2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 7%of 70 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, 7% of the 70 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“Water condensation within the driver side headlight which caused the complete headlight unit, control unit, and module to fail. This is a huge safety issue due to unable to operate vehicle safely during the when it comes to making left turns due to no signal indicator and a safety issue/hazard when driving at night. The issue has been inspected with a local dealer and with corporate being aware of the manufacturer defect. There were no indicators nor warning lamps prior to this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11711256, filed 2026-01“The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed during a rainstorm, the contact became aware that there was water inside the headlight assembly. Later, the contact stated that while driving at night, the headlamps were not functioning as needed. The contact stated that after a visual inspection, the driver’s and passenger’s side indicators were not functioning. The headlamp warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the headlight assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11598327, filed 2024-07, 65,000 milesRelated recalls
- 24V070000Feb 2, 2024Mercedes-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…Covers: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 2019–2022, AMG GLC43 2020–2022, GLC350E 2020
Related service bulletins
- 11031580Apr 16, 2026Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11029959Mar 9, 2026Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11029062Feb 25, 2026Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11029025Feb 24, 2026Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11028989Feb 24, 2026Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11017500Apr 28, 2025Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky…
- 11017496Apr 28, 2025Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to…
- 11017206Apr 21, 2025Complaint Instrument cluster message for rear turn signal lamp despite functioning rear lamp. Fault code in N10/8 - rear signal acquisition and actuation module in the quick…
- 11015574Mar 11, 2025Complaint The message "Device detected at diagnostics connection See Owner’s Manual" appears sporadically in the multifunction display of the instrument cluster while driving…
- 11015627Mar 10, 2025Complaint The luggage compartment lighting switches off and back on erratically if the tailgate is opened with the ignition switched off. Cause The problem was caused by a…
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
22 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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