MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 · model year

2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300

118 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 12 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018MERCEDES-BENZGLC 300 carries 118 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 GLC 300 is engine with 26 filings, followed by unknown or other (19) and electrical system (12). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 12 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2018 GLC 300. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

118
Complaints
8
Crashes
3
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

118 filings

Crashes Reported

8 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE26
UNKNOWN OR OTHER19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
SEAT BELTS8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7
POWER TRAIN6
AIR BAGS6
SERVICE BRAKES5
STRUCTURE:BODY5
STRUCTURE3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
STEERING3
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS2
WHEELS1

Recalls (12)

18V20800029/03/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mercedes-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 ca

18V83800027/11/2018

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Mercedes-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, 2018-2

22V36500020/05/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-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 de

21V19700019/03/2021

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Mercedes-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 C

23V85400015/12/2023

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Mercedes-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 t

18V17700015/03/2018

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Mercedes 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 p

17V71500014/11/2017

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Mercedes-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.

21V07200012/02/2021

COMMUNICATION

Mercedes-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 2018-201

18V61000011/09/2018

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Mercedes-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 fai

17V62700006/10/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Mercedes-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

21V05800005/02/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mercedes-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 mod

18V68300001/10/2018

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Mercedes-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 inte

Recent Complaints

20251231POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The contact's friend owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated that while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the gear shifter independently shifted to neutral(N). No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was persistent. The contact stated that the owner forced the gear shifter out of neutral(N). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall, but the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20251202POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shifted into gear initially without warning. The contact stated that while stopped at a light, the vehicle shut off with the "Transmission Malfunction Stop" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was unable to move the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic ran a diagnostic test on the vehicle and initially stated that the front drive wheel sensor was defective; however, the contact was then informed that there were no issues with the sensor. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20251117UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have P052E71 error code. It’s a crankcase ventilation malfunction. Seems to be a common issue reported widely online on various forums. Mercedes should place a recall on this. The car has 55k miles on it.

20251110AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Front Air Bag Malfunction" was displayed, and the horn became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering column and air bag clock spring were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V627000 (AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

20251106ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I had the engine light come on and took it to the dealership. They quoted me over 8 thousand dollars to fix. I took it to a repair shop that works on luxury cars and they fixed it for less than 1000 dollars. I had to have the transducer fixed in the turbo in my engine and when they did that they found oil in the electrical harness. That was caused by the oil seperator. They told me that it was a manufacture defect that has been well documented and to take it back to Mercedees Benz. They looked and found the oil but said my car did not produce a code and could not fix it. We escalated it to corporate that reviewed my case and said they still would not fix until it produced a code. Mercedees implemented an extended warranty for my car back in 2022 for emissions. They said they would cover it if it produces a code. I researched this problem and it said it posses a risk to me, my passengers and the public if it quits running or causes a fire. Corporate said its not a problem yet.

20251106ENGINE

I had the engine light come on and took it to the dealership. They quoted me over 8 thousand dollars to fix. I took it to a repair shop that works on luxury cars and they fixed it for less than 1000 dollars. I had to have the transducer fixed in the turbo in my engine and when they did that they found oil in the electrical harness. That was caused by the oil seperator. They told me that it was a manufacture defect that has been well documented and to take it back to Mercedees Benz. They looked and found the oil but said my car did not produce a code and could not fix it. We escalated it to corporate that reviewed my case and said they still would not fix until it produced a code. Mercedees implemented an extended warranty for my car back in 2022 for emissions. They said they would cover it if it produces a code. I researched this problem and it said it posses a risk to me, my passengers and the public if it quits running or causes a fire. Corporate said its not a problem yet.

20250916VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

While pulling into a parking spot with my foot hovering above/on the break, the car lurched forward as if someone had floored the gas pedal. As my foot was already on the break, I slammed down onto the break and the car came to a stop, several feet ahead of the top of the parking spot, and into the woods. I called roadside assistance for the vehicle to be towed to the dealership for repair, as I did not find it safe to drive it. The dealership was unable to replicate the issue, but they told me that due to the severity of the issue, they weren't supposed to check it themselves. Instead, I needed to report a case to Mercedes Corporate and the communication from here would be handled directly between corporate and myself. It's been over three weeks since this occurred, and I have not received communication that the car has been tested further, or any next steps. The car is at the dealership. It's also important to note that this same issue also happened months before, while backing out o

