2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Problems
Compared with other Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 years
Typical for this model
54/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 19 of its 69 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported problem: Misfire and rough running traced to cylinder head (14 complaints, median 30,000 mi).
- 16 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2019
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 69filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 21,250miles, 18 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 16campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl RWD · 22 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2020 GLC 300 most often describe engine problems — rough running, misfires, a check-engine light and, in a number of cases, a cylinder head replacement. A second common theme is water getting into a headlight housing and taking out the lamp assembly, and a third is the center display or backup camera failing to come on. Many of these reports arrive between about 25,000 and 65,000 miles, with some at very low mileage.
- Engine
Misfire and rough running traced to cylinder head
- 14 complaints (20%)
- median 30,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2025
Complaints describe the engine starting to run rough or misfire, sometimes with a loss of power while accelerating, and the check-engine light coming on. Several owners say a dealer diagnosed low compression or a cracked cylinder head and quoted a head replacement; in some cases the engine was replaced or the car stalled completely. A few reports mention codes for mixture formation or injector quantity and that early repairs (plugs, coils, code clearing) did not resolve the problem. Reports cluster from roughly 25,000 to 60,000 miles, with several owners noting the problem began in the 38,000-58,000 mile range.
Recall 20V3640002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the cylinder head or ignition components were replaced, and have a pre-purchase inspection include a compression check and a scan for stored misfire or mixture codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Some M264 Engines are predisposition to premature cylinder head failure, this issue can cause significant misfire issues. It also leads to a costly repair. We experienced issues with a P219D code , we had the coils and plugs replaced on a 2020 GLC 300 with 38.5 k miles. We assumed that this issues with a misfire and check engine light were corrected. …”
NHTSA complaint #11657175, filed 2025-04“Car was running rough so I took it to the mercedes benz dealer they diagnosed the problem as cylinder 1 misfire and and cylinder head needed to to be replaced which I did $5500 dollars later this is a common problem and Mercedex Benz needs to recall the engine and reimburse me”
NHTSA complaint #11635665, filed 2025-01 - Back-over prevention (rear camera)
Backup camera or center screen goes blank
- 9 complaints (13%)
- median 47,943 mi at 4.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2025
Complaints describe the rearview image not appearing when reverse is selected, a blank or mirror-flipped camera view, or the center display staying black or rebooting on startup. Several owners link the behavior to the rearview camera software recall and say their vehicle identification number was not included. Dealers reportedly attempted repairs or ordered replacement parts, and in some cases the problem returned. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles up to around 60,000 miles, and often described as intermittent.
Recall 22V232000Recall 21V3540002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the rearview camera and multimedia software recalls were completed for this VIN, and test the screen and camera through several start-up and reverse cycles.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“For the past 6 months, the monitor in my SUV wont come on when I turn on the truck. Even when I turn the vehicle off, remove the key and step out of the vehicle, it will still do it until like the I next day. Often, still, when I am putting my car in reverse, the camera does not work. Very often. This put the safety of me and my children at risk as this is not what I am accustomed to as far as safety is concerned. …”
NHTSA complaint #11674358, filed 2025-07“The rear camera system becomes inoperable when car is first started and put in reverse, then all cameras remain interoperable while driving until sometime later after the car is turned off. This problem occurs intermittently. The symptoms match those described in Mercedes recall campaign 22S20, NHTSA Campaign 22V232. The recall names Mercedes Benz GLC300 but my vehicle’s VIN number does not appear in that campaign. Can it be added?”
NHTSA complaint #11621040, filed 2024-10 - Engine
Engine hesitates or loses power when accelerating
- 8 complaints (12%)
- median 16,500 mi at 2.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2021–2026
Complaints describe pressing the accelerator and getting little or no response, a hesitation or loud droning sound, or the car dropping to a crawl before recovering after a restart. A few owners report the vehicle shutting down or stalling while driving, and one describes the engine revving high with very little road speed. Some dealers reportedly could not duplicate the fault. Reported from a few thousand miles up to around 60,000 miles, often while pulling out or accelerating from a stop.
