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2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints for the 2019 GLC-Class[1], and the model year has 12 recalls on file[2]. Check every recall by VIN, because several involve safety systems such as the roof panel, steering and fuel injectors.
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 47 complaints for this model year[1]. Four mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 4 mention injuries and none report deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.
| Component group | Complaints | Fires |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system[4] | 14 | 2 |
| Unknown or other[5] | 12 | 0 |
| Engine[6] | 11 | 1 |
| Power train[7] | 5 | 0 |
| Structure[8] | 5 | 1 |
We also read a small sample of the complaint texts. It is too small to say how common any problem is, but it shows what owners describe.
- Electrical. Owners describe waiting for the emergency-call software update, an infotainment screen that keeps rebooting, and a car that lost power after a key fob warning[4].
- Engine. Owners describe crankcase ventilation fault codes followed by repair bills they felt were high. Others describe sudden power loss after internal engine damage[6].
- Power train. Owners describe a sudden drop in speed, a car stuck in neutral after shifting, and rolling back on a hill[7].
- Structure. Owners describe a roof panel or sunroof glass coming loose, and water inside the trunk panels. Some say their VIN was not included in the roof recalls[8].
Smaller groups include communication (3), fuel and propulsion (3, with 1 fire) and visibility (3)[9][10][11].
Recalls
Twelve recalls are on file[2]. They are listed newest first. Recalls apply by VIN, so enter yours on the NHTSA site before assuming a recall applies or does not apply.
- Headlights (24V070). Headlights may be aimed too high and glare at oncoming drivers, which raises crash risk. Dealers inspect the aim and correct it if needed[12].
- Roof panel expansion (23V854). The front roof panel near the panoramic sunroof may have been poorly bonded in an earlier repair and could detach. Dealers replace the front panel. Letters were sent in phases[13].
- Emergency call SIM software (22V365). A software error can cut the mobile connection and disable the emergency call system. The fix is a software update, sent over the air or done by a dealer, and letters were mailed in phases through 2024[14].
- Fuel injectors (21V961). Particles trapped at the fuel rail and injectors can cause a fuel leak and raise fire risk. Dealers replace the rail and injectors. The recall covers 139 vehicles across many models[15].
- Roof panel (21V197). Same bonding issue on cars with a panoramic sunroof. The panel could detach and become a road hazard. Dealers install a new front panel[16].
- Emergency call deactivated (21V072). The communication module may have been switched off during a service visit, which disables the emergency call. Dealers check it and turn it on if needed[17].
- Emergency call location (21V058). The software may send the wrong location after a crash. A dealer or an over-the-air update fixes the software[18].
- Air bag labels (19V914). The passenger sun visor may carry air bag warnings in a foreign language. Dealers inspect and replace the labels as needed[19].
- Power steering, connection (19V822). An electrical connection in the steering motor may fail and remove power assist, which makes steering harder. Dealers replace the control unit. This recall covers 3 vehicles[20].
- Seat belts (19V788). Front belts may be wrongly detected as unfastened, so the pre-crash function and pretensioners may not work. Dealers inspect and replace buckles as needed[21].
- Passenger air bag display (18V838). The passenger air bag status may show incorrectly, so a passenger may not know whether it will deploy. The fix is a head unit software update[22].
- Power steering, sensor (18V840). An internal sensor may fail and turn off power assist. Dealers replace the steering unit. This recall covers 7 vehicles[23].
The recall facts say the repairs are done free of charge[12]. Some owners in our complaint sample say the emergency call update was slow to arrive[4].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the version. All use premium fuel.
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| GLC300, rear-wheel drive[3] | 22 / 27 / 24 | $3,400 |
| GLC300 4matic[24] | 22 / 27 / 24 | $3,400 |
| GLC300 4matic Coupe[25] | 21 / 27 / 23 | $3,550 |
| AMG GLC43 4matic[26] | 19 / 25 / 21 | $3,900 |
| AMG GLC43 4matic Coupe[27] | 19 / 24 / 21 | $3,900 |
| AMG GLC63 versions[28][29][30] | 16 / 22 / 18 | $4,550 |
The GLC350e is rated at 25 MPGe combined with 350 miles of range[31]. Annual costs use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Engine and size
EPA lists these horsepower ratings for the 2019 GLC-Class.
How 2019 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 counts 47 complaints and 12 recalls for 2019[2]. Complaints are lower than 2016 (133)[2], 2017 (99)[2], 2018 (87)[2], 2020 (69)[2], 2021 (67)[2], 2022 (61)[2] and 2023 (64)[2]. They are higher than 2024 (29) and 2026 (10), and just above 2025 (46)[2].
Recalls are 12 for 2019[2], the same as 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2023[2]. The 2020 model year has 16, and 2021 has 9[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat these as rough context only.
Should you buy a used 2019 GLC-Class?
The complaint count for 2019 is lower than most nearby years, but the car has 12 recalls on file[2]. Several of them involve the roof panel, fuel injectors and power steering, so confirm by VIN that each applicable repair is done[16][15][20]. Owners in the complaint sample describe costly engine ventilation repairs and some power train failures, though the sample is small[6][7]. Fuel economy depends a lot on the version, from 24 combined MPG for the GLC300 to 18 for the AMG GLC63[3][28]. A pre-purchase inspection and a full recall check are a sensible way to decide.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
- Electrical system has the most NHTSA complaints at 14, followed by unknown or other at 12 and engine at 11[4][5][6].
- How many recalls does the 2019 GLC-Class have?
- NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2019 model year[2].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2019 GLC300?
- EPA rates the GLC300 at 22 city, 27 highway and 24 combined MPG[3][24]. The 4matic Coupe is rated 23 combined[25].
- Is 2019 a good year for the GLC-Class?
- It has fewer complaints than 2016 through 2018 and 2020 through 2023, but more than 2024 and 2026, and 12 recalls[2].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 47 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (4 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 4 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 / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 14 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 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 engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the communication component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 24V070, filed February 2, 2024: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- 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 21V961, filed December 13, 2021: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors. 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: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V914, filed December 20, 2019: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V822, filed November 18, 2019: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V788, filed November 1, 2019: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V838, filed November 27, 2018: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V840, filed November 27, 2018: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for GLC300 4matic, 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 GLC300 4matic Coupe, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLC43 4matic, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for AMG GLC43 4matic Coupe, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. 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: 16 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: 16 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, 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 241 to 316 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 362 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class with 4.0L 8-cylinder: rated 469 hp. www.epa.gov