2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 recalls and problems

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has 9 safety recalls and 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Recalls
9
Complaints
70
Crashes / fires
2 / 2
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 recalls

Recall 24V-070: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 2, 2024 · 15,502 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 GLC 300, 2020 GLC 350e, and 2020-2022 AMG GLC 43 vehicles. The headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high and create a glare for oncoming traffic. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Incorrectly aimed headlights can reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the headlight adjustment and correct it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Recall 23V-445: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jun 26, 2023 · 143,551 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.

Recall 22V-365: Communication, Electrical System

Reported May 20, 2022 · 242,722 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.

Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on July 8, 2022, May 17, 2024, July 29, 2024, and September 27, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers are for this recall is 2022060005 and 2023110006.

Recall 22V-261: Exterior Lighting

Reported Apr 15, 2022 · 129 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 GLC 300, GLC 300 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 4Matic, AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic, and AMG GLC 43 4Matic vehicles. The electrical connection for the headlights may not be watertight, which can result in headlight failure.

Risk: Headlight failure can decrease visibility for both the driver and surrounding traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the headlight sealing plugs, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022050005.

Recall 21V-527: Air Bags

Reported Jul 12, 2021 · 542 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG CLS53, E350, E450, AMG GT43, AMG GT53, 2020 S450, S560, G550, AMG GLC63, 2020-2021 GLC300, and AMG G63 vehicles. The side crash sensor connectors may come loose, which could delay the activation of air bags and seatbelts during a side impact crash.

Risk: Air bags and seatbelts that don't function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the side impact crash sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021070032/33.

Recall 21V-354: Back Over Prevention, Electrical System

Reported May 14, 2021 · 343,191 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.

Recall 21V-230: Seat Belts, Air Bags, Seats

Reported Apr 1, 2021 · 8,634 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021 C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLC, CLS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. A faulty electrical contact within the seat position switch may prevent the driver and passenger air bags and seat belt force limiters from properly activating during a crash.

Risk: Air bags and seat belts that do not perform properly in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat position switches, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040016.

Recall 21V-072: Communication

Reported Feb 12, 2021 · 67 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

Recall 21V-058: Communication, Electrical System

Reported Feb 5, 2021 · 1,292,258 vehicles affected · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Problem: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

Risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.

Fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine31
Exterior Lighting14
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Electrical System8
Unknown or Other7
Power Train5
Forward Collision Avoidance4
Structure3
Visibility/Wiper3
Back Over Prevention3
Vehicle Speed Control2
Lane Departure2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 28,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 11, 2026
My 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, equipped with the M264 engine, suffered a catastrophic engine seizure with approximately 78,000 miles on the odometer. My son was driving when the engine shut off. The servicing dealer's service advisor diagnosed the failure only as "the engine seized" and, when asked for a root cause, stated the failure was due to neglect. The dealer has refused to provide any written diagnostic documentation identifying the specific internal component(s) that failed (e.g., exhaust valve, valve seat, cylinder head) or the mechanical sequence that led to the seizure. I have…
Exterior Lighting · reported Nov 10, 2026
Truck currently has a light that is not working and should be part of other glc 2021 Mercedes under recall. The light on the vehicle’s front right has water intrusion and is now inoperable because of this issue.
Power Train · at 75,000 miles · reported Nov 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a service center, and the contact was provided DTC: P07B7. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with an internal transmission or software programming failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced and was referred to the dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was scheduled for an appointment…
Lane Departure · at 26,000 miles · reported Oct 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the blind spot assist detection feature failed to function as intended. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, the contact confirmed that the blind spot assist feature was enabled. In addition, the failure occurred after the vehicle was taken through the car wash. The contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact sustained pain to the right shoulder, arm and hand. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure…
Exterior Lighting · reported Sep 10, 2026
My vehicle is experiencing moisture intrusion caused by a defective headlight housing seal. The water intrusion has resulted in a short circuit and failure of the turn signal module within the headlamp assembly. I am aware of NHTSA Safety Recall 22V-261, which addresses a substantially similar defect involving inadequate watertight sealing of the headlamp assembly that can allow moisture intrusion and lead to headlamp electrical failure. My vehicle is experiencing the same type of moisture intrusion and resulting electrical failure described in that recall. Because this failure appears…

Other Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 years

Compare all Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 years · All Mercedes-Benz models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: 24V-070 (exterior lighting), 23V-445 (fuel system, gasoline), 22V-365 (communication, electrical system), 22V-261 (exterior lighting), 21V-527 (air bags) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300?

Owners report engine problems most often (31 reports), followed by exterior lighting (14). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 28,000 miles.

Are Mercedes-Benz recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.