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2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 87 owner complaints[1] and 12 recalls[2] on file for the 2018 GLC-Class. Engine is the largest complaint group, and the recalls touch the roof panel, air bags, seat belts and the emergency call system.
Reported problems
NHTSA has 87 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GLC-Class[1]. Four mention a crash, one a fire and two an injury. None report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.
Here is how the complaints split by component group:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine[4] | 28 |
| Unknown or other[5] | 20 |
| Electrical system[6] | 13 |
| Structure[7] | 9 |
| Power train[8] | 8 |
| Seat belts[9] | 8 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[10] | 7 |
| Air bags[11] | 6 |
We also read a small sample of the complaint texts in the top groups. The sample is too small to say how often any problem happens. It only shows what owners describe.
- Engine (28 complaints[4]). In the sample we read, 6 of 12 texts describe a crankcase ventilation problem, and 5 of those cite a fault code. Some owners mention repair costs of about $2,000[4]. Two texts describe the car shifting to neutral while driving, and one describes complete engine failure from a broken piston.
- Power train (8 complaints[8]). In the sample we read, 7 of 8 texts describe shifter or transmission trouble. Owners describe the car dropping into neutral, not responding to the shifter, or losing drive. One text describes major internal engine failure.
- Structure (9 complaints[7]). In the sample we read, 4 of 9 texts describe a sunroof or roof panel coming loose or breaking at highway speed. Two texts come from an owner waiting on parts for a seat belt recall.
- Electrical system (13 complaints[6]). In the sample we read, 2 of 12 texts suspect the steering wheel clock spring, with dead wheel buttons and an air bag warning light. Two other texts describe oil from a crankcase vent problem reaching electrical parts.
Some complaint texts show up under more than one group, so the sample themes overlap.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2018 GLC-Class[2]. Many of them cover other Mercedes-Benz models too[12][13][14][15]. Whether your car is included depends on its VIN, so check it with a dealer or on NHTSA's site. Newest first:
- Roof panel (23V854). An expansion of 21V197. The front roof panel above the windshield area may have been glued on badly during an earlier repair. It could come loose and become a road hazard. Dealers replace the front panel for free. Up to 2,976 vehicles[12].
- Emergency call, SIM card software (22V365). A software error can cut the mobile connection and disable the emergency call system, which could delay help. The fix is a software update over the air or at a dealer, free of charge. Up to 242,722 vehicles[13].
- Roof panel (21V197). Same front roof panel bonding problem on vehicles with a panoramic sunroof. A dealer removes the panel and installs a new one with approved adhesive, free of charge. Up to 15,096 vehicles[14].
- Emergency call, deactivated module (21V072). The communication module may have been switched off during a service visit, which could disable the emergency call function. Dealers inspect the module and activate it if needed, free of charge. Up to 67 vehicles, with 9 more added later[16].
- Emergency call, location (21V058). The communication module software may send the wrong vehicle location in a crash, so responders could go to the wrong place. A dealer or an over-the-air update fixes the software for free. Up to 1,292,258 vehicles[15].
- Passenger air bag display (18V838). The passenger air bag status may show incorrectly. If it shows ON when the air bag is off, a front passenger would not know it will not deploy. Dealers update the head unit software for free. Up to 104,663 vehicles[17].
- Rear seat belts (18V683). The latch plates for the outer rear seat belts may slide back into the interior paneling, so passengers cannot buckle up. Dealers install felt strips between the C-pillar and the side paneling for free. Up to 4,702 vehicles[18].
- Turn signal color (18V610). On cars with LED headlights, the front turn signals may be pink or violet instead of the required color, so other drivers may not notice them. Dealers check the color and replace the LED module if needed, free of charge. Up to 4,702 vehicles[19].
- Driver air bag inflator (18V208). The inflator housing may be made of defective steel. In a crash the air bag could inflate improperly and the inflator could rupture and throw sharp metal fragments, which might cause serious injury or death. Dealers replace the driver air bag module for free. Up to 57 vehicles[20].
- Rear seat belts (18V177). Same latch plate problem as 18V683, in a much larger group. Dealers install a buffer on the C-pillar paneling for free. Up to 121,858 vehicles[21].
