Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine2
- Unknown or other2
- Service brakes2
- Power train1
- Steering1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Structure1
- Electrical system1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Registered new in Europe in 2016
69,540 new Mercedes-Benz GLC cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2016; the largest markets were Germany (26,679), the United Kingdom (11,123), France (7,283).
- Average mass
- 1,839 kg
- Average power
- 142 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 88% · Petrol 11% · Petrol/electric 1.6%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC cars on Dutch roads are the 2.0 petrol (155 kW, 208 hp), 2.1 diesel (150 kW, 201 hp) and 2.1 diesel (125 kW, 168 hp), out of 6 versions with at least 20 cars.
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol | 155 kW 208 hp | 1,048 |
| 2.1 diesel | 150 kW 201 hp | 314 |
| 2.1 diesel | 125 kW 168 hp | 223 |
| 3.0 petrol | 270 kW 362 hp | 129 |
| 2.0 hybrid | 155 kW 208 hp | 115 |
| 2.1 diesel | 120 kW 161 hp | 31 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
1,877 first registered in 2016 are on Dutch roads; 75% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €73,173.
69.4%had an APK defect recorded since June 2022
94.8%logical odometer history
34.2%with a recall still open
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde720
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm637
- Band onvoldoende profiel545
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm387
- Fusee(kogel) te veel speling380
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld305
- Stofhoes aandrijfas beschadigd en dicht niet af121
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage110
Colours
Grey 39%Black 34%White 13%Blue 8%Brown 4%Red 1%
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
8,849 cars built in 2016 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 184 more were declared off the road (SORN).
8,849licensed, end of 2025
98%of those still registered are on the road
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 9,363 of these cars first registered in 2016 took their annual MOT test. 85% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2016 the figure was 79%.
85%passed first time
79%all cars from 2016
62,600 miaverage mileage at the test (all cars 58,800 mi)
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 5.4% | 4.9% |
| Tyres | 4.7% | 6.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.9% | 1.7% |
| Brakes | 1.6% | 4.3% |
| Visibility | 1.5% | 3.5% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 1.4% | 6.1% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
1,096 of these cars first registered in 2016 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 192,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
135 2016 cars are on the New Zealand register; 83% arrived as used imports, 16% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls
No recall campaigns cover the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Mercedes-Benz told its dealers about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11009122 | Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer l |
| 11008091 | Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protrudin |
| 11008064 | In our continuing efforts to ensure the proper performance and quality of your vehicle, we are writing to inform you that on certain Model Year 2011-2018 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, CL, CLS, ML, GL, GLE, GLS, GLC, SL, and AMG GT vehicles with 6 and 8 cylinder gasoline engines, the software of the engine control unit may not meet current specifications. Under certain conditions, the catalyst heating might not work. Therefore, an Emission Service Campaign is being conducted to remedy the situation. Our records indicate that your vehicle is included in the affected population of vehicles. |
| 11007974 | Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for cor |
| 11007753 | Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an eng |
| 11006658 | Mercedes-Benz AG ("MBAG"), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (MY) C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, G-Class, CL, CLS, ML, GL, GLE, GLS, GLC, SL, and AMG GT (204, 205, 207, 212, 213, 217, 221, 222, 463, 216, 218, 166, 292, 253, 231, and 190 platforms) vehicles with 6 and 8 cylinder gasoline engines, the software of the engine control unit may not meet current specifications. Under certain conditions, the catalyst heating might not work. MBUSA will conduct an Emission Service Campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will update the engine control |
| 11005294 | Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the ve |
| 11000598 | Complaint Noticeable vibrations at the steering wheel: At speeds between 40mph and 75mph On straight stretches of road and in long corners With driver assistance systems switched on Cause Control oscillations in the electric power steering. Remedy Perform software update of electric power steering (N68). Note: Please ensure newest Xentry release software is installed and all addons are updated. After the software update, teach in the steering limitations of the electric power steering again: 1. Start engine 2. Turn steering wheel all the way to the left and briefly hold at the steering limi |
| 10252835 | Always use the latest XENTRY Diagnosis software release with all available add-ons. Make sure to follow the operation steps exactly as described in XENTRY Diagnosis. Use a battery charger to ensure sufficient power supply of the vehicle on-board electrical system battery (greater than 12.5 V). If XENTRY Diagnosis is already connected to the vehicle, start with operation step 2. If two or more software updates or SCN codings are performed during one workshop visit, operation items 02-4762 and 02-5058 may be invoiced only once for each workshop order. Work procedure 1. Connect X |
| 10248162 | Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material! |
| 10243565 | In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is extending the coverage for the intake line assembly on your vehicle from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years / 50,000 miles to 15 years / 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first), and applies to the vehicle regardless of ownership. Why the warranty extension? On certain Model Year 2015 - 2020 C/E/GLC/SLC and SLK vehicles, under certain circumstances, the partial-load ventilation valve (a part of the intake line |
| 10241790 | The Mercedes me connect services cannot be activated. The remote status data does not update. Error in N112/9 - control unit for telematics services (HERMES). In the HERMES control unit log, under the "URL" tab, the value DEFAULT is stored for "atpServerUrl" and/or "rcsServerUrl". Please carry out a re-commissioning of the control unit N112/9 - Control unit for telematics services (HERMES), which includes both a software update as well as coding. The fault will be rectified by the newly included coding. As a result of the software update to the current software of the control unit N |
| 10241531 | In our continuing efforts to assure the proper performance of Mercedes-Benz products and to enhance the satisfaction of our customers, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is extending the warranty coverage on the intake line assembly in certain Model Year (MY) vehicles listed below from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) due to the following condition: Under certain circumstances, the partial-load ventilation valve (a part of the intake line assembly) may not work as intended,resulting in the illumination of the chec |
| 10238437 | Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, has determined that on certain Model Year (MY) 2016 2021 C-Class (205 platform), E-Class (213 platform) and GLC (253 platform) vehicles, the air conditioning control unit software may not meet production specifications. There is a possibility that a stuck open thermostat may wrongly be detected causing the check engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to illuminate. MBUSA will conduct an Emission Service Campaign. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will perform a software update to the air conditioning control unit on the affected |
| 10238424 | In the MBUX weather app, the temperature is displayed in the wrong unit (Fahrenheit instead of C, or vice versa). Temperature setting in Mmc mobile application settings incorrect Remedy Adjust the setting in the Mercedes me connect app via mobile phone (settings -> units) |
| 10227145 | Complaint Staining on door trim strips and top and bottom trim elements on rear side windows Cause Damage to protective coating (due to poor original optimization of coating) of door beltline trim strips, door upper trim strips and side window trim element. Remedy 1. Check if the complaint cannot be rectified by polishing the trim bars with the polish. 2. If the complaint cannot be rectified, replace the door beltline trim bars, door upper trim bars and rear side window with trim element with optimized protective coating. |
| 10227142 | Complaint 1. Vibrations noticeable at steering wheel when front axle is excited when driving at a speed between 65 km/h and 130 km/h over an obstacle. Driving over deeply recessed manhole covers Driving over cross joints Driving over extreme surface undulations 2. Permanent or long-lasting vibrations at specific speed or engine speed noticeable on steering wheel. Roadway surface excitations when DTR+Q is switched on Cause Control oscillations in the electric power steering |
| 10219254 | Complaint In an initial quick test, DTC B238A00 "Fan 2 of the control unit has malfunctioned" may be active and/or stored in the MBUX Multimedia System (A26/17) Cause Current MBUX Multimedia System (A26/17) software release Remedy If there is no customer complaint present, the DTC can be ignored. A future MBUX Multimedia System (A26/17) software release (E905.3) will prevent the DTC from occurring. This document will be updated when the software is available. |
| 10217157 | Complaint Height adjustment of electric steering column adjustment jammed in the top/bottom adjustment position (e.g. with Easy Entry function). Cause Height adjustment moves to the top/bottom limit stop and jams. 1. Steering column height adjustment transmission 2. Seat control unit software Remedy There are 2 repair procedures to follow depending on vehicle (differentiated according to model and vehicle manufacturing date) 1. Replace repair kit for steering column height adjustment 2. Perform software update of driver's seat control unit |
| 10209877 | Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. The XENTRY battery test may not take into account a single discharge event because the SAM cannot record the data if the battery is discharged. Note: A discharged battery does not necessarily need to be replaced. A discharged battery may be recovered with no permanent damage. Remedy Follow guided tests as described. |
| 10207199 | Complaint The range of the integrated garage door opener (GTO) is too short. Cause 1. Vehicles equipped with infrared windows and/or a heated windshield may suffer from complaints involving low transmission power. 2. When comparing the range between the integrated GTO and the garage door hand transmitter, the garage door hand transmitter is tested outside the vehicle. 3. The garage door hand transmitter is being aimed towards the garage door, but the vehicle is in a different position. 4. The garage door drive is old. Remedy 1. The lower level of transmission power is mainly perceived |
| 10206077 | "MY15+ M278 and M157 Equipped Vehicles with Fault Code ""P023400 Boost Pressure is Too High"" " |
| 10206067 | MBUX multimedia system: Map data does not match with your system/the navigation system cannot be activated |
| 10205814 | Fuel filler flap opens slowly/switch flashes/tank is bleeding instrument cluster warning |
| 10205813 | On vehicles with code 077 HERMES dummy module the following functions are restricted, unavailable. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
EA21002 · Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleopened 17 Sept 2021
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation