Mercedes Benz Glc Class
Problems & Worst Years
Every reported problem for the Mercedes Benz Glc Class, model year by model year — ranked from 132 federal NHTSA complaints across 2016–2017.
Two model years of GLC-Class data tell a fairly consistent story, with 2016 showing the heavier complaint load: 89 total occurrences across nine distinct problems, one rated safety severity, versus 65 occurrences across 11 problems in 2017. Both years point to the same underlying weak spot — the fuel system's crankcase ventilation valve, logged as a PCV valve failure 26 times in 2016 and 17 times in 2017, both rated high severity.
Beyond that shared thread, 2016 adds a notable brake complaint: 19 reports of squeal and screeching noise during braking, rated medium, plus 13 reports of rough idling and shaking attributed to the engine, rated high. Sunroof malfunction (9 occurrences) and general steering issues (7 occurrences) round out that year's top five. In 2017, the fuel system issue is followed by an engine light triggered by various causes (12 occurrences), panoramic sunroof failure (8), seat belt retractor malfunction (6), and a recall-related note touching both the engine and electrical system (5 occurrences, medium severity).
Neither year lists a specific recall campaign number in the data provided, despite one complaint title referencing recall-related engine and electrical concerns — worth checking directly against the vehicle's VIN regardless. Given how consistently the PCV valve issue shows up across both years, it's the single item most worth flagging for a pre-purchase inspection, alongside the brake noise reported in 2016.
Complaint totals here are modest compared to some other models in this segment, and 2017's lower count could reflect either a genuine improvement or simply fewer owners filing reports — NHTSA data captures what people chose to report, not a hard failure rate. A hands-on inspection and a look at the service history will tell a buyer more about any individual GLC than the model year alone.
Mercedes Benz Glc Class problems by year
Complaint volume by model year (bar = relative to the worst year). Theworst yearsare the most-complained-about, weighted by safety-risk problems.
| Year | Complaint volume | Problems | Safety / High | Most common problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016worst | 79 | 9 | 1/4 | Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Failure Fuel system · 26 complaints |
| 2017worst | 53 | 11 | 1/5 | Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System Failure Fuel system · 17 complaints |
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls, 2016–2017. Problem clustering and year rankings are derived from the complaint record; complaint volume reflects reports filed, not total incidence or fault rate. Vehicle image is illustrative.