What to check: Ask whether engine control unit software updates were applied, and take a test drive that includes pulling away from a stop and moderate acceleration.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving and stopped car to make a turn waiting for incoming traffic to clear. When I went to accelerate after traffic cleared, the car would not go above 0.5 miles per hour. I made sure the gear had not shifted to neutral, it was on comfort drive. I changed to sports drive and the car still would not accelerate above 0.5 miles. I was now stuck in the middle of intersection with incoming traffic, so I tried to reverse. The car reversed no faster than 0.5 miles per hour. I turned car off and back on, and acceleration then worked. …”
NHTSA complaint #11413949, filed 2021-04, 3,000 miles“I have had my car for almost two years. This problem has been on-going the whole time. It happens intermittently, I never know. I will be driving it and usually when I am making a turn or pulling onto a main road, you press the gas to go and the car hesitates and makes a loud brooooooooom sound like it is trying to go or figure out what to do and if you are pulling out onto a main road with on comming traffic, this is dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #11737705, filed 2026-05 - Exterior lighting
Moisture in headlight, lamp stops working
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 65,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2024–2026
Owners describe condensation or water visible inside a headlight housing, followed by the headlight, turn signal or the whole lamp assembly and control module failing. Some report the same side failing again after an earlier replacement under warranty, and quotes for a new assembly run into the thousands. Complaints note there was often no warning before the light stopped working. Reported from low mileage up to about 65,000 miles, often noticed after rain or washing the car.
What to check: Inspect both headlight housings for fogging, water droplets or discoloration, and confirm every front lamp and turn signal works before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Problem (repeat failure / prior warranty replacement): This vehicle has a recurring headlamp defect involving moisture ingress into the headlamp housing/connectors, causing electrical shorting and warning messages, with risk of headlight failure. Mercedes-Benz replaced this same headlamp under warranty in 2021 for the identical issue (moisture/shorting). …”
NHTSA complaint #11693266, filed 2025-10“Entire front right headlight assembly and module failed with no headlight, turn signal, park light etc. There is no visible external damage to the assembly although there is some moisture inside assembly. From internet search, it appears that this is a very common failure. Cost is over $2500 for replacement from local mechanics and over $3300 from Mercedes dealerships with little to no warranty for future failures either.”
NHTSA complaint #11661143, filed 2025-05 - Engine
Check-engine light for oil pump or oil pressure valve
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the check-engine light coming on with a fault code for the engine oil pump control valve circuit, sometimes with no other noticeable symptom. Complaints state that the repair is expensive because of how the component is positioned on the engine, and that dealers confirmed the fault. One owner also describes a separate report of oil pump failure. Reported between roughly 40,000 and 71,000 miles on otherwise maintained vehicles.
What to check: Scan for stored engine codes during inspection and ask for records of any oil pump, oil pressure valve or harness work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My check-engine light recently illuminated, and diagnostic testing identified fault code P06DA00, relating to the oil pump control valve circuit. I have been quoted over $5,000 to replace the oil control valve and oil pump harness. I was quoted the following by Mercedes Servuce in Manchester, NH- Oil Pressure Regulator Valve: need to remove lower oil pan only to access oil control valve and replace the valve and sub harness. $5013.52. This is a known issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11761172, filed 2026-08“Premature oil pump failure on a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 with 71,000 miles. The check engine light illuminated on December 29th, 2025 and with no other warning symptoms. The vehicle has been maintained properly, including regular visits to Mercedes-Benz dealerships. The oil pump is a critical engine component that should not fail at this mileage. It has been recommended to not drive the vehicle without repairing as oil can leak onto a hot engine. This issue has been confirmed by a Mercedes dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11712746, filed 2026-01
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection on this model year should include a code scan and a compression check, since engine misfire and cylinder head repairs come up often in owner reports. Ask for the full service history and confirm which open recalls, particularly the rearview camera and multimedia software campaigns, have been completed on the specific vehicle.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 69 consumer complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. 18 of the complaints include a mileage, and 83% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 21,250 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns and 228 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 7 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 54 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine21 30%
- Other or unknown15 22%
- Electrical system5 7.2%
- Exterior lighting5 7.2%
- Steering5 7.2%
- Fuel system4 5.8%
- Brakes3 4.3%
Also reported: Body and structure (3), Air bags (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Lane departure (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “The check engine light illuminated, I took the car to the dealer I bought. They said the cylinder head on the engine needs to be replaced, when I check the internet it seems it is a known issue for Mercedes X253 but there is not a recall program. I bought the car from the dealer, and put on 5k miles in a year.”
NHTSA complaint #11640706, filed 2025-02Other or unknown: “The audible tic-tok sound of the turn signal is way too soft. The sound is supposed to give one notice that the turn signal is on. It simply isn't loud enough to provide that feedback. Consequently I often find that I'm driving down the street having completed a half-turn ( one where it doesn't trigger a shut off) with my turn signal on for blocks before I notice that the turn blinker is still on.”
