Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC
RELIABILITY SCORE: 68/100 (GOOD)

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC Reliability Report

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 28 recalls and 119 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

28

Complaints

119

Complaint Rate

16.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$807

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,900–$3,000

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity67/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact51/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity86/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
  • STRUCTURE (6)
  • ENGINE (6)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2019 is year 4 of the First generation (X253/C253; 2015).

  • Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • A refresh arrives in 2020.
  • 1st generation GLC (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2016: First generation (X253/C253; 2015) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is year 4 of the First generation (X253/C253; 2015).

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC?

At 68/100, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is year 4 of the First generation (X253/C253; 2015).

Owners log 119 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (30). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC, which scored 4 points lower. See also the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
  • +5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (16 complaints)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER: PCV valve and sunroof (12 complaints)
  • 8 fire incidents reported in owner complaints

Compare 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 28 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

28

recalls on record

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC has 28 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

16.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 22

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

9

Crashes

8

Fires

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC Recall Details

28 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V0700002024-02-02

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers 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.

23V8540002023-12-15

STRUCTURE

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 may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

22V3650002022-05-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION

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 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.

Consequence

A 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.

Remedy

The 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.

Showing 10 of 14 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC? Check its history first

Every 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 18.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso (Rear Seat)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (-)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Mercedes-Benz GLCRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$807

Repair Frequency

0.6

unscheduled repair visits per year

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Resale Value

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is estimated to retain about 62.7% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Mercedes-Benz GLC model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.

Value Retained
62.7%

after 5 years

Depreciation
37.3%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
70

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Mercedes-Benz GLC depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

23–24 MPG

Running cost: $3,700–$3,800/yr

Fuel + repair

21–22 city / 27 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

25 MPG

Running cost: $3,550/yr

Fuel + repair

24 city / 27 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
GLC300 2.0L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd222724$2,900
GLC300 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd222724$2,900
GLC300 4matic Coupe 2.0L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd212723$3,000
Plug-in Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
GLC350e 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 7-spd242725$2,750

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC.

  • Inspect PCV valve for error code P052E71

  • Check sunroof for cracks or signs of detachment

  • Test transmission for smooth shifting between gears

  • Verify recall completion for electrical system issues

  • Test vehicle speed control for unintended acceleration

  • Check for water leaks in the trunk and interior

  • Inspect tires for uneven wear and alignment issues

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC Common Problems by Component

119 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

16
12
9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)STRUCTURE (6)ENGINE (6)POWER TRAIN (5)STEERING (4)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)VISIBILITY (2)Other (9)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with several complaints involving the vehicle spontaneously catching fire while parked, often attributed to potential defects in the fuel or electrical components. Symptoms described by owners include the command system rebooting, key fob detection failures, and unexpected vehicle shutdowns, often without warning lights. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with some incidents occurring around 25,000 to 40,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, particularly with reports of fires and loss of control due to electrical malfunctions. Buyers should be aware of these potential risks and the possibility of unresolved recall repairs.

16 complaints total3 fires

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC, particularly related to the PCV valve and sunroof. PCV valve failures, often associated with error code P052E, are noted by multiple owners to occur frequently just after warranty expiration, typically under 50,000 miles, leading to expensive repairs. Sunroof explosions are also mentioned by several owners, occurring without impact or warning while driving, causing significant glass shattering. Safety implications are evident, with reports of a crash due to vehicle malfunction and an incident of a vehicle fire after servicing. These issues suggest potential risks and costs for prospective buyers of this model.

12 complaints total1 crash1 fire

STRUCTURE

6 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC frequently report issues related to the vehicle's roof structure. Common complaints include the detachment of the panoramic roof panel and cracks in the sunroof, with several owners noting these issues around 25,000 to 40,000 miles. Symptoms described by owners include abnormal cracking sounds, water leakage in the trunk, and wind noise due to roof panel detachment. Safety implications are noted in cases where the sunroof explodes, leading to shattered glass inside the vehicle. These issues are not covered by existing recalls for many affected vehicles, and repairs are reportedly not covered under warranty for some owners.

6 complaints total
ENGINE (6 complaints)

ENGINE

6 complaints

Owners report two primary engine issues with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC. The first involves the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve and the P052E71 code, which are linked to emissions problems and potential engine damage. This issue often manifests as a malfunctioning actuator and has been noted to occur around 52,880 miles. The second issue involves cracked pistons, reportedly due to faulty wrist pins in the M274 engine, leading to severe engine shaking and sudden power loss. This problem has been observed at similar mileage, with one incident occurring at 52,839 miles. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden loss of power at highway speeds poses a risk of collision. Multiple owners describe the need for costly repairs and mention that these issues are known among other Mercedes-Benz owners.

6 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (5 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC frequently report issues related to the power train, with symptoms including stalling, unexpected acceleration, and jerking movements. Complaints often mention vehicles stalling or remaining in neutral when shifting from reverse to drive, and some report the vehicle rolling backward when stopped on a hill. Sudden speed reductions, as described in one report, occur without warning, posing a safety risk by unexpectedly slowing the vehicle on highways. These issues are typically reported around 50,000 to 63,500 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control, as seen in cases of sudden deceleration or unintentional acceleration, although no crashes are reported. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for costly repairs outside of warranty coverage.

5 complaints total
STEERING (4 complaints)

STEERING

4 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC frequently report steering issues, particularly when turning the vehicle. Common symptoms include a juddering or knocking sound, shaking or vibrating of the steering wheel, and a sensation of the wheels skipping or getting stuck, especially noticeable when backing out of parking spaces. These issues have been noted at low mileages, with one report mentioning a failure at approximately 15 miles. While no crashes or loss of control are directly reported, the described symptoms suggest potential safety concerns, as owners feel the axle might break or the vehicle might hit something. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these steering-related complaints and the lack of resolution in some cases.

4 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report incidents of unintended acceleration in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC, particularly during low-speed maneuvers. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle unexpectedly surging forward, leading to crashes, with one case involving a collision with a planter and another with a concrete planter box. Both incidents resulted in airbag deployment and injuries, with one owner noting that the Event Data Recorder indicated a 100% accelerator pedal position despite minimal driver input. These issues are reported at mileage around 48,000, suggesting potential safety risks during low-speed driving conditions, such as in parking lots. Buyers should be aware of these incidents when considering a used model.

2 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC report issues with the vehicle's visibility components, specifically involving the sunroof and window mechanisms. One complaint describes the front stationary sunroof panel detaching while driving, posing a potential safety risk. Another owner mentions a malfunction with the driver's side window switch, which fractured during use, preventing the window from being lowered to clear fog, with the issue occurring around 27,500 miles. These reports suggest potential visibility and safety concerns related to component failure, particularly at higher mileages.

2 complaints total
BACK OVER PREVENTION (2 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC report issues with the rearview camera failing to display an image while attempting to reverse. Complaints frequently mention that this issue occurs without any warning lights activating. The problem surfaces at higher mileages, with one report specifically noting it at 76,954 miles. While no accidents or injuries are reported, the lack of rearview camera functionality poses a potential safety risk by increasing the likelihood of backover incidents. Buyers considering this model should be aware of the possible need for a software update to address the camera issue.

2 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC report two main visibility-related issues. First, there are instances of the moonroof spontaneously shattering while driving, even without any external impact or collision, which could pose a safety risk due to potential glass debris. Second, multiple owners describe persistent problems with windshield wipers skipping and failing to clear the windshield effectively, affecting visibility in wet conditions. These wiper issues persist despite replacement and adjustments by Mercedes-Benz, and no aftermarket wiper blades appear to fit the vehicle. The complaints do not specify mileage ranges, but they highlight ongoing visibility challenges that may impact driving safety.

2 complaints total

When Do 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

25,000–58,000 milesPCV valve failures
26,000–40,000 milesSunroof explosions
51,000–63,500 milesTransmission failures

Best & Worst Mercedes-Benz GLC Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Buy

The best Mercedes-Benz GLC year is 2026 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (73/100) and 2024 (72/100).

Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Avoid

The worst Mercedes-Benz GLC year is 2020 with a score of 64/100, primarily due to engine (34) issues.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Reliability Score Trend

Mercedes-Benz GLC reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 66/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Mercedes-Benz GLC reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201865/100Good
201968/100Good
202064/100Good
202168/100Good
202273/100Good
202367/100Good
202472/100Good
202677/100Good

Mercedes-Benz GLC Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202677/100+5Good23
202472/100+5Good720
202367/100-6Good1157
202273/100+5Good251
202168/100+4Good955
202064/100-4Good36143
2019(selected)68/100+3Good28119
201865/100Good1595

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC reliable?
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 68/100. It is reasonably reliable with 28 recalls and 119 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12 complaints), STRUCTURE (6 complaints), ENGINE (6 complaints), POWER TRAIN (5 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC have?
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC has 28 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC has estimated annual repair costs of $807/year. With a reliability score of 68/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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