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)

21 of 138 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters

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

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

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

Jan 30, 2023BrakesFuel system

Raw fuel smell when vehicle is at idle. Breaks are very loud at low temperatures. Very squeaky like metal on metal yet the brakes are like new from Mercedes dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11504582

Jan 17, 2023Fuel system

The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and acknowledged that the failure was a known issue with similar-model vehicles. The contact was informed that the fuel line needed to be replaced; however, the dealer could not schedule an immediate appointment. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The contact stated that the fuel line was replaced under the vehicle's extended warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11502120

Dec 29, 2022EngineFuel system

Check Engine light P052E came on while driving. No collision, normal conditions other than first very cold night of the season. Looked it up and seems to be a common issue with this model.

NHTSA ODI 11499425

Nov 6, 2022EngineFuel system

Crankcase ventilation valve issues

NHTSA ODI 11492457

Sep 16, 2022Fuel system

The vehicle needs a new PCV Valve / hose, as well as a new turbo charger

NHTSA ODI 11484863

Aug 23, 2022EngineFuel system

While driving on the NYS Thruway last week, when I accelerated to pass another car, my engine bucked and kicked followed by the "check engine" light coming on.In very heavy traffic, I was able to pull to the shoulder. I called my service garage and they suggested I not drive the car for safety reasons. When the tow truck arrived, I briefly started the car with the same bucking and kicking from the engine. The car was taken to my regular garage where the "check engine" codes showed issues with the fuel injector and fuel injection system. I was told there is an existing RECALL CAMPAIGN # 2022030003 for the same year, make and model as mine but, my VIN is not part of that RECALL. I would like your help as I do not believe Mercedes-Benz is being fair or equitable in this RECALL. ThankYou

NHTSA ODI 11480844

Jul 29, 2022Fuel system

Engine light came on, test showed P052E error. Crankcase valve needs to be replaced. 60,110 miles. Well maintained, oil changes and services always performed. Properly maintained.

NHTSA ODI 11476611

Sep 18, 2021Fuel system

My MB GLC 300 has run out of gas three times. The first two times the car showed it still had 40 miles before fill up and the gas warning light never came on. I took the car in for repair to see if the Fuel level sending unit had stopped working or the float was stuck. The date was March 2020 and at that time the car was under warranty. I was told to make sure I filled up the tank when the fuel indicator reached 100 miles. I was told by the dealer there was nothing wrong and the service department had run a diagnostic. I had never been told that I needed to fill up when a car gauge read 100 miles. Thirty or forty maybe but 100 seemed odd. Two weeks ago I had the gas leak repaired which was the result of the class action law suit. Yesterday I again ran out of gas again. The gas gauge showed 3 bars and 100 miles before next fill up. No gas low warning light came on. I was able to get a friend to bring a gallon of gas so I could drive somewhere to fill up. After I filled the gas tank the gas gauge completely stopped working. The miles to fill up is zero. I have tried resetting the ODM and have checked all the fuses related to the gas tank. This could have been a dangerous situation.

NHTSA ODI 11433450

Jun 18, 2021SuspensionBrakesFuel system

Often after starting the car, inside the car there is a gas smell that we have to closed the vents as it becomes unhealthy until the smell goes away, it last up to 10 minutes. I have taking the car to my mechanic who specializes on Mercedes and could not find any leaks and/or anything wrong. My other issue is that during the raining season when I put my foot on the breaks it makes this loud sound like an airplane landing that I have to release and press and release and press so the car will slow down. My mechanic have done multiple inspections and finds nothing wrong. My third issue is the suspension, driving on freeways at speeds over 55 mph I feel a lot of shaking between front wheels and I can feel every single bump. Again, my mechanic has found nothing wrong that even checked for recalls and has told me that there are no recalls for this vehicle. Obviously there has to be a recall issue and the one more concerning is the gas smell inside the car at start up.

NHTSA ODI 11421354

Jan 17, 2021Fuel system

FUEL SMELL ENTERING CABIN AFTER START UP, FUEL LINE ON DRIVERS SIDE NEAR STEERING COLUMN LEAKING, GOOGLED PROBLEM AND SEEMS TO BE COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH GLC300, AND MERCEDES C CLASS BUT NO RECALL, THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE MERCEDES METRIS HAS BUT THERE WAS AN RECALL ISSUED FOR THAT MODEL

NHTSA ODI 11388519

May 27, 2020Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR SERVICE AT THE LOCAL DEALER MERCEDES BENZ OF THOUSAND OAKS LOCATED AT 3905 AUTO MALL DR, THOUSAND OAKS, CA, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOW-PRESSURE FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11326200

