Here is every Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class model year we cover (2016–2024), ranked by our reliability verdict, with the owner-reported problems behind each one.
| Year | Verdict | Score | Top owner-reported problems | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Caution | 6 | Forward-collision-avoidance is reported to activate or alert falsely (phantom braking).; Power-train complaints include hesitation and power-delivery problems.; A small number of engine/propulsion-loss complaints are reported. | Full report ↗ |
| 2023 | Caution | 6 | The leading complaint for the redesigned model is the 12V/48V electrical system: no-start conditions, sudden shutdowns while driving, and battery faults.; Forward-collision-avoidance and driver-assist systems are reported to brake or alert falsely (phantom braking).; Engine and propulsion complaints include power loss. | Full report ↗ |
| 2022 | Caution | 6 | Fuel-system complaints include a high-pressure fuel-pump issue addressed under NHTSA recall 23V445000, with some owners reporting stalling.; The most common complaint is steering-wheel vibration felt at highway speed over road irregularities, often persisting after dealer fixes.; Engine complaints include misfires, check-engine lights and power loss. | Full report ↗ |
| 2019 | Caution | 6 | Engine complaints continue on the pre-facelift 2.0L turbo, including check-engine lights and rough running.; Spontaneous shattering of the panoramic sunroof is reported.; Electrical and MBUX/communication faults are reported, including infotainment glitches and warning messages. | Full report ↗ |
| 2018 | Caution | 6 | Some 2016-2018 units were recalled for rear outboard seat-belt latch plates that can retract into the trim.; M274 2.0L turbo engine complaints continue, including check-engine lights and rough running.; Power-train complaints include the 9-speed (9G-Tronic) automatic hesitating or shifting harshly at low speed. | Full report ↗ |
| 2017 | Caution | 6 | Engine problems on the M274 2.0L turbo are the leading complaint, including check-engine lights, misfires and rough idle.; Fuel and propulsion-system issues are reported, including stalling and fuel-system faults.; Electrical and MBUX/infotainment glitches are reported, including warning lights and control-module faults. | Full report ↗ |
| 2016 | Caution | 6 | Brake complaints are the most common report this first model year, including premature brake squeal surfacing within the first several thousand miles and soft or inconsistent pedal feel.; Owners report engine trouble on the M274 2.0L turbo four, including check-engine lights, rough running and misfire codes.; Fuel and propulsion-system faults are reported, including stalling and fuel-delivery problems. | Full report ↗ |
| 2021 | Caution | 5 | M264 2.0L turbo (mild-hybrid) engine cylinder-head/valve-seat failures continue to be the leading complaint, sometimes at low mileage.; Fuel and propulsion-system faults are reported.; Headlight moisture intrusion and exterior-lighting failures are reported. | Full report ↗ |
| 2020 | Caution | 5 | The biggest concern this year is the M264 2.0L turbo (mild-hybrid) engine: owners report cylinder-head and valve-seat failures, sometimes at relatively low mileage, leading to costly repairs.; Spontaneous shattering of the panoramic sunroof is reported.; Headlight moisture intrusion and exterior-lighting failures are reported, often recurring after warranty repair. | Full report ↗ |
A refined, athletic and very safe (IIHS Top Safety Pick+) luxury SUV with strong tech, but Mercedes below-average brand reliability, fiddly touch controls and high repair/insurance costs keep it a caution.
The redesigned X254 GLC is larger, more luxurious and earns top safety marks, but early units show 12V/48V electrical faults (no-start, shutdowns) and Mercedes below-average reliability and high running costs persist.
Final X253 year: pleasant and efficient, but with steering-vibration complaints and a fuel-pump recall (23V445000) plus Mercedes high repair/insurance costs. Confirm the recall was performed.
Refined and efficient with the 48V mild-hybrid 2.0T, but the M264 engine cylinder-head/valve-seat failures remain a documented risk and Mercedes running costs are high. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
The 2020 facelift introduced the M264 mild-hybrid engine, which has drawn a notable cluster of cylinder-head/valve-seat failure complaints, sometimes at low mileage and costly to fix. Quiet and quick, but inspect the engine carefully and budget for repairs.
Last of the pre-facelift X253: refined and well-built with fewer reported issues than earlier years, yet still saddled with Mercedes below-average reliability and high running costs.
A polished, comfortable luxury SUV, but engine, 9-speed transmission and sunroof complaints, dated infotainment and high repair/insurance costs make it a caution; verify maintenance records.
Quiet, refined and pleasant to drive, but the X253 GLC carries Mercedes below-average reliability, with M274 engine and fuel-system complaints plus high running costs; buy on condition and service history.
First model year of the X253 GLC: a quiet, upscale compact luxury SUV that drives well, but below-average Mercedes reliability, brake and M274 engine complaints, premium-fuel needs and high repair/insurance costs warrant a careful pre-purchase inspection.
Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Mercedes-Benz models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.