NHTSA complaint #11385956, filed 2020-12, 500 milesBack-over prevention (rear camera): “In July 2021, Mercedes notified me of NHTSA Recall #21V354 n certain MY 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz vehicles listed above, under certain conditions, the MBUX multimedia system might not start and the display might remain black, or could reboot unintentionally after 50 seconds of initial startup. Accordingly, the rearview camera image might not be displayed or the display might be interrupted which could reduce the driver’s rear view, and increase the risk of a crash or injury. Mercedes indicated the update would be pushed to the car Over the Air (OTA). …”
NHTSA complaint #11475234, filed 2022-07Forward collision avoidance: “While driving under an overpass the breaks activated abruptly and unexpectedly. We where going about 35 miles per hour and if it wasn't for the seat belts we would of hit the windshield. Luckily no one was following us up close.. It happened twice at the same spot where there is a shadow from the overpass (at same time of day)”
NHTSA complaint #11405472, filed 2021-03, 5,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
83% of the 18 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,000 and 40,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLC-Class · SUV 4WD | not rated | — | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.6% risk |
| GLC-Class · SUV RWD | not rated | — | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.4% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLC300 RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 22 | 29 | 24 | $3,400 |
| GLC300 4matic 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
| GLC300 4matic Coupe 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,400 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V070000Feb 2, 2024Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 2019–2022, AMG GLC43 2020–2022, GLC350E 2020
Mercedes-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…
- 23V854000Dec 15, 2023Structure › Body › Roof and pillarsCovers: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 2016–2020, CLA250 2014–2019, C300 2015–2020 +19 more
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…
- 22V365000May 20, 2022Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 2018–2021, GLS 450 2017–2021, C300 2017–2021 +48 more
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…
- 22V232000Apr 8, 2022Back over prevention › Display functionCovers: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 2020, E 450 2019–2021, C300 2019–2021 +27 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model…
- 21V961000Dec 13, 2021Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel railCovers: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 2019–2020, C300 2016, 2019, A 220 2019–2020 +18 more
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles…
- 21V527000Jul 12, 2021Air bags › Sensor › Side impactCovers: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 2020–2021, AMG G63 2020–2021, S 450 2020 +10 more
Mercedes-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…
See all 16 recalls for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 228 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038187Sep 26, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic /9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For…
- 11038186Sep 22, 2026Brakes. Complaint Repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60MPH. NOTE: Although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is…
- 11038217Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. Complaint Clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. Cause Under analysis. Remedy To narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • If the noise continues to occur even…
- 11037987Sep 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. This can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test. When accelerating with light load, vibrations or…
- 11037616Sep 4, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Complaint Customer complaints relating to automatic transmission 725.0 (NAG3 Classic / 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission) and 725.1 (NAG3 facelift/9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission facelift) For…
- 11037228Aug 28, 2026Steering. Complaint During part of the steering movement, it feels heavier or more difficult to steer in the same spot every time. OR Rattling, humming, dry sliding/gravel noise from the electric steering…
- 11036511Aug 24, 2026Electrical system, Body and structure. Complaint Tailgate opens unintentionally. Cause Accidental or unnoticed activation of the button to open the tailgate on the vehicle key. EXAMPLE: when stored in trouser pocket, handbag etc. Remedy…
- 11036999Aug 15, 2026Fuel system. Dear Mercedes-Benz Owner: In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is extending the…
- 11036142Aug 12, 2026Electrical system. Complaint 1. General Diagnostic Tips 2. One or More PARK Sensor Activations 3. Red Ring Around Vehicle 4. "Active Parking and Parking Assist Inoperative" on Instrument Cluster 5. Cameras 6. Other…
- 11036190Aug 6, 2026Electrical system. Complaint A popup is seen on the HU with the message "data connection temporarily not available". Potentially affected functionalities in NTG4.5, NTG5 1.Weather 2.Local Search 3.IP Radio 4.Send2Car…
Other model years of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 16 | 4,700 | 3 | — | 27 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 21 | 2,174 | 8 | — | 29 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 55 | 8,500 | 12 | — | 28 | 67 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 61 | 10,000 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 67 | 26,000 | 9 | — | 25 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 69 | 21,250 | 16 | — | 24 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 47 | 41,500 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 87 | 10,500 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 101 | 29,416 | 12 | — | 24 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 133 | 11,000 | 12 | — | 24 | 80 · More | Falling |
All Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?
Owners of the 2020 GLC 300 most often describe engine problems — rough running, misfires, a check-engine light and, in a number of cases, a cylinder head replacement. The issues reported most often: Misfire and rough running traced to cylinder head; Backup camera or center screen goes blank; Engine hesitates or loses power when accelerating.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 have?
NHTSA recorded 69 consumer complaints for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 21 complaints (30% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 15.
Has the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 (GLC300, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 22 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 reported?
Among the 18 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 21,250 miles and the middle half falls between 3,000 and 40,000 miles; 83% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.