Home · 2016 Mercedes-benz Glc-class Hybrid · Complaints

What 138 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-benz Glc-class Hybrid

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (138)Crash / fire / injury (12)Engine (40)Brakes (29)Fuel system (21)Airbags (12)Electrical system (12)Steering (8)Transmission & drivetrain (7)Seat belts (5)Visibility & wipers (5)Body & structure (4)

Newest first · 138 complaints · page 1 of 6

Jun 30, 2026Body & structure

Was driving down the highway a the panel between the windshield and panoramic sunroof detached a flew off. Other models are included in this same recall but my make and model are not

NHTSA ODI 11747561

May 4, 2026Steering

The steering tilt motor is stripped and will not move up or down and is stuck in the full "UP" position. Unable to adjust for the driving position.

NHTSA ODI 11735596

Oct 29, 2025Electrical system

SUNROOF will not closed , refuse to close on my car

NHTSA ODI 11696259

Oct 17, 2025Fuel system

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while receiving routine maintenance, the mechanic noticed a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the fuel injectors had failed and that the fuel rail needed to be replaced. The mechanic provided the contact with information related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V961000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); for the fuel rails and fuel injectors. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 60,814.

NHTSA ODI 11694113

Sep 20, 2025Fuel system

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) To whom It May Concern, Complaint through your dealer, regional MB and state AG. Going through MBUSA is a waste of time. You would be better off going to Sears and buying a shiny new hammer and banging your head every hour on the hour. A little over a year ago, I Purchase a previously owned 2016 GLC300 from a local DGDG dealership in San Jose CA. for the past few month, I started experiencing a heavy fuel odor generated from the fuel rail and fuel injectors. I initiated a leak detection to verify the above-mentioned defect. I became aware the Mercedes Benz has a major issue with the fuel rail and fuel injectors that caused a safety & emission recall campaign 2022030003 that is launched to replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors on 139 Model Year 2016-2020 that included my car GLC-class vehicle. To my surprise my car VIN number was not listed and flagged in this campaign. According to the campaign issue, a leak may develop between the fuel line and the fuel injectors due to trapped debris from the production process, which could affect the safety and emissions of the vehicle. according to the documents of the campaign, trapped debris might damage the seal between the fuel rail and fuel injectors, which over the life of the vehicle, might result in a fuel leak into the engine compartment. I informed Mercedes Bens that my vehicle fuel rail line and fuel injectors have shown to have a safety manufacture failure. Leaking fuel from this area might contact hot parts of the engine and therefore the risk of fire cannot be ruled out. It seems that the fuel pressure deviation has exceeded the thresholds because the fuel odor is perceptible to me. I had an appointment with Mercedes Benz of Stevens Creek, and they established that my vehicle VIN number was not affected by the recall even though the defects exist on my vehicle. I reached out to Mercedes Benz USA, LLC and filed case # [XXX] but they elected not to take responsibility to repair my ca INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11688647

May 6, 2025Engine & cooling

Fuel Rail and fuel injectors Leak contacted Mercedes cooperate to investigate why my car. VIN did not list according to campaign no 2022030003 to replace the fuel Ra and fuel injectors and a Ssfety & Emissios recall campaign that covers 139 Model year 2016-2030 that include my vehicle CLC-Class. My car is experiencing fuel injectors defects but my VIN number was not flagged

NHTSA ODI 11659257

Jan 13, 2025Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the Emissions Center, and the vehicle failed the Emissions test. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer retrieved DTC: P052E (PCM has detected an inappropriate degree of pressure from the crankcase pressure sensor). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11635618

Oct 3, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, the engine experienced rough idling and the vehicle was shaking violently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that cylinder #1 had a cracked piston and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, who also determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11617878

Sep 14, 2024Engine

PVC valve indicator engine light keeps appearing after being replaced twice

NHTSA ODI 11614600

Sep 13, 2024Engine

Check engine light on-pvc failure. Code PO52E-71as determined by reliable repair shop. Recommended to have vehicle repaired by dealer. Shop advised part is vital to emissions system.

NHTSA ODI 11614470

Aug 5, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the crank case ventilation sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11606449

Aug 3, 2024Engine

When driving the car, the engine began to violently shake and fail. The engine ended up having a piston failure due to a small wrist pin and needed the entire engine block replaced. I was lucky that I was not on the freeway or in a more dangerous spot when the engine failed while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11606306

Jun 2, 2024Engine

Diagnose: code P05271 - Positive Crankcase Ventilation Regulator Valve Performance: The valve for crankcase ventilation has a malfunction. Mercedes Benz extended warranty to 15 yr / 150k miles for intake assemble which resolve this issue. Like to acquire a confirmation letter from Benz to cover the repair by the Benz dealer

NHTSA ODI 11591965

May 5, 2024

Sunroof. The sunroof is not opening properly. It sounds Ike the window is going to come off of its track. Making a loud noise.