- Sunroof panels (17V715). The front and side plastic panels of the fixed panoramic sunroof may be poorly bonded and could separate while driving. Dealers inspect the bonding and correct it for free. Up to 9,379 vehicles[22].
- Driver air bag, grounding (17V627). The driver air bag could deploy unexpectedly if static electricity discharges and the air bag clockspring is broken. Dealers add grounding to the steering components for free. Up to 495,290 vehicles[23].
Each recall fact lists a free remedy. None says the remedy is unavailable.
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the version. All of the versions in this table use premium fuel[3]. EPA's annual fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| GLC300, rear-wheel drive[3] | 22 / 28 / 24 | $3,400 |
| GLC300 4matic[24] | 21 / 28 / 24 | $3,400 |
| GLC300 4matic Coupe[25] | 22 / 27 / 24 | $3,400 |
| AMG GLC43 4matic[26] | 18 / 24 / 20 | $4,100 |
| AMG GLC43 4matic Coupe[27] | 18 / 24 / 20 | $4,100 |
| AMG GLC63 4matic[28] | 16 / 22 / 18 | $4,550 |
| AMG GLC63 4matic Coupe[29] | 15 / 22 / 18 | $4,550 |
| AMG GLC63 S 4matic Coupe[30] | 15 / 22 / 18 | $4,550 |
The GLC350e 4matic runs on premium fuel and electricity. EPA rates it at 25 MPGe combined with 350 miles of range[31].
Engine and size
EPA lists three engine sizes for the 2018 GLC-Class, with horsepower depending on the version:
The GLC300 versions in the fuel economy table use the 2.0L four-cylinder, the AMG GLC43 versions use the 3.0L six-cylinder and the AMG GLC63 versions use the 4.0L eight-cylinder[3][26][28].
How 2018 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 |
Compare only years of the same model. These counts are not adjusted for sales.
- Complaints: 2018 has 87[2]. Only 2016 (133) and 2017 (99) have more[2]. 2019 has 47[2].
- Recalls: 2018 has 12[2]. That equals 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2023, and 2020 has the most at 16[2].
So 2018 is third highest for complaints, and its recall count is the same as four other years.
Should you buy a used 2018 GLC-Class?
The 2018 GLC-Class has 87 complaints[1] and 12 recalls[2], and its complaint count is the third highest among the model years listed[2]. Engine is the largest complaint group at 28[4], and in the sample we read, 6 of 12 sampled engine texts describe a crankcase ventilation problem, which is worth asking a seller about. Before you buy, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, since every recall above lists a free remedy[12][23]. Ask for service records on the engine, the shifter and the sunroof area. These are owner reports, so use them as questions for the seller and a pre-purchase inspection, not as a verdict.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the common problems with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
- Engine is the largest complaint group with 28 of 87 complaints[4][1]. In the sample of complaint texts we read, 6 of 12 engine texts describe a crankcase ventilation problem[4]. Power train has 8 complaints, and 7 of 8 sampled texts describe shifter or transmission trouble[8].
- How many recalls does the 2018 GLC-Class have?
- NHTSA lists 12 recalls[2]. They cover the roof panel, air bags, rear seat belts, turn signal color and the emergency call system[12][13][17][18][19][23].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2018 GLC300?
- EPA rates the rear-wheel drive GLC300 at 22 city, 28 highway and 24 combined MPG[3]. The GLC300 4matic is rated 21 city, 28 highway and 24 combined[24].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 87 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (4 mention a crash, 1 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
- 28 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 323). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V854, filed December 15, 2023: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V365, filed May 20, 2022: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V197, filed March 19, 2021: Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V058, filed February 5, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V072, filed February 12, 2021: Communication › Auto Crash Notification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V838, filed November 27, 2018: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V683, filed October 1, 2018: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V610, filed September 11, 2018: Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V208, filed March 29, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V177, filed March 15, 2018: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Buckle Assembly. 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
- 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 GLC300 4matic Coupe, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. 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 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 GLC63 4matic, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLC63 4matic Coupe, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLC63 S 4matic Coupe, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for GLC350e 4matic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 7-spd, Premium and Electricity: 25 MPGe combined, 350 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 241 to 316 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 362 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class with 4.0L 8-cylinder: rated 469 to 503 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov