The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC is associated with 8 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 9 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Electrical System, accounting for 2 reports (25% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 8 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2l 4-cyl, 3l 6-cyl, and 4l 8-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 17 to 25 MPG combined. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC belongs to the 1st generation (X253/C253) GLC platform spanning model years 2016–2023.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 8 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 9 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Electrical System (2 / 25%)
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 17–25 MPG (8 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| GLC300 | 2L 4-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 22 MPG | 29 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $3,050 / yr |
| GLC300 4matic Coupe | 2L 4-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 22 MPG | 28 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $3,150 / yr |
| GLC300 4matic | 2L 4-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $3,300 / yr |
| AMG GLC43 4matic | 3L 6-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 18 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,800 / yr |
| AMG GLC43 4matic Coupe | 3L 6-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 17 MPG | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,800 / yr |
| AMG GLC63 4matic Plus | 4L 8-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 15 MPG | 22 MPG | 17 MPG | — | $4,450 / yr |
| AMG GLC63 4matic Plus Coupe | 4L 8-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 15 MPG | 22 MPG | 17 MPG | — | $4,450 / yr |
| AMG GLC63 S 4matic Plus Coupe | 4L 8-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 15 MPG | 22 MPG | 17 MPG | — | $4,450 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV 4WD | | | | | 18.5% |
| -Class Coupe SUV 4WD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | — |
| SUV RWD | | | | | 18.5% |
| -Class Coupe SUV RWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | — |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC models.
View complete 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC problems & component breakdown (7 categories) →
Affected Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Defect Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC recalls & campaign history (9 campaigns) →