA campaign 17V627000reported Oct 6, 2017Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005

Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module — Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · action EA21002

Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars — Front Roof Panel Detachment closed

On January 8, 2021, after ongoing review with Mercedes Benz, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-001 to assess allegations of front roof panel detachments while driving at highway speeds in certain 2015 Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes) C-Class vehicles.The subject front roof panel is a stationary panel composed of polycarbonate and is attached to the vehicle via adhesive at the time of manufacture. The panel is found on subject vehicles equipped with panoramic sunroofs. Over time, the subject panels may exhibit cosmetic degradation leading to replacement of the panel, a procedure which entails: removal of the old panel and adhe

Opened Jan 8, 2021 · closed Oct 14, 2021 · action PE21001

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
98complaints filed

5 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 4 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2018: 13 · 2019: 6 · 2020: 6 · 2021: 2 · 2022: 10 · 2023: 30 · 2024: 17 · 2025: 10 · 2026: 4

Most-cited components

Engine32
Unspecified22
Electrical System15
Structure12
Power Train10
Seat Belts8

What owners describe

“Malfunction and engine light is on. Found p052e present. Recommended replacement of crankcase breather assembly”Jun 24, 2025 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“There is a problem with the fuel pressure sensor or wiring to the fuel pump control unit. This causes the fuel bay door to malfunction, meaning sometimes it won't open and sometimes it opens on its own. Today, my local Mercedes dealer (Mercedes of Seattle) quoted $5081.00 to repair this. See attached electronic quote t…”Dec 28, 2023 · Fuel/Propulsion System · NHTSA owner report
“Backup Camera randomly power cycle while the transmission is in REVERSE. It was listed for recall for 2019-2021 models vehicle and it has showed up in my 2018 GLC 300. Contacted Dealer multiple times and was told software update would have fix it. Left the vehicle with dealer multiple times and each time was told softw…”Oct 30, 2023 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Other GLC-Class model years

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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