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

On April 16, 2026, within minutes of being released from a certified dealership, my 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 suffered a sudden and total loss of propulsion while traveling at high speed on the Belt Parkway (NY). Despite depressing the accelerator, the vehicle failed to maintain speed and stalled in active traffic. This created an immediate life-safety hazard, forcing me to navigate across multiple lanes without engine power to avoid a high-speed rear-end collision. The vehicle was released to me by Mercedes-Benz of Brooklyn on April 16, 2026, following a repair for which I paid $2,134.94. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a wiring harness/sensor fault and formally certified the vehicle as "Found OK" and safe for operation. The catastrophic failure occurred only 22 minutes after I departed the dealership lot. The vehicle had to be towed back to the facility immediately. Upon the vehicle being towed back on April 16, the dealership admitted via recorded voicemail that the initial $2,134.94 repair was a misdiagnosis. They subsequently issued a new diagnosis for a "Valve Body" failure and a new quote of $6,424. The dealership's Service Director has since admitted the vehicle suffers from concurrent transmission and engine failures, rendering the car a liability. This represents a critical failure of the powertrain and electronic control systems. Releasing a vehicle that suffers a total power loss on a highway immediately after a "certified" repair is gross negligence. I am reporting this to NHTSA as a catastrophic failure of a safety-critical component (Transmission/Valve Body) that resulted in a "dead-stick" situation on a major New York thoroughfare, posing a severe risk to myself and other motorists. The vehicle remains at the dealership. Mercedes-Benz USA has offered only a $2,000 "goodwill credit," which does not address the safety defects or the initial misdiagnosis. No recall has been initiated for this batch.

NHTSA ODI 11736351

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

- My transmission is malfunctioning. It is available for inspection. - My car is not allowing me to shift from reverse to drive. When I try to put it in drive, it gets stuck in neutral. My safety is at risk as I was trying to do a quick 3-point turn and got stuck in the lane. - Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. There was a recall by Mercedes Benz for the same issue in 2020, but for some reason my car isn't included. - The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center - No warning lamps or messaged prior to the failure which first appeared on Thursday, June 5.

NHTSA ODI 11666765

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

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated while driving 90 MPH, he received a message displaying "Key Fob not Detected," and the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred and was taken back to the dealer ten additional times without a proper cause for the failure being determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11549819

Our 2019 GLC with 25,000 miles flooded from the inside out with no warning -- a terrifying safety concern. One day when driving to work the car felt slightly odd while driving on streets in Washington, DC. Pulled over to the side of the road and car would not start. Dealer sent tech and jumped the car after a few attempts. Dealer/repair thought the car had a bad battery and voltage dip limiter. Repaired both and returned car. The next day the car drove in the morning but would not start again; was towed to dealer. Dealer/repair reported the limiter was "fried"; repaired again but at our insistence investigated further because we suspected a short and wanted to understand why. Upon further investigation the dealer discovered our car was flooded on the driver's side on the inside; electrical components flooded. There was no warning; no indication of water. After subsequent water testing dealer/repair estimate stated that it was a "slow drip of water in the area of the driver footwell, right side. Can feel by hand water around area where heater hoses and A/C lines come through the firewall." We alerted Mercedes and were concerned because there was no warning and because we found other similar recalls: (https://www.motorsafety.org/mercedes-benz-recalls-suvs-for-water-leak/ and https://www.motorsafety.org/mercedes-benz-issues-third-recall-for-water-leak-that-can-lead-to-fire-limp-home-mode%ef%bf%bc/). We believe this is a defect in the car; Mercedes instructed us to file this form if we were concerned about safety and the integrity of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11517337

From the beginning, I have had issues with my car and received nothing but patronizing responses from both the dealership and the service department. From the very start, I have experienced constant issues with my car, only to be met with a condescending attitude from all levels of senior staff members at the dealership and the service department. When I asked for solutions, their solution was to inform me that I was merely using my car door handle incorrectly to open it and activate keyless go. The repair department refused to acknowledge any mechanical faults and instead blamed me as the operator although I had no issues with operating any of their loaner vehicles. Mr. Max Spata eventually arranged one last attempt at repair, yet I was immediately denied service after the service department eventually received notice of my legal letter asserting my rights under the contract. Instead of making an attempt to remedy the solution as requested in that letter, the service department called and advised me that they were demanding the return of the loaner vehicle and that I must pick up my vehicle immediately. The service department then subsequently refused to make any attempts to repair the vehicle under warranty and have continuously made me feel as if my issues are invalid. Throughout the entire process, I have felt invalidated and belittled by their attempts to gaslight me in order to avoid responsibility for their faulty product. The vehicle has experienced several malfunctions, including but not limited to, the KeylessvGo Entry malfunctioning while attempting to enter the car, the vehicle locking without beingvprompted, and the vehicle failing to recognize when keys are inside, thus not allowing it to operate. Moreover, there have been several audio/muffled sound issues with the vehicle's radio system, which have significantly impacted my driving experience. Additionally, I have experienced a recurring problem of the vehicle locking the keys inside the car.

NHTSA ODI 11510049

The command system keeps turning off and rebooting while driving. Sometime it makes the rear camera don’t work(blackout), auto on/off does not work, it happens about every two minutes making it dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11485136

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V365000 (Electrical System, Communication). The contact waited for the over-the-air (OTA) update to be sent; however, the update was not performed. The dealer had been notified about the issue and informed the contact that the dealer also never received the update. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11476056

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V365000 (Electrical System, Communication) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and the contact was informed that the recall update would be sent OTA (over-the-air); however, the update was still pending. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11474981

-I purchased a GLC300. Today I discovered I own a GLC 230 HAZMAT SUV with a Hydrogen tank and other dangerous items. German hazard lights that do not mirror my driver's manual or the car I purchased. -Hazard lights showing SRS systems malfunctioning - Hazard lights showing projected contact -Two unwanted unknown installations of Mercedesa branded navigation systems have been installed in my car without my permission. This is not over the air updates. I have the serial numbers. Mercedes-Benz has yet to respond to my requests for safety and information.

NHTSA ODI 11469867

The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V365000 (Electrical System, Communication) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11468180

I was going through drive thru waiting in line, when suddenly the car started to accelerate sharply, I put two feet on the brakes to stop the forward motion of vehicle - could not stop or place in park or neutral. their was ample room from the vehicle in front.. slightly removed feet from brake, suv lunged at vehicle in front kept on lunging then came to a halt...vehicle went back to normal operation.

NHTSA ODI 11443463

MERCEDES STATES THAT THE UPDATE WILL HAPPEN OVER AIR BUT THEY DON'T TELL ME WHEN OR HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO HAPPEN. IT IS A SIMPLE UPDATE AND I NEED THE RECALL OFF MY CAR.

NHTSA ODI 11408485

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

A FEW TIMES MY KEY WILL NOT FUNCTION TO START THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE BATTERY. BUT THE DISPLAY ON MY LCD ALSO OFTEN DOES NOT FUNCTION WHEN ON CAR PLAY. THE STEERING IS JERKED WHEN I TURN THE WHEELS AS THEY SEEM TO GET STUCK ON THE PAVEMENT. OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN I AM BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND SOUNDS AS IF I AM HITTING SOMEONE. FEELS LIKE IT TOO

NHTSA ODI 11326592

I PURCHASED A 2019 GLC AMG 43 AS A XMAS GIFT FOR MY WIFE. IT WAS BLACK WITH A VIBRANT BROWN INTERIOR. I WAS CONCERNED THAT THE ELECTRONICS(BACKUP CAMERA, BLUETOOTH, MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT CONSOLE) WERE NONFUNCTIONAL. HOWEVER, THE EXPLANATION THE SALES REPRESENTATIVE GAVE ME WAS SUFFICIENT AT THE TIME. HE SAID MERCEDES WAS UPDATING THEIR COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND WE SHOULD BE GETTING AN UPDATE ON JANUARY 2, 2019. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WAS NOT TRUE! THE SERVICE MANAGER EXPLAINED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS MISSING THE "BRAIN." THE COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT COMMUNICATES WITH THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN OUR VEHICLE?YES! WE WERE SOLD A VEHICLE THAT WAS NOT READY FOR PRODUCTION. IT'S UNSAFE, AND RATHER THAN BEING OFFERED ANOTHER COMPARABLE VEHICLE FOR BEING SO NEGLIGENT AND INCONVENIENCING ME AND FAMILY, THE GENERAL MANAGER HAS AVOIDED SPEAKING WITH US ALL TOGETHER. I HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATING WITH MERCEDES USA TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. AT ONE POINT OF THE TRANSACTION WE WERE ASKED TO POSSIBLY CONSIDER TAKING THE REFURBISHED VEHICLE BACK AFTER ITS REPAIRS. NONE OF THESE GUYS MAKING THE RECOMMENDATION WOULD TAKE A VEHICLE THAT THEY BOUGHT BRAND NEW AFTER IT HAS HAD MAJOR SAFETY AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THIS IS MERCEDES LONG BEACH SICK IDEA OF WORLD CLASS SERVICE! TO ADD SALT TO THE WOUND, IT'S NOW BEEN OVER 3 WEEKS AND WE MUST MAKE A CAR PAYMENT ON A VEHICLE THAT SITS IDLE WAITING FOR MISSING COMPONENTS. UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR MERCEDES TO DO THE RIGHT THING. THIS WILL BE THE LAST MERCEDES MY FAMILY AND I WILL PURCHASE

NHTSA ODI 11165047