2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 28%of 134 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, 28% of the 134 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 40,000 miles, one of the wrist pins snapped and the piston broke off. This caused complete engine failure and the whole engine needs to be replaced. This is the same problem that caused a recall with the 2015 model. The dealership is making me pay for the labor, but mercedes donated the engine (probably because they know it's their fault). So I'm wondering if there should be a recall on this model as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11416454, filed 2021-05, 40,000 miles“Since we purchased this car in december 2015, we have had a series of electrical and engine problems that do not seem to fixable by the dealer. The car was serviced (3 years or 30,000 miles) *bf*jb consumer also had issues with faulty radar sensor, power control unit, engine light, and faulty crankcase vent system.”
NHTSA complaint #11266350, filed 2019-10, 27,852 miles“I was stopped at a red light on a major three lane each direction highway in suburban il, when I started to go after the light change the car stuttered and turned off. It was rendered completely inoperable. The car would not shift into neutral. The radio and windows worked, but no other electrical components worked (e.g. Door lock/unlock).”
NHTSA complaint #10899666, filed 2016-08, 7,000 miles“Message: date: 06/07/2016: recently, I purchased a 2016 mercedes GLC300 and was very unhappy with the fact that the eco mode is the default and it has to be turned off manually each time you start the engine. I called mercedes and they said there is no way to turn it off completely. I believe this presents a high risk for stalls that could possibly result in severe bodily harm and even death. When the car is stopped the engine turns off and will start if one presses the gas pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10872883, filed 2016-06, 16 miles“Vehicle was going on the left most lane of the i580 eastbound at adaptive cruise at 65mph. Both steering and speed was under control by the the adaptiv e cruise feature. I was having my hand on the steering and foot on the brake. All of sudden car took left turn on its own and crashed into side concrete rail followed by a quick turn and came back to the halt in the middle of the 2nd highway lane. Things happened so quickly that I could not even realize what happened to the adaptive cruise which lead to this sudden turn. I would like you or NHTSA to investigate the matter. …”
NHTSA complaint #11296654, filed 2020-01, 72,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034064Jun 19, 2026Dear Mercedes-Benz USA Dealers, The part numbers listed in the chart below should no longer be installed, and any existing stock must be returned to your facing PDC. The deadline…
- 11018530May 15, 2025Complaint Check engine light illuminated Fault code stored in N3/10 control unit- P052E71 – Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase…
- 11008712Oct 4, 2024Complaint Check engine light on. One of the below fault codes is current in the engine control module (N3/10). P04DB29, P04DB31, P04DB79 Cause Open circuit or high resistance to…
- 11031806Aug 9, 2024In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (“MBUSA”) is extending…
- 11008064Aug 9, 2024In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance and quality of your vehicle, we are writing to inform you that on certain Model Year 2011-2018 C-Class, E-Class…
- 11031589Jul 9, 2024This NCU replaces the prior NCUs issued on August 25, 2023, August 31, 2023 respectively and, contains clarification on parts ordering.
- 11005276Jul 8, 2024Complaint Check engine light illuminated Fault code stored in N3/10 control unit- P052E71 – Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase…
- 11000623May 14, 2024Complaint Check engine light illuminated Fault code stored in N3/10 control unit- P052E71 – Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase…
- 10202522Jun 4, 2021Vehicle does not start after charging process
- 11031729Mar 20, 2019The purpose of this letter is to advise you of additional benefits that Mercedes-Benz is providing to you regarding your vehicle ownership.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 19% |
| 2024 | 7 | 33% |
| 2023 | 15 | 27% |
| 2022 | 10 | 16% |
| 2021 | 30 | 45% |
| 2020 | 22 | 31% |
| 2019 | 11 | 23% |
| 2018 | 28 | 32% |
| 2017 | 37 | 37% |
| 2016 | 38 | 28% |
Other parts of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
27 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology