What 62 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Mercedes-benz Glc350e

FIRE! NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint – Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Complainant Information: [XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] Vehicle Information: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC VIN: [XXX] Purchase Location: Missouri Incident Location: St. Louis, MO Date of Incident: [XXX] Date of Report Submission: July 12, 2025 Summary of Incident: On [XXX] , my 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC spontaneously caught fire while parked. I immediately contacted Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance, and the vehicle was towed for inspection. Mercedes-Benz later claimed the fire originated in the engine compartment, yet took no accountability and cited “missing components” as an excuse to avoid liability. Photographic evidence shows that the parts were present immediately after the fire. Mercedes-Benz denied that NHTSA Recall 21V961000 applied to this vehicle, despite clear similarity in symptoms (fire risk due to fuel or electrical issues). I was also never notified of any fire risk. Furthermore, towing coordination failures led to my vehicle being sent to a third-party lot, incurring unauthorized fees. Safety Concern: The spontaneous combustion of this vehicle presents a serious public safety risk. I am concerned this issue may be more widespread and underreported. Mercedes-Benz’s failure to take accountability and deflecting blame could endanger other consumers. Desired Action: 1. Federal investigation into similar fire-related complaints involving 2019 GLC300s. 2. Reconsideration of eligibility under Recall 21V961000 or related campaigns. 3. Consumer safety alert or expanded recall if defect patterns are confirmed. Attachments Provided: - Mercedes-Benz USA denial letter dated July 11, 2025 - Photos of the fire damage - Letters and written communications Signature: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11672995

On May 22, 2025, while parked, my 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 spontaneously caught fire, completely destroying the vehicle. Thankfully, no one was inside, and no injuries occurred, but the property damage was significant. I later discovered Recall 21V961000 / Campaign 2022030003 affecting some 2019 GLC300s for fuel leaks at the fuel rail/injector interface, which pose a serious fire hazard. Further research has shown reports of loose ground connections in these vehicles as well, increasing the risk of sparks igniting leaked fuel. Given that my vehicle caught fire spontaneously and matches the defect described in this recall, I firmly believe this incident was related to that defect. Mercedes-Benz has not provided adequate assistance. The vehicle was towed to a local dealership (Plaza Mercedes-Benz), but they refused to accept it, adding further confusion and hardship. I am submitting this report to request that NHTSA fully investigate this issue and work to ensure that Mercedes-Benz USA takes responsibility for this vehicle defect and compensates me for this dangerous failure. I am happy to provide photos, tow reports, or further documentation if needed. Thank you for your assistance in ensuring public safety.

NHTSA ODI 11666424

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GL350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ACCELERATING FROM APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH TO 60 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. A MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUCTED THE DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT-OFF WITHIN 3 MINUTES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER, STALLED AND SHUT-OFF WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN MESSAGES DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR CAME FROM THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF SPRINGFIELD (295 BURNETT RD, CHICOPEE, MA 01020. (413)624-4100) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. *DT*JB

NHTSA ODI 11377146