Home › Mercedes-Benz › GLC-Class › 2017
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 99 owner complaints on file for the 2017 GLC-Class[1], and the model year has 12 recalls[2]. Engine is the most named complaint group, so it pays to confirm every recall repair was done before you buy.
Most reported problems
Owners filed 99 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Three mention a crash, two a fire and two an injury. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
The groups named most often:
- Engine: 37 complaints, including 1 crash and 2 fires[4]. Median mileage at failure is 67,500[4].
- Electrical system: 15 complaints, 1 with a fire[5].
- Fuel/propulsion system: 13 complaints, none with a crash, fire or injury[6].
- Unknown or other: 12 complaints[7].
- Air bags: 11 complaints, with 1 crash and 1 injury[8]. Median mileage at failure is 60,000[8].
- Seat belts: 8 complaints[9].
- Power train: 7 complaints[10].
- Visibility: 6 complaints, median mileage 70,000[11].
We read a small sample of the complaint texts. In the engine group, owners describe an engine fire, a car that shut off on a highway, a check engine light linked to the crankcase ventilation system, and a loss of power[4]. Several engine and electrical complaints are from owners waiting for parts for a starter recall repair[4][5]. In the fuel group, owners describe a check engine light and a gasoline smell inside the cabin[6]. In the air bag group, owners describe air bag warning messages and waiting on parts for a recall repair[8]. This is a small sample, so it shows what owners wrote about, not how common any one problem is.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for this model year in our data[2]. Each recall below states a free remedy at the dealer. Newest first.
- Roof panel (23V854). The front roof panel between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may have been glued poorly in an earlier repair and could come loose. A loose panel is a road hazard and raises crash risk. Dealers replace the front panel, free of charge. This expands recall 21V197[12].
- Roof panel (21V197). Same kind of flaw on sunroof-equipped cars, covering 15,096 vehicles[13]. Dealers remove the bonded panel and fit a new one with approved glue, free of charge[13].
- Emergency call module (21V072). A service visit may have switched off the eCall function, so an occupant could not reach emergency services through the call center. Dealers check the module and turn it on if needed, free of charge. It covers 67 vehicles[14].
- Emergency call software (21V058). The software may send the wrong crash location, so responders could go to the wrong place. A dealer or an over-the-air update fixes it, free of charge. It covers 1,292,258 vehicles across many models[15].
- Rear belt latch (18V683). The rear outboard belt latch plates can slip back into the paneling, so passengers may not be able to buckle up. Dealers add felt strips, free of charge. It covers 4,702 vehicles[16].
- Rear belt latch (18V177). Same latch problem, covering 121,858 vehicles[17]. Dealers fit a buffer on the pillar paneling, free of charge[17].
- Headlights (17V819). Low beams may be aimed badly and light the road too little. Dealers check the aim and adjust it, free of charge. It covers 8,134 vehicles[18].
- Sunroof panels (17V715). Plastic panels on the fixed panoramic sunroof may be poorly bonded and could separate while driving. Dealers inspect and correct the bonding, free of charge. It covers 9,379 vehicles[19].
- Driver air bag (17V627). The driver air bag may go off unexpectedly after a static discharge because of weak grounding in the steering parts. Dealers add grounding, free of charge. It covers 495,290 vehicles across many models[20].
- Power steering (17V574). Poorly welded pins in the steering control unit may lose contact and switch off steering assist. Dealers replace the steering rack, free of charge. Only 4 vehicles are covered[21].
- Front belt pretensioners (17V251). The front belt pretensioners may not work in a crash, so occupants may not be held back well. Dealers replace the front seat belts, free of charge. It covers 12,743 vehicles[22].
- Starter (17V114). If the engine cannot turn over, the starter current limiter may overheat from repeated start attempts and nearby parts may melt, which raises fire risk. Dealers add a fuse to the starter line, free of charge. It covers 307,629 vehicles across many models[23].
Fuel economy
All versions list premium fuel[3][24][25][26][27]. EPA ratings by version:
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| GLC300, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, rear-wheel drive[3] | 22 / 28 / 24 | $3,400 |
| GLC300 4matic, 2.0L, 4-wheel drive[24] | 21 / 28 / 24 | $3,400 |
| GLC300 4matic Coupe, 2.0L, 4-wheel drive[27] | 22 / 27 / 24 | $3,400 |
| AMG GLC43 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo[26] | 18 / 24 / 20 | $4,100 |
| AMG GLC43 4matic Coupe, 3.0L[25] | 18 / 24 / 20 | $4,100 |
The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Engine
The EPA test car list rates the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 241 hp[28]. The 3.0L 6-cylinder is rated at 362 hp[29]. These are ratings for EPA test vehicles.
How 2017 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 133 | 12 |
| 2017 | 99 | 12 |
| 2018 | 87 | 12 |
| 2019 | 47 | 12 |
| 2020 | 69 | 16 |
| 2021 | 67 | 9 |
| 2022 | 61 | 2 |
| 2023 | 64 | 12 |
| 2024 | 29 | 8 |
| 2025 | 46 | 3 |
| 2026 | 10 | 3 |
NHTSA lists 99 complaints for 2017[2]. Only 2016 has more, with 133[2]. Every later year has fewer, and the next highest is 2018 with 87[2]. For recalls, 2017 has 12[2]. That matches 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2023, while 2020 has 16[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2017 GLC-Class?
The 2017 GLC-Class has a long recall list, and each recall states a free dealer remedy[12][23]. Before buying, ask for proof that every recall repair was done, especially the roof panel, starter, air bag and seat belt recalls. Complaints are led by the engine group at 37[4], and the sample we read mentions engine fires and a gasoline smell in the cabin[4][6]. Only 2016 has more complaints on file[2]. A pre-purchase inspection is a sensible step, and nothing here says the car should be avoided.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
- Engine is the most named complaint group with 37 of 99 complaints[1][4], followed by electrical with 15[5] and fuel/propulsion with 13[6].
- How many recalls does the 2017 GLC-Class have?
- NHTSA lists 12 recalls for this model year[2]. They cover roof panels, emergency call systems, rear and front seat belts, headlights, the air bag, steering and the starter[12][23].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2017 GLC300?
- The EPA rates the 2.0L GLC300 at 24 MPG combined[3][24][27]. The AMG GLC43 is rated 20 MPG combined[25][26].
- Is 2017 a good year for the GLC-Class?
- It has 99 complaints, second only to 2016 with 133, and 12 recalls[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 99 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (3 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for GLC300, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 37 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V854, filed December 15, 2023: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V197, filed March 19, 2021: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V072, filed February 12, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V058, filed February 5, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V683, filed October 1, 2018: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V177, filed March 15, 2018: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V819, filed December 18, 2017: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V715, filed November 14, 2017: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V627, filed October 6, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V574, filed September 19, 2017: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V251, filed April 11, 2017: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V114, filed February 23, 2017: Electrical System › Starter Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for GLC300 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLC43 4matic Coupe, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLC43 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for GLC300 4matic Coupe, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S9), Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 241 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 362 hp. www.epa.gov