20250728VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The car does not go into drive from reverse and will sometime automatically shift itself from a low drive gear (D1) into Neutral without warning. After this happens - the car also can't get back into D1. It takes about 20 seconds for the car to shift back into a Drive gear and it will jolt into D3 violently. This has been a scary experience on many occassions - especially at red lights when this happens and we can't get the car out of neutral for some time. This was diagnosed by mercedes dealership near us as a fawlty sensor in the transmission. It is extremely expensive to fix and is specific to mercedes meaning it has to be done by a MB dealership. We applied for good will for assistance but were denied. The car has been maintained very well - this is not a maintenance issue but a specific sensor failure of a mercedes sensor in the transmission. We are thankful no one was hurt - we had our 8 year old daughter in the car when stalling out several times at red lights and it's been

20250728ENGINE

The car does not go into drive from reverse and will sometime automatically shift itself from a low drive gear (D1) into Neutral without warning. After this happens - the car also can't get back into D1. It takes about 20 seconds for the car to shift back into a Drive gear and it will jolt into D3 violently. This has been a scary experience on many occassions - especially at red lights when this happens and we can't get the car out of neutral for some time. This was diagnosed by mercedes dealership near us as a fawlty sensor in the transmission. It is extremely expensive to fix and is specific to mercedes meaning it has to be done by a MB dealership. We applied for good will for assistance but were denied. The car has been maintained very well - this is not a maintenance issue but a specific sensor failure of a mercedes sensor in the transmission. We are thankful no one was hurt - we had our 8 year old daughter in the car when stalling out several times at red lights and it's been

20250317AIR BAGS

I was backing out of my driveway and was putting the car in Drive when the airbag located in my steering wheel deployed without a reason. The car has not been inspected by anyone as of today. I was told there was a warning but that it was not of immediate attention in November of 2024.

20250109STEERING

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

Mileage: 62,700

20241226POWER TRAIN

Vehicle experienced transmission shifting issue after having driven for a period of 15 - 20 minutes, with engine oil temp reaching above 103/105 degrees C, transmission won't shift into Drive. Automatically pops into Neutral. Other times engine will stall, required complete restart. This creates hazard for operator and cars following behind as driver needed to steer vehicle out of the way of traffic while in Neutral. Independent MB repair shop and dealership scanned vehicle and identified with code P073E code. Dealer upgraded TCM control module software, and wanted to replace valve body in hope of remedy the problem. They were not 100% certain problem will be fixed. Independent repair shop indicated MB need to issue a recall for this problem, as they have seen many owner faced with the same problem. This is a big safety issue with problem of the transmission control module. Problem can be reproduced.

20241216ENGINE

I have engine light on and when I scanned it, I got a error code P052E For crankcase vent valve issues. It is most common problem with Mercedes-Benz Glc .

20241023POWER TRAIN

Transmissiongoes into neutral while driving car at times. sometimes it will not go back into gear No movement of car on freeway potential of being hit from behind. problem reproduced, inspected by independent shop not inspected no lights

20240728FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Check engine light with code P052E.

20240604SUSPENSION

when the car is in drive it will stop like it is in park unable to drive or put in reverse. This happens at random times on the road. The car will then skip gears and go into Neutral then skip an again on its own and go into drive.

20240604ENGINE

when the car is in drive it will stop like it is in park unable to drive or put in reverse. This happens at random times on the road. The car will then skip gears and go into Neutral then skip an again on its own and go into drive.

20240604FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

when the car is in drive it will stop like it is in park unable to drive or put in reverse. This happens at random times on the road. The car will then skip gears and go into Neutral then skip an again on its own and go into drive.

20240524SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that when the driver's side seat belt was buckled, the seat belt alarm chimed as if the seat belt was not buckled. The contact had to buckle and unbuckle the seat belt several times before the warning chime stopped. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was no issue with the seat belt system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V788000 (Seat Belts) however, the model year was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Mileage: 48,000

20240430AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that he observed a rattling noise emanating from the steering column while making right turns. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Mileage: 72,000

Compare 2018MERCEDES-BENZGLC 300 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 have?
The 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 has 118 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300?
Yes, the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 has 12 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300?
The most-complained component for the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 is ENGINE with 26 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 300 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.