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Last updated: 2026-03-04

0 Mercedes-Benz GLC Years to Avoid
Years that score significantly below the Mercedes-Benz GLC average of 68/100
All Mercedes-Benz GLC years score consistently around the model average of 68/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2022 73/100 and the weakest is 2020 64/100.
Verdict
All Mercedes-Benz GLC years score consistently around the model average of 68/100 (64–73 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2022 73/100 and the weakest is 2020 64/100.
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 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
ENGINE
68 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
60 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
POWER TRAIN
34 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
STEERING
28 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
STRUCTURE
20 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2021
Best Mercedes-Benz GLC Year to Buy Instead
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC
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).
All Mercedes-Benz GLC Years by Generation
All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Reliability Scores by Year
First generation (X253/C253; 2015) (2016–2022)
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC
2 recalls · 51 complaints
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC
28 recalls · 119 complaints
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC
9 recalls · 55 complaints
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC
15 recalls · 95 complaints
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC
36 recalls · 143 complaints
Second generation (X254/C254; 2022) (2023–2023)
Our data covers 2018–2024 model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Mercedes-Benz GLC years should you avoid?
What is the best year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC?
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz GLC have?
Is a used Mercedes-Benz GLC worth buying?
What are common Mercedes-Benz GLC problems?
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC reliable long-term?
Which Mercedes-Benz GLC generation is most reliable?
How much does it cost to maintain a Mercedes-Benz GLC?
Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC a good 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
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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