Mar 4, 2020Fuel system

LEAKAGE IN FUEL SYSTEM ( HIGH PRESSURE PUMP). ON GLC 300. GAS SMALL INSIDE THE CAR. COMPANY DENIED INVESTIGATING OR PROVIDING MY REFUND FOR REPAIR. I FEEL THIS IS TOTALLY SAFETY FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE . SO MY CURRENT MILEAGE IS 32908 AND IT IS 2016 MODEL. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE COMPANY CLAIMS FOR ITS HIGHEST STANDARDS OF SAFETY. SO I WANT THE AUTHORITY TO HELP ME IN INVESTIGATING THIS ISSUE AND PROVIDE ME ASSURANCE AND COVERAGE FOR ANY KIND OF SAFETY ISSUES IN FUTURE. ALSO, I WANT TO REPORT SOME MINOR ISSUES ON BREAKS. I SEE SOMETIME THE THERE IS A DELAY IN ACTION. HOPE THIS WILL BE INVESTIGATED FOR PREVENTIVE ACTIONS AND GET MY REFUND FOR FIXING THIS KIND OF SAFETY RELATED MATTERS. ITS IS TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY OF MANUFACTURER TO DELIVER THE SAFETY VEHICLE. NOT TO ESCAPE BY SAYING WARRANTY CLAUSE

NHTSA ODI 11316065

Feb 18, 2020Fuel system

WHEN I START MY CAR THERE IS STRONG GAS ODOR IN THE CABIN FOR THE FIRST 3-4 HOURS OF DRIVING. ALSO THERE IS A MOLDY SMELL IN THE WARMER MONTHS AS WELL

NHTSA ODI 11309808

Nov 15, 2019AirbagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel system

I PURCHASED THIS MERCEDES NEW IN 2016, THE BRAKES HAVE SQUEALED EVER SINCE WHEN COLD 32 DEGREES OR LESS.. ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN WARM. 2 WE SMELLED GASOLINE, WE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP, THEY FOUND TWO FUEL HOSES SPRAYED GAS IN A MIST ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD.. 3 THERE ARE 3 RECALLS OPEN ON THIS MERCEDES, I TOOK IT IN WHEN THE AIR BAG RECALL ARRIVED AT OUR HOUSE, I WAS TOLD WE DON'T HAVE PARTS. OUR CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, IT HAS 56000 MILES. I TAKE IT TO A REPAIR SHOP RUN BY CERTIFIED MERCEDES TECHNICIANS. THANK GOD WE DIDN'T HAVE A FIRE WITH THE GAS LEAK. I DID SMELL THE GAS WHEN MOVING THRU THE VENTILATION SYSTEM AND WHEN SITTING AND THE SMELL WAS ALL AROUND THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI 11280299

Oct 16, 2019Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC300. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ZT MOTORS OF FORT WALTON BEACH (1000 N BEAL PKWY NW, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, (850) 863-8372) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ODI 11268937

Nov 13, 2018Fuel system

ON COLD START (7AM, BETWEEN 60 AND 70F DEGREES), THERE'S A STRONG GAS SMELL ON BOTH THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON OR ANY OTHER INDICATOR OF A FAILURE. THERE'S NO VISIBLE LEAKS ON THE UNDERHOOD OR MY DRIVEWAY. REALLY SCARED TO TAKE MY KIDS TO SCHOOL UNLESS MB SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, MB DEALERSHIP SHOULDN'T CHARGE FOR THE INSPECTION. TAKING VEHICLE TO EL PASO TX DEALERSHIP. WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

NHTSA ODI 11151231

Apr 22, 2016EngineFuel system

THREE WEEKS AFTER BUYING THE GLC300 4MATIC THE ENGINE MISFIRES, GOT STRANDED IN AC NEW JERSEY, THE CAR WAS AT THE DEALER FOR 3 WEEKS, THEY REPLACED ALL FUEL INJECTOR/COILS AND IT KEPT HAPPENING, THEN THE FUEL MODULE GOT REPLACED AND IT RAN FINE FOR 4 WEEKS AND THE PROBLEM CAME BACK, GOT STRANDED IN BOSTON, THE CAR WAS AT THE DEALER FOR 2 WEEKS, THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (TODAY 4-22-16), I'M PICKING IT UP TOMORROW. I OWN THE CAR FOR 12 WEEKS AND ONLY BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT 7 WEEKS, SO DISAPPOINTED IN MERCEDES BENZ.

NHTSA ODI 10861027

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 →