Last updated: 2026-10-10

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Volvo XC40: Reliability Compared

More ReliableMercedes-Benz GLC reliability comparison

Mercedes-Benz GLC

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Volvo XC40 reliability comparison

Volvo XC40

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Volvo XC40? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mercedes-Benz GLC currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 61/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is more reliable than the Volvo XC40, scoring 69/100 vs 61/100.

Key Differences

  1. 1Mercedes-Benz GLC has 213326.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Volvo XC40 has 95 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Mercedes-Benz GLC scores 8 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Mercedes-Benz GLC
—
1Volvo XC40
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Volvo XC40: Which Is More Reliable?

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Volvo XC40 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricMercedes-Benz GLCVolvo XC40
Reliability Score69/10061/100
Years Tracked86
Total Recalls11015
Complaints per 10k Sold7.1213333.3
Year Wins51

What Are the Common Problems With the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC40?

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Volvo XC40 common problem areas comparison
ComponentMercedes-Benz GLCVolvo XC40
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1Very Low40000High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.8Very Low28333.3High
BACK OVER PREVENTION0.1Very Low23333.3High
SERVICE BRAKES0.1Very Low21666.7High
POWER TRAIN0.4Very Low13333.3High
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None8333.3High
STRUCTURE0.3Very Low6666.7High
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.2Very Low6666.7High
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low6666.7High
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.1Very Low6666.7High
ENGINE0.9Very Low3333.3High
STEERING0.4Very Low3333.3High
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.1Very Low3333.3High
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low3333.3High
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.2Very Low—None
FUEL SYSTEM0.1Very Low—None
VISIBILITY—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Volvo XC40 Reliability Compare by Year?

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Volvo XC40 year-by-year reliability scores
YearMercedes-Benz GLCVolvo XC40Edge
202677/1002R / 3C76/1000R / 0CMercedes-Benz GLC
202472/1007R / 20C64/1003R / 14CMercedes-Benz GLC
202367/10011R / 57C48/1004R / 35CMercedes-Benz GLC
202168/1009R / 55C46/1003R / 40CMercedes-Benz GLC
202064/10036R / 143C71/1001R / 10CVolvo XC40
201968/10028R / 119C60/1004R / 29CMercedes-Benz GLC

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC scored 72/100 and the 2020 Volvo XC40 scored 71/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Volvo XC40: Common Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC more reliable than the Volvo XC40?
Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 61/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Mercedes-Benz GLC or the Volvo XC40?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has more recalls (110) compared to the Volvo XC40 (15). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Mercedes-Benz GLC or the Volvo XC40?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a lower complaint rate at 7.1 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 213333.3 for the Volvo XC40. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

Decided between Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC40? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

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How we score the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC40

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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