NHTSA ODI 11587031

May 2, 2024

A notice was issued for a common issue with many Mercedes Benz models. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10243565-0001.pdf A notice was issued for a common issue with many Mercedes Benz models. [XXX] While the problem is well known, all dealers are reporting the part is in back order without any visibility on when it would be available. This is forcing drivers, including myself to continue to drive the car and potentially creating a big damage to the car. I took the car to Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle in NY state. I called multiple dealerships in the tri-state are and they all mentioned that the issue was well known without any ETA. Also with a check engine light the car can't pass safety/emission inspection and is not sellable. I bought a new car, can't sell this car and have 0 visibility on when I can get it fixed to sell it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11586617

Nov 30, 2023

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11557612

Nov 24, 2023

I own a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 and I’ve noticed that a strong gas smell when I start the car during cold weather. You notice the smell outside and inside the cabin as well as it comes in through the vents.

NHTSA ODI 11556614

Nov 10, 2023Visibility & wipers

According to NHSTA ID 21V197000 bulletin, my 2016 GLC 300 qualifies for recall related to sunroof safety matter. My sunroof is loose and dealer said since your organization didn’t include my VIN for this recall, they will not address it. Can you please add my VIN. I’m experiencing exactly as described in your recall bulletin. Thank you!

NHTSA ODI 11554552

Nov 6, 2023Engine

The P052E error has popped up which requires the replacement of the PVC assembly. This is a known issue with these engines and causes the engine to run erratically. Mercedes knows that the issue is common. Please investigate and issue a recall if applicable.

NHTSA ODI 11553798

Oct 23, 2023Fuel system

I have noticed extreme gas odors in the cabin of my car, the gas odor is so horrific that even when I exit the car either outside or in my garage the odor remains. My car is housed in my garage and I'm very concerned regarding these fumes which fills up my garage because my home is attached. I researched on a web site that there has been complaints and consequently a recall ( 21V961000) ON 12-12-2021 FOR GLC 300,2016, But my vehicle did not receive a recall notice. I am concerned regarding possible fire or illness related to fumes being inhaled.

NHTSA ODI 11551478

Sep 2, 2023SteeringCrash

I am writing to express my deep concern and seek assistance regarding a potentially serious safety issue that I have experienced with my vehicle. I believe that my experience poses a significant risk to both my safety and that of other road users. In June, I encountered a distressing incident when my vehicle's steering wheel locked unexpectedly, leading to a hydroplaning incident that caused my vehicle to veer off the road. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the situation was undeniably dangerous and alarming. My vehicle displayed a "steering wheel malfunction" message on the screen at the time of the incident. Following this event, I immediately contacted Mercedes Benz to report the issue and seek resolution. Subsequently, on August 1st, my vehicle was taken to a local Mercedes dealership as part of their investigation into the matter. On August 4th, I received a call from the dealership informing me that the inspection had been completed. However, they stated that they were unable to discuss the inspection findings with me directly, emphasizing that any communication regarding the investigation should come from Mercedes Benz USA. Despite my numerous attempts to communicate with Mercedes Benz USA through phone calls and emails, seeking information on the inspection findings and requesting a copy of the inspection report, there was no response or communication from the company. This lack of response and communication from Mercedes Benz left me deeply unsettled. However, I wish to update you that on August 31st, Mercedes Benz USA finally responded to my inquiries. While I appreciate their belated response, the substantial delay in communication further exacerbated my concerns about the safety of my vehicle and the responsibility of the manufacturer. Given the gravity of the incident and the potential risks associated with a steering wheel malfunction, I believe it is imperative that this matter is taken seriously and addressed promptly.

NHTSA ODI 11542278

Aug 28, 2023Engine

I lost power on while driving at speed and almost got rear-ended before pulling over. I had to tow the car to a mechanic. After diagnosis it turned out the pistons are cracked and had to be replaced as well as the rod bearings. The pistons have a very abnormal burn pattern and rod bearing wear per my mechanic. This is a beautiful car and I take above average care of it. No car sold in the US should have pistons crack at such a short amount of miles. I believe Mercedes Benz should be held liable for their engineering error.

NHTSA ODI 11541304

May 3, 2023Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed that the crankcase ventilation system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11520208

Mar 22, 2023

While driving my car, I tried to open the Panamatic sun roof to get air. As I pushed the button to open the sun roof, it opened a crack on the the driver side and the other side of the sun roof stayed closed. At this point I heard a crashing assembly noise and the whole sun roof got stuck uneven and crooked. Driving on highway, I was shocked and felt in danger getting to an automobile accident and getting hit by other cars or any loose parts hitting them. Getting myself together, I pulled over and got out of the highway. I parked and tried to understand what happened. I tried to close the partially opened on one side glass roof with no avail. It was totally stuck. I parked my car and went home. A day after the incident, I had the car towed to an authorized repair shop for investigation and repair. It took two days to repair and replace all of the roof railing assemblies. A copy of the invoice is enclosed. It was a very dangerous and traumatic experience for me and I truly felt in this incident, I could have hurt other people or got myself in a bad accident.

NHTSA ODI 11513201

Mar 20, 2023Fuel system

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Crank case vent valve malfunctioned 2 years ago and was replaced. Now it is failing again. Reports online from other owners show this part failing about every 2 years / 20k miles. This is not a wear item. Yes it is in my car How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It is part of the fuel system so it can potentially damage the car Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It has been inspected by the dealer Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There is a check engine light that appears right at failure, not before.

NHTSA ODI 11512870

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Working with the data? Download all 138 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 21, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Mercedes-benz Glc-class Hybrid verdict →