repaired · 2025 Q4
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 70 owner complaints about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, most often about the engine. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-070 the manufacturer reports only 81% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 11, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has problems
70 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
31Engine1 crash/fire/injury
14Exterior lighting
10Fuel/propulsion system
8Electrical system
5Power train
3Forward collision avoidance
3Structure
3Visibility/wiper
3Back over prevention
85 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 31 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 3 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 8 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2021 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 · 2025 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Communication: auto crash notification
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency…
repaired · 2024 Q1
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Headlight failure can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 5 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q2
Sensor: side impact
Risk. Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Communication
Risk. A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying…
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.
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.
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
8 owners mentioned a cost$8,500median
Middle half: $7,575 – $10,000
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2021 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
In owners' words
What GLC 300 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, equipped with the M264 engine, suffered a catastrophic engine seizure with approximately 78,000 miles on the odometer. My son was driving when the engine shut off. The servicing dealer's service advisor diagnosed the failure only as "the engine seized" and, when asked…
The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent, sudden, and life-threatening drop into "limp home mode" while driving, creating an severe speed differential with surrounding traffic.First Incident (50,584 miles): The vehicle entered limp mode. Authorized Mercedes service center scanned the car,…
While driving in my neighborhood at 25 MPH, my Mercedes GLC300 suddenly lost power and the check engine light illuminated. My car would no longer exceed 25-30 MPH, but I drove it straight to the dealership and they said it was a faulty cylinder head and will cost $10,000 to fix! After intense…
Own a 2021 GLC 300?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.