Last updated: 2026-03-04
Mercedes-Benz GLC Reliability by Year
The Mercedes-Benz GLC averages 68/100 across 7 model years, rated good.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Reliability Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLC, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, consistently receives a low average reliability score of 35/100, with particular issues in the electrical system, engine, and power train. Owners frequently report costly repairs, averaging $1,308 annually, which is higher than the luxury fullsize SUV segment average. Data indicates that potential buyers should be aware of recurring issues such as unexpected power loss and electrical malfunctions, which have significant safety implications, especially in models from 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2023–2023).
Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz GLC Years
Best Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Buy
The best Mercedes-Benz GLC year is 2022 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (72/100) and 2021 (68/100).
Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Avoid
No Mercedes-Benz GLC years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Mercedes-Benz GLC years-to-avoid analysis →Mercedes-Benz GLC Reliability Score Trend
Mercedes-Benz GLC reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 68/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 72/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2 recalls · 3 complaints
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (1), Back Over Prevention (1), Steering (1).
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC
7 recalls · 20 complaints
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 20 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (6), Electrical System (4), Forward Collision Avoidance (2).
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC
11 recalls · 57 complaints
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC has good reliability. There are 11 recalls and 57 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (23), Unknown Or Other (7), Exterior Lighting (5).
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2 recalls · 51 complaints
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 51 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (14), Fuel System, Gasoline (8), Unknown Or Other (5).
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
9 recalls · 55 complaints
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 55 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (21), Exterior Lighting (6), Electrical System (6).
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC
36 recalls · 143 complaints
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC has good reliability. There are 36 recalls and 143 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (34), Unknown Or Other (26), Electrical System (17).
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC
28 recalls · 119 complaints
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC has good reliability. There are 28 recalls and 119 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 8 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (30), Unknown Or Other (22), Structure (12).
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC
15 recalls · 95 complaints
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC has good reliability. There are 15 recalls and 95 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (18), Engine (18), Electrical System (13).
Mercedes-Benz GLC Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$807
Repair Frequency
0.6/yr
Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models
Compare all Mercedes-Benz models by reliability
Compare Mercedes-Benz GLC With Similar SUVs
The Mercedes-Benz GLC competes with other compact suvs such as BMW X3, Lexus RX, and Acura MDX.
BMW X3 reliability
8 years tracked · 434 complaints
Lexus RX reliability
9 years tracked · 729 complaints
Acura MDX reliability
8 years tracked · 692 complaints
Tesla Model Y reliability
6 years tracked · 3358 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC reliable?
- The Mercedes-Benz GLC has good reliability with an average score of 68/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
- The best year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC is 2022 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. It has 2 recalls and 51 owner complaints on record. See full 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC analysis →
- What are the Mercedes-Benz GLC years to avoid?
- No Mercedes-Benz GLC years in our database are statistical outliers — all tracked model years score consistently within the model average. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Mercedes-Benz GLC?
- The Mercedes-Benz GLC has an estimated annual repair cost of $807. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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