Last updated: 2026-04-20

Mercedes-Benz GLC

1 Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz GLC average of 69/100

The Mercedes-Benz GLC years to avoid are 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 64/100. The best Mercedes-Benz GLC year to buy is 2026 77/100.

Verdict

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC scores significantly below the model average of 69/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 64/100 due to engine (34) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 73/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz GLC average of 69/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202064/100Good36143Engine (34)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

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).

36 recalls143 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (34), Unknown Or Other (26), Electrical System (17), Steering (10), Exterior Lighting (8), Forward Collision Avoidance (8)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Mercedes-Benz GLC Problems?

Top reported issues across all Mercedes-Benz GLC model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

77 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

68 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

60 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

34 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

28 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STRUCTURE

20 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

Best Mercedes-Benz GLC Year to Buy Instead

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC

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).

Score: 73/100 (Good)2 recalls51 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Mercedes-Benz GLC year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mercedes-Benz GLC Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2026 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Mercedes-Benz GLC years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Mercedes-Benz GLC years: 2020 (score: 64/100). These model years score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz GLC average of 69/100.
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The best year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC is 2026, with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 3 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GLC have?
Across all years in our database, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a total of 110 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Mercedes-Benz GLC worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2026 model year, which scores 77/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 69/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Mercedes-Benz GLC problems?
The most common Mercedes-Benz GLC problems are electrical system (77 complaints), engine (68 complaints), unknown or other (60 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC reliable long-term?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has an average reliability score of 69/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Mercedes-Benz GLC generation is the First generation (X253/C253; 2015) with an average score of 68/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Mercedes-Benz GLC is $807 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC a good used buy?
Yes, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 3 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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 via vehicles.dev. 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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