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Mercedes-Benz · Compact SUV

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Gas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
8 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
45 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns9
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA72
Crash ratingNHTSA overall—
Fuel economybest combined, EPA25 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 8 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the GLC300, is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 72 complaints, most often about the engine.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
GLC300GasRWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo222925$3,100
GLC300 4matic CoupeGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo222824$3,250
GLC300 4maticGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl turbo212823$3,350
AMG GLC43 4maticGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo182420$3,900
AMG GLC43 4matic CoupeGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo172420$3,900
AMG GLC63 4matic PlusGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo152217$4,550
AMG GLC63 4matic Plus CoupeGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo152217$4,550
AMG GLC63 S 4matic Plus CoupeGas4WD4.0L 8-cyl turbo152217$4,550

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43274, 43281, 43280, 43547, 43548, 43549, 43550, 43551.

Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. Compare extended-coverage quotes in about two minutes.

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Recalls (9)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Exterior Lighting

15,502 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 GLC 300, 2020 GLC 350e, and 2020-2022 AMG GLC 43 vehicles. The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming traffic. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."RiskIncorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect the headlight adjustment and correct it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign 24V070000reported Feb 2, 2024Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

2023070012
143,551 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.RiskA loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
NHTSA campaign 23V445000reported Jun 26, 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

Exterior Lighting

2022050005
129 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLC 300, GLC 300 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic, and AMG GLC 43 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connection for the headlights may not be watertight, which can result in headlight failure.RiskHeadlight failure can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace the headlight sealing plugs, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050005.
NHTSA campaign 22V261000reported Apr 15, 2022Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Air Bags

2021070032/33
542 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.RiskAir bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.FixDealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.
NHTSA campaign 21V527000reported Jul 12, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
○minor

Electrical System

2021050012
343,191 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.FixThe multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
NHTSA campaign 21V354000reported May 14, 2021Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
▲high

Seats

2021040016
8,634 vehicles
ProblemMercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.RiskAir bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.FixMBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.
NHTSA campaign 21V230000reported Apr 1, 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

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
72complaints filed

1 involved a crash · 2 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2021: 11 · 2022: 6 · 2023: 6 · 2024: 13 · 2025: 20 · 2026: 16

Most-cited components

Engine33
Exterior Lighting12
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Electrical System10
Unspecified8
Forward Collision Avoidance4

What owners describe

“Moisture began collecting inside the left headlight assembly, even though the housing should be sealed. Over time, the condensation increased and the front left turn signal failed. The vehicle displayed warning messages for the turn signal, low beams, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and Active Brake Assist. The…”Aug 4, 2026 · Electrical System · NHTSA owner report
“The engine-driven vacuum pump and turbocharger boost-control vacuum system malfunctioned. The vehicle developed insufficient vacuum to the boost-control system, resulting in a P0299 turbocharger underboost fault and reduced engine power. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle experienced a no…”Jul 2, 2026 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report
“At just 30,000 miles — less than half the mileage at which these failures are typically reported — my GLC 43 was found to have active oil leaks in multiple locations: 1. Front engine covers — oil is seeping from both the front cover gasket area and migrating downward along the engine block. The dealer recommends …”Jun 8, 2026 · Engine · 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

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Other GLC-Class model years

A

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

0 recalls · 0 complaints

C

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

3 recalls · 6 complaints

D

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

4 recalls · 46 complaints

F

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

8 recalls · 31 complaints

F

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

12 recalls · 64 complaints

B

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

2 recalls · 62 complaints

F

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

20 recalls · 80 complaints

F

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

14 recalls · 68 complaints

F

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

15 recalls · 98 complaints

F

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

12 recalls · 102 complaints

F

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

12 recalls · 133 complaints

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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