repaired · 2025 Q4
Body: roof and pillars
Risk. A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 134 owner complaints about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, most often about the engine. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-854 the manufacturer reports only 41% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 29, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has problems
134 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
38Engine3 crash/fire/injury
27Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
18Fuel/propulsion system
12Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
11Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
7Steering
6Power train
5Seat belts
4Wheels
2310 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 38 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 27 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 18 | 0 |
| Air bags | 12 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 1 |
| Steering | 7 | 1 |
| Power train | 6 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 5 | 1 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 23 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Body: roof and pillars
Risk. The 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…
repaired · 2023 Q4
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Communication
Risk. An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2020 Q1
Rear/other: buckle assembly
Risk. If the rear seat passengers cannot fasten their seat belts, they have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Rear/other: buckle assembly
Risk. If the rear seat passengers cannot fasten their seat belts, they have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. An insufficiently illuminated roadway may increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. If the air bags do not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Electrical system: starter assembly
Risk. If the starting current limiter overheats, the surrounding components can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. A damaged ESP control unit may inadvertently activate the stability control altering the vehicle's path.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An unexpected air bag deployment or engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercedes-Benz.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other GLC 300 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the GLC 300 median. How we score
'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Front Roof Panel DetachmentLed to recall 21V-197
In owners' words
What GLC 300 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the engine experienced rough idling and the vehicle was shaking violently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an…
Check engine light on-pvc failure. Code PO52E-71as determined by reliable repair shop. Recommended to have vehicle repaired by dealer. Shop advised part is vital to emissions system.
When driving the car, the engine began to violently shake and fail. The engine ended up having a piston failure due to a small wrist pin and needed the entire engine block replaced. I was lucky that I was not on the freeway or in a more dangerous spot when the engine failed while driving.
Own a 2016 GLC